If you’re a girl mom or dad, you know that helping your daughter navigate menstruation is part of the job. While you may be at a life stage where you’re anxious about the transition of your period ending, your daughter may be worried about getting it for the first time. Oh, the joys of girlhood.
She likely has questions about whether getting her period will hurt, if anyone will be able to tell she has it, the best way to deal with cramps and if her period can get her out of P.E. As a parent, you should also be prepared to answer questions about menstrual pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear.
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Never heard of period underwear? Thanks to brands like Knix, Thinx and Saalt, they are becoming an increasingly popular way to manage period bleeding. It completely eliminates opening a noisy, bulky pad in the school bathroom.
If you didn’t grow up with period underwear, you may be wondering if they’re safe for your tween or teen to use. We talked to gynecologists about everything you need to know, including what period underwear is, how to use it properly and most importantly, if it’s safe for teens.
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“Period underwear is exactly as it sounds. They are underwear that acts as a pad and absorbs menstrual flow directly into the material of the underwear,” explains Dr. Ann Jacob, DO, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Reiter, Hill & Johnson of Advantia Health.
Dr. Jacob explains that period underwear contains the period blood within the underwear itself and can act as an alternative or backup protection to other period products, such as a tampon or menstrual cup. She adds that they’re reusable and easily cleaned by tossing in the washing machine.
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Dr. Donna Baick, MD, an obstetrician-gynecologist with UCI Health, says that period underwear offers discretion, convenience, cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits—all reasons why they are becoming increasingly popular.
In terms of whether period underwear is safe for teens, Dr. Baick says that this isn’t something that has been scientifically studied, at least not yet. Because of this, she explains that teens using period underwear should be vigilant of irritation, skin sensitivities or allergic reactions, which can all be signs of being sensitive to the materials.
Though period underwear hasn’t been scientifically studied, Dr. Jacob says that it’s generally considered safe for women of all ages, including teens. “As with any reusable menstrual or clothing product, safety does depend on practicing good hygiene and cleaning the product correctly in between wears,” she tells Parade.
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What Teens Should Keep in Mind When Using Period Underwear
“Teens should know that period underwear can be used on its own or as a backup and that they come in many styles. How long it can be worn depends on the flow and the comfort of the teen,” Dr. Jacob says.
While tampons and pads typically need to be changed regularly, Dr. Jacob says that period underwear can be worn as long as regular underwear is worn. “It’s okay to try many different kinds to find one that is the right fit for you and for your flow. As flow can change over the course of your period, having options for light and heavy days is a good idea,” she shares.
Dr. Baick adds to this advice about how long period underwear can be worn, saying, “Teens can wear period underwear throughout menstruation, but should monitor their period length and flow. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular bathing and washing underwear, is also important.”
Both doctors agree that period underwear can safely be worn to bed too. However, Dr. Baick says that it’s important for teens to be aware of any signs of overflow, odor or discomfort, which are all signs that it’s time to put on a new pair of period underwear or switch to a menstrual pad, cup or tampon.
While both doctors say that there aren’t any risks to wearing period underwear, it’s important to know that some types of period underwear are made with PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals have been linked to many health and environmental risks and are so prevalent in our society that they are hard to escape. If you are concerned about PFAS in period underwear, it’s important to shop for PFAS-free period underwear.
Dr. Baick says that one downside of period underwear is that, since it absorbs the period blood, teens can’t easily know if bleeding is ever excessive or abnormal. “Normal menstrual product use involves changing pads or tampons every three to six hours; this may be hard to gauge with period underwear,” she explains.
Besides helping manage periods, Dr. Jacob says that period underwear can be helpful for tweens and teens who haven’t gotten their period yet. “When a teen gets their first period is so hard to predict. It can be beneficial and make teens more comfortable to get used to period underwear and understand how to care for them before they need to use them. It may also help curb anxiety around leaking through clothing for an unexpected first period,” she says.
In general, period underwear is considered safe for teens and it’s as easy to use as putting on a pair of regular underwear. The sound of opening a bulky pad in the bathroom just might be gone for good.
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Sources
Dr. Ann Jacob, DO, obstetrician-gynecologist at Reiter, Hill & Johnson of Advantia HealthDr. Donna Baick, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist with UCI HealthPerfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). National Institute of Environmental Health ServicesHence then, the article about what is period underwear and is it safe for teens was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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