Do we ask about how people manage their periods?
Access to any period products, period poverty and the taboo surrounding periods are still issues.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day, 28 May, aims to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene and address the various challenges faced by individuals who menstruate – including access to products, education and period-friendly infrastructure.
As occupational therapists, period health is part of daily living routines and something we should address. Do we ask about how people manage their periods, period pain and menstrual health?
Here’s some information on the benefits of period pants and sustainable products that could open up discussions:
What are period pants?
Generally available online and in mainstream shops, period pants are designed to feel like regular underwear but have built-in absorbent layers. This makes them more comfortable and less bulky than pads or certain tampons.
They’re easier to manage if you have reduced physical function, sensory issues or learning difficulties. Young people with additional needs have found period pants a valuable tool in hospitals and schools where they can manage their periods – not worrying about changing products frequently or carrying spares throughout the day.
You can wear period pants all day or night. High-quality period pants offer leak protection, especially overnight or during heavy flow days, and are designed for different flows. Some people use them as a backup to other products.
Gone are the days of the ‘granny pant’
Period pants come in all shapes and sizes, from boy shorts to thongs. Period pant designs include side opening and extendable variations, meaning they can be used in beds by carers over the long or short term.
A disability friendly option
Imagine you are a young person in hospital after an operation which leaves you with reduced use of your hands. You are scared and in pain and now your first period has started unexpectedly … and your Dad must help you manage it.
This was a real situation.
To this young person, I suggested period pants. These were easier to manage herself with one hand, restoring her dignity and independence at a difficult time. This led to a project looking at the efficacy and usability of period pants as an alternative to traditional products.
The results were overwhelmingly positive!
In an anonymous questionnaire:
- 95% of patients and staff said they would continue using them
- 83% had recommended them to their friends and family.
Eco-friendly & cheaper
Plastic in traditional period products is a huge problem as it does not biodegrade. With 1.8 billion people menstruating each month, the waste problem is mounting!
As most people who menstruate will spend on average £120 per year on disposable products, reusables – like period pants and menstrual/moon cups – are an economically beneficial option and have been dropping in price quickly as demand rises.
After a long campaign, VAT has been removed from all period products including sustainable options. With period poverty affecting 10% of those who menstruate and reducing participation in everyday life for those unable to afford products, this is a credible and easy alternative to offer.
Reusable and washable
Like normal pants, period pants can be washed, reducing waste from disposable products like pads and tampons. This makes them a more sustainable choice for the environment.
Fewer chemicals – reducing dermatitis risk
Although many disposable products contain bleaching agents, there’s no obligation for companies to declare which chemicals are in their disposable products. These chemicals can be irritating and cause vulval dermatitis, raising health concerns over long-term exposure.
Sustainable products contain less harmful chemicals than disposable products – particularly moon/menstrual cups.
Discreet and travel-Friendly
Because they’re just like regular underwear, period pants are easy to pack, wear and wash discreetly – ideal for travel or long days out.
For more information about sustainable period products, you can check out: