Menstrual underwear
Hear this word Menstrual underwear
Also known as: Period underwear
Image description: Types of menstrual underwear
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
Menstrual underwear is underwear that is made with absorbent material in the crotch area to absorb menstrual fluid. Menstrual underwear can be worn with other menstrual products like tampons, cups, or even pads. Similar to regular underwear, menstrual underwear comes in different colors and styles, and should be washed and dried thoroughly after wearing.
An Example
Vinnie has a few pairs of menstrual underwear to use during their period. Vinnie changes their period underwear every 8-12 hours depending on their menstrual flow. They rinse the blood out of their underwear first before washing them in the laundry machine and hanging them up to dry overnight.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Menstrual underwear is made to look like regular underwear. However, menstrual underwear tends to have thicker fabric or lining in the crotch and backside of the underwear. This special fabric helps to absorb the menstrual fluid.
- Menstrual underwear has different levels of absorption. The right type of menstrual underwear depends on a person’s menstrual flow.
- People should change their menstrual underwear after wearing it for several hours. Used menstrual underwear can be rinsed to remove some of the menstrual fluid before washing in the laundry and drying them before wearing again.
- A personal care attendant should always give the client privacy and make sure they have consent, even when they help with changing menstrual products.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
What did you learn about menstrual underwear?
To learn more, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.