Change your homemade pad every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the amount of bleeding, Dr. Corniero advises. And before reusing, clean it with water (ideally hot water) and soap. The pad might still look stained afterward, but that’s normal. Just be sure to wash the pad until the water runs clear. Not sure period pants are for you? See our full guide to eco menstrual products for alternative options including menstrual cups, washable pads and reusable tampon applicators

For those who need extra protection during their menstrual cycle, these pads with wings are a great option. They are designed to be super long with supportive wings and extra cushioning for maximum absorbency. They also use advanced cotton core technology to keep you dry without exposing sensitive areas to harmful chemicals. The regular flow Medium Flo pad is your go-to for those in-between, business-as-usual period days, and can also be used for leaky bladder days. A big no-no is adding fabric softener though, as this can interfere with the pants' absorbency levels. How much they'll save you versus disposables depends on a few factors, such as how well you care for them when washing, how often you change them, how many tampons or towels you'd typically go through in a cycle, and the type you buy. We've seen anecdotal reports of people using period underwear for mild incontinence issues as well. Some of our survey respondents said they used period pants for this purpose, and indeed some brands, such as Modibodi, advertise their pants for light incontinence leaks too.

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Sanitary pads might seem a bit retro and remind you of our first period, but they’ve recently had an eco revamp to make them – dare we say – cool, and a great option for making your menstrual cycle as green as you can. All of the above products are extremely easy to care for. You can wash them at 40° and leave to air dry. Rinsing through in the sink or shower is optional, some even wash them by hand in the shower instead of the machine. Refrain from using fabric softener as it will inhabit the ability for the soft fabrics to absorb liquid properly. If you do this by accident- it will wash out. A tiny amount of shrinkage on the first wash is normal. LOADS of further info available here: Some are better at providing information on sustainable fabrics, their material's provenance and their supply chain. Some use certified organic fabrics, or recycled fabrics, which tend to be better for the environment. There are some concerns around silver-based anti-microbial treatments in some period pants potentially impacting the environment when washed out into waterways. For more on this, read our full investigation into silver in period pants .

We asked 563 period pant users to tell us their views on the brand (or brands) they used, focusing on aspects such as comfort, durability, appearance, value for money and protection from leaks. This pair of period underwear is available in sizes up to XXL. Wear them alone or with other period products for added protection. Beyond menstruation, they also are suitable for postpartum bleeding. Some manufacturers have branched out into period proof swimwear and gym wear, too, or pants that are easily removed and swapped when you're out and about. Absorbency FLO period pads: 99% biodegradable, however, due to the existing debates about compostability in the period care industry, we recommend you dispose of them in the general waste bin, where they will biodegrade naturally in a few years. That's much less than conventional pads, whose biodegradation takes over 100 years! Unsurprisingly, plastic is the problem here. Made from 90% plastic, your average menstrual pad can take up to a thousand years to decompose in landfill, or even end up polluting our oceans - and we’ve all watched enough Blue Planet by now to know the impact this has on wildlife.If it's your first time buying period pants, you might want to start by trying a couple from different brands to find the perfect fit for you. Guidance says that it's totally hygienic to wear a pair of period pants for 10-12 hours, as long as you are wearing the correct pair for you. What are the sustainability benefits of using period pants?

FLO eco-applicator tampons: the tampons themselves are 100% compostable. However, there are still no official compostability guidelines for menstrual products, as experts themselves are conflicted due to the 'medical waste' nature of used period care products. So we recommend you dispose of them in the general waste bin, and they will naturally biodegrade in landfill in a few years. How wonderful is that? In contrast, the existing corporate alternatives take 100+ years to biodegrade.👎 If you like to use pads, having options around that are specially designed for a heavy flow can be a lifesaver. They can give you more free time between pad changes and make you less worried about leaks—always clutch when it’s that time. As above, because compostability in the period product category is a new and still debated topic, we recommend you dispose of your tampons in the general waste bin, and they will naturally biodegrade in landfill in a few years. That's much less than mainstream products, whose biodegradation takes over 100 years!Period pants come in an increasingly broad range of shapes and sizes, including an ever-expanding range of colours. Gone are the noisy and uncomfortable plastic wings, replaced with soft organic cotton or even reusable bamboo options. And considering the average menstrual pad is made from 90% plastic, and can take thousands of years to decompose, it’s about time too. We aim to be as sustainable & accessible as possible, whilst also providing great quality products that do their job. This means we're always striving to find the right balance between making products that are reliable and eco-friendly.

Of course, “heavy flow” can also just mean you’re having more bleeding than usual for you on any given day. Most women experience this during their period—it’s usually in the beginning—and it’s good to be prepared so you're not constantly swapping out lighter pads to try to control your flow. Vaginal Yeast Infections.” Office on Women’s Health, https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections. Accessed 21 June 2022. Cotton is the best material for DIY pads because it’s a natural, breathable fabric, she adds. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and lace, can irritate the delicate skin around your genitals — and make vaginal infections more likely.Although menstrual flow can vary from person to person, most people who menstruate experience heavier bleeding in the first half of the bleeding period, according to Dr. Culwell. "If the period is irregular or absent, there may be heavier bleeding in the next period," she tells Today's Parent.