Period Underwear

(also: period panties)

Introduction
General Information
Other Types of Menstrual Products
Other Types of Menstrual Products: Menstrual Cups
Other Types of Menstrual Products: Menstrual Discs
Other Types of Menstrual Products: Sanitary Pads/Panty Liners
Other Types of Menstrual Products: Tampons
External Links: Buy Period Underwear Online
External Links: Additional Resources

Introduction

Menstruation is a fairly common source of gender dysphoria for transgender men (and some nonbinary people. Some transgender men undergo hysterectomies to avoid continuing to menstruate. Some transgnder men take testosterone to stop their periods (though for some guys, taking t does not fully stop menstruation).

Generally speaking, periods are something that most transgender men will have to deal with at some point in their lives for varying lengths of time. For many trans men, it is not only the periods that are a source of gender dysphoria - but the products surrounding the period. Period products such as tampons and pads are heavily associated with femininity. Period underwear, often helps many transgender men during this very dysphoric monthly part of their lives.

General Information

In a combination of both efforts toward being inclusive to the transgender community and being more environmentally conscientious, there has been a push for both reusable and gender neutral period products. Underwear cut in various styles are useful for anyone who menustrates, regardless of gender.

Period underwear refers to absorbent undwear that can be worn when one is on their period. They are a reusable, washable, and more environmentally friendly alternative to pads and tampons (which are generally speaking, single use and disposable). Pads and tampons can expire after 5 years if not used.

Period underwear comes in a variety of different levels of absorbancy for those with different menstrual flows. They come in different styles, cuts, and patterns depending on personal preference. Depending on variables such as your flow and the brand you choose, a pair of period underwear can be worn for as little as 4 hours at a time, to 12 hours before having to be washed. Regardless, period underwear can be worn for the normal length of time you would wear any underwear if you are not on your period.

Period underwear has the same lifespan as any other normal pair of underwear that is kept clean and stored properly. Period underwear should be soaked or rinsed in cold water in a sink or washer. Setting a washing machine to "delicate" and placing the period underwear in a mesh bag before tossing it in the washer is generally a good idea to prolong the lifespan of the garment. Handwashing is probably the best way to preserve a pair for as long as possible, though it is understandable if you don't, as not everyone has the time to do that.

Period underwear are comfortable, aren't bulky, are safe to be worn alongside IUDs, have a low risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (compared to some other period products), are easy to use, can be worn as a backup/when you are unsure if you are on your period or not, are cheaper in the long run, are more environmentally friendly than other options, are safe to use when you have an IUD, and don't have to be changed frequently.

For those with heavier flows, there can sometimes be a risk of soaking through period underwear if they aren't changed frequently enough. They can also be inconvenient while traveling.

Other Types of Menstrual Products

Menstrual Cups

Made out of medical grade materials such as silicone, rubber or latex, menstrual cups are reusable tiny funnels that are inserted into the vaginal canal for 6 to 12 hours. They can be messy (for those without practice or with mobility issues) when removed for emptying and cleaning.

Menstrual cups can last 5-10 years with proper care.

Menstrual Discs

Coming in both reusable and disposable variants, menstrual discs can be made out of edical grade silicone or polyethylene materials. These discs are placed deep within the vaginal canal, up against the cervix, and can stay up there collecting period blood for 8-12 hours at a time.

Sanitary Pads/Panty Liners

Pads come in a variety of sizes/thicknesses depending on one's flow and needs. There are some reusable pads, but most are single-use disposables made of cotton and/or rayon with a plastic liner. Most single-use pads have an adhesive to easily attatch the liner to underwear. Many pads come with 'wings' which are used to further secure them to underwear.

Pads can be left in underwear for 3-4 hours, though thinner panty liners can be worn for much longer if one is not on their period while using a panty liner.

Unused pads can expire due to bacterial growth after 5 years.

Tampons

White, cylindrical, and typically consisting of absorbent cotton and/or rayon; tampons are one of the most popular menstrual products coming in a variety of sizes/absorbency depending on the buyer's flow. Tampons are single-use tools that are inserted directly into the vagina and stay in there for 4-8 hours to collect period blood before being thrown in the garbage. Leaving a tampon inside of oneself for too long is associated with a life-threatening condition known as toxic shock syndrome.

Some tampons come with plastic applicators to help with insertion.

Unused tampons can expire due to bacterial growth after 5 years.

Buy Period Underwear Online

The Transgender Dictionary

Period Underwear

(also: period panties)

Table of Contents

Introduction

General Information

Other Types of Menstrual Products

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual Discs

Sanitary Pads/Panty Liners

Tampons

Buy Period Underwear Online

Based in The Canada

Based in The United Kingdom

Based in The United States

Additional Resources