My Menstrual Underwear Has Toxic Chemicals in It

[TheChampagneGalop]

www.sierraclub.org/sierra/my-menstrual-underwear-has-toxic-chemicals-it?
Thinx contains the harmful chemicals PFAS. PFAS can be found in a lot of hygiene and cosmetics products, I'm also reminded by Always selling scented and low-quality pads that give women rashes. I think this is a feminist issue. As women, we are often exposed to more chemicals through makeup and hygiene products, but apparently no one gives a crap about that.

[SarahTancredi]

Well that's really disappointing. Just when more women are moving to what they perceive as more environmentally friendly and more comfortable period products...

Defeats the object really.

I hate how it's getting harder and harder between scented crap and brands removing the word woman from their literature, to find suitable products.

They should care more.

[ScrimshawTheSecond]

Damn it. Thanks for posting.

One step forward ...

I presume washable sanpro don't have this problem - it's the 'antimicrobial' thing that's the issue, right?

[TreestumpsAndTrampolines]

It's waterproofing that's the issue I think - so if you have a waterproof layer on your washable sanpro (or any other element of your clothing - admittedly not so intimate) then it's likely present I think.

[Michelleoftheresistance]

When I switched from always to washable pads I noticed a big difference. Things I'd thought were just part of the hell of periods were actually chemicals against my skin

[TreestumpsAndTrampolines]

I've never noticed any difference to flow, just to general achiness or pain based on whether internal or external methods.

So I can cup/tampon the first 3 days, but I'm way more comfortable with pad/pants for the next 5-7 (when it's lighter anyway). Food makes way more of a difference (no caffeine, and if I can, fasting before period because my digestion goes to hell)

TBH, I'm fairly chaotic, so before kids, when it was fairly light, I'd often just use toilet roll in my pants rather than remember to have pads/tampons in, so perhaps I just don't notice.

[QOFE]

I use washable pads and any with a fully waterproof layer give me terrible thrush.

Mine are all either backed with fleece, or with wool, so they're breathable.

[SarahTancredi]

QOFE

I just bought some fleece back ones. Do they cope with long periods sat down? Bo compression leakage?

[QOFE]

Depends which sort of fleece! Windpro fleece is pretty much leak proof unless really saturated but other types of fleece vary. I've only ever had leaks with micro fleece which is super thin but not really very water resistant.

[bellinisurge]

I make for my dd - usually without a PUL layer. Usually polar fleece for the backer. Everything gets thoroughly air dried after washing.
She has a couple of Modibodis (period underwear) for when she is doing sport or H-Pads that I've made for her.
I've bought her a couple of pairs of handmade period pants via Etsy.
I intend to make her some period underwear myself but that's a plan that'll take yonks for me to get around to it.

[ScrimshawTheSecond]

Thanks, Treestumps.

[ScrimshawTheSecond]

I emailed Modibodi, they say 'We do not use PFAS or nanotechnology in our garments'. I don't know if that covers all the materials listed as potentially problematic, but I think PFAS is the main one.

[TheChampagneGalop]

Thanks for contacting them Scrimshaw.
Imse vimse cloth pads should be safe too, they are tested.

[SarahTancredi]

Word of warning about imse vimse, as much as I like their pads they since went all "menstruating people " and never responded to my email...

[TheChampagneGalop]

God, is there one company that actually dares to use "women" instead of euphemisms?

[Siameasy]

That is disappointing
I would recommend some of the independent makers on Instagram or Etsy. I love Ngozi Sews, Little Green Narwhal, Lady Days for starters.