We know it's generally better for the planet to reuse things than rely on single-use products, so in this regard, period pants get an automatic leg up over conventional disposable tampons and pads, particularly the plastic-based ones. GH Tip: Don't wash reusable pads with fabric softener or bleach them as this reduces their absorbency. Reusable menstrual cups As your period comes to an end, your oestrogen levels rise during the late follicular phase, so you’re likely to have higher energy levels and may feel more energised to work out, so this could be the perfect time to schedule tempo sessions and long runs. Cath has been helping to develop an age-appropriate app for non-sexually active people and for young people aged 8-12 where they can send questions about puberty and periods and get tailored information. Watch this space! The most popularly owned brands were the high street offerings from Primark and M&S, but they weren't necessarily the best rated.

And considering the average menstruating person may use up to 11,000 disposable period products over their lifetime that could have quite an effect on the amount of plastic pollution. How do period pants work? Bear in mind, the style may affect the absorbency level – a skimpier pant is likely to have a lighter absorbency. Look for eco-friendly alternatives by brands such as Natracare or Flo. The latter's natural bamboo and organic cotton tampons are even accompanied by a plant-based sugarcane applicator (and 5% of their profit goes to support women's charities). Reduces waste (46%) ' Overall it’s a winner: comfort and avoiding landfill waste are super important to me.' Do WUKA pants contain silver? No. WUKA states it doesn't use silver treatments in its period pants, and our tests didn't detect any. However, its new incontinence pants range does include silver in the form of a PolyFresh antimicrobial treatment (silver chloride).You never forget your first period – and before that day arrives, it’s an event that can be surrounded by fear and trepidation. But hey, that’s totally normal! And if you or someone you know is approaching or going through puberty, here’s our expert-led guide to everything they – and you – need to know to feel reassured and ready. We know what you’re thinking; what about leakage? Are they comfortable? Will I feel unclean? Well, our experts at the Women’s Health Lab put in the leg work and tested each of these elements for you, with the help of 350 women and people who menstruate.

Unfortunately, periods are a fact of life. What is optional though, is how much our periods contribute to global pollution. According to the Women’s Environmental Network, single use menstrual products – think pads, tampons and plastic applicators – generate 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. However, the good news is there are now many eco-friendly and reusable alternatives out there, helping us reduce our environmental impact.

SHOP: The Best Period Pants And Underwear

Due to the prevalence of plastic in many period products – such as applicators and pads, not to mention other reusable products as well – using period pants is a good move for the environment, especially if you can get a significant wear out of each pair! It provides access to tampons, pads and more through schools or colleges if, for example, pupils can’t afford period products, have forgotten to bring them to school or college, or have come on their period unexpectedly. What are schools saying about the Period Products scheme? First thing is: don’t worry. "It is very easy to clean them," advises Dr Ameen. "If you find that your periods are heavy or causing flooding or clots it may be advisable to have a period kit including a change of underwear or clothes on hand when you’re on your period or your period is due." Many parents do because they don’t know how to explain it. When you think about periods, that’s when our parents first had ‘the talk’ with us, so some parents see puberty and periods as being the time when they then have to go and have that awkward conversation themselves. Also, they might not have talked to their kids about sex. We also want to explain periods in a way that doesn’t scare our kids.

The buzz has been growing for a while now, but if you're still unsure as to what period panties are (or indeed how they work) then wonder no more – we're here to explain, and have even rounded up the best eco-friendly, period-proof underwear to shop, suitable for every type of flow. Bonus: by wearing a pair, you'll also be boosting your bank balance, as they'll cut the cost of buying tampons or pads each cycle. Do period pants actually work? Progesterone and oestrogen cause a build-up of a lining in the womb to prepare for a fertilised egg to attach and start developing. Ovulation occurs when one of the ovaries releases an egg. It can be tempting to take time off from your exercise routine, but gentle exercise can actually help ease period pain, says Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist for Boots UK. Doesn't leak (39%) ' Being someone who experiences heavier flows, I have had so many nights were I haven't had to change bedding or rush to change my underwear etc because they have been so absorbent and helpful.'Wuka was another of the early online pioneers of period pants, and has a large range of styles, all of which it says are made from sustainable materials, including organic cotton, Tencel modal and fabric made from plastic ocean waste. Many of the products on our list of best period pants have enough absorbency that matches approximately 2-3 tampons worth of blood. When you compare that to your own flow and product usage you will likely only need one pair for the day and one for nighttime. FLO eco-friendly non-applicator tampons are 100% compostable – from tampon to wrapper, which means they’re the most sustainable / least wasteful single-use period product on the market. The good news is that there are loads of options in a range of sizes and absorbencies to support you during your period. " Period pads or period pants are great options and can be perfect for both light and heavy flows," suggests Sarah.

Period pants not only come in different sizes, and we don't just mean dress sizes, but also with different absorbances for light to heavy flows. Steer clear of fabric softener as this can affect the absorbency of the product over time. We’d also recommend popping them in a delicates bag to keep them in tip-top condition. Let them air dry before using them again. How we test Period pants Given that one in two teenage girls drop out of sports because of their period, and three out of five skip sports due to fear of period leakage, these new-gen garments are a welcome addition to the menstrual market.

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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 They're becoming an increasingly popular option and, while reducing plastic waste is often a catalyst for making the switch, they can also be more practical and comfortable for some people. Everyone’s cycle can be different, so while the average is to have a period every 28 days, it’s not uncommon for this to fluctuate while your body settles into a regular pattern. 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. However, we’re not here to shame you for your choices – applicators are very helpful in securing the tampon inside your vagina, which is especially useful if you've never tried tampons before. So whether you choose to go with or without, we’re here for you!💕