Do you still wear a pad with period underwear?
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Here's What You Need to Know Before Diving In
If you love the freedom and eco-friendliness of period underwear, you might be wondering:
š āCan I wear period underwear while swimming?ā
The short answer is:
No, regular period underwear is not designed for swimming.
Butāthere are swim-specific options for your period. Let's break it down.
𩲠What Is Period Underwear?
Period underwear is made with absorbent, moisture-wicking layers designed to:
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Soak up menstrual blood
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Prevent leaks during everyday activities
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Replace or back up tampons, pads, or menstrual cups
However, these layers are not waterproof, and most standard styles (like those from NYX Collection) will absorb water from the pool or oceanānot just your menstrual flow.
š So, Can You Swim in Regular Period Underwear?
No. Regular period panties:
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Are not water-resistant
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Will soak up pool or seawater
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May feel heavy, soggy, and uncomfortable
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Canāt trap menstrual flow underwater effectively
𩱠What to Wear Instead: Period Swimwear
For swimming during your period, look for period swimwear, which is:
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Designed with water-resistant outer layers
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Built to contain menstrual flow while preventing water from entering
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Available as swimsuits, bikini bottoms, or one-pieces
šļø Brands like Modibodi, Ruby Love, and Knix offer stylish period swimwear options.
š Can You Swim with a Tampon or Menstrual Cup Instead?
Yes! Both are great for swimming:
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Tampons: Compact, easy to use, and wonāt absorb water from outside
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Menstrual Cups/Discs: Reusable, long-lasting, and excellent for leak protection while swimming
ā Final Recommendation
If you plan to swim during your period:
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Skip regular period underwear
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Choose period swimwear or wear a tampon, menstrual cup, or disc
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Use a towel or dry period underwear to change into afterward
SEO Keywords: can you swim in period underwear, period underwear swimming, period swimwear options, best period protection for swimming, menstrual cup for swimming, swim during period
Want all-day protection on land?
š Try NYX Collection's leakproof period underwear ā perfect for work, sleep, or workouts.
How Many Pairs of Period Underwear Do You Need?
A Guide to Building the Perfect Period Underwear Set
If youāre switching to reusable period underwearāgreat choice! Itās eco-friendly, cost-effective, and super convenient. But one of the most common questions is:
š āHow many pairs do I actually need?ā
The answer depends on:
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Your flow intensity
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How often you want to do laundry
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Whether youāll use only period underwear or combine it with other products like menstrual cups or pads
𩸠Quick Answer: Most People Need 5ā7 Pairs
Hereās a simple breakdown:
Usage Type | Recommended Quantity |
---|---|
Light Flow / Spotting Only | 3ā4 pairs |
Medium Flow (Most Days) | 5ā7 pairs |
Heavy Flow (All Period Days) | 7ā10 pairs |
Overnight Use | Add 1ā2 high-absorbency pairs |
Washing Every 2ā3 Days | Add 1ā2 extras for rotation |
š§ŗ Factors That Influence How Many You Need
1. Your Menstrual Flow
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Light Flow: One pair may last all day
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Heavy Flow: You may need to change twice a day
2. Laundry Schedule
If you wash daily, 3ā4 pairs may be enough.
If you do laundry every 3ā4 days, youāll want 6+ pairs.
3. Daytime vs. Nighttime
Overnight styles (with extra absorbency) are helpful for preventing leaks in bed.
4. Combining With Other Products
If you also use:
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A menstrual cup or disc ā Youāll need fewer pairs
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Pads or tampons as backup ā You may just want 2ā3 pairs
š” Pro Tip: Start Small, Then Build Your Set
Many people start with 3ā4 pairs to see what works bestāthen build their collection over time based on comfort, absorbency, and style preferences.
š Where to Buy
Try trusted, high-quality period underwear like:
š NYX Collection 4-Layer Leakproof Panties
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Soft, breathable, and built for light to heavy flows
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Options for sporty, thong, and high-rise styles
Final Thoughts
Thereās no āone-size-fits-allā numberābut most people feel fully covered with 5ā7 pairs of period underwear, especially if you want to use them as your main form of period protection.
Build your collection based on:
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Your flow
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Your lifestyle
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How often you do laundry
And youāll never have to worry about running out again!
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Does Period Underwear Hold Bacteria?
The Truth About Hygiene, Safety, and How to Keep It Clean
Period underwear is designed to be reusable, leakproof, and hygienicābut if youāve ever wondered:
š āDoes period underwear hold bacteria?ā
Youāre not alone.
The short answer is:
ā
Not if itās cleaned properly.
Letās explore how it works, why proper care matters, and how to ensure your period underwear stays clean and safe.
𧬠Does Period Blood Carry Bacteria?
Yesālike any body fluid, menstrual blood naturally contains bacteria, including:
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Skin bacteria
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Vaginal flora (like Lactobacillus)
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In rare cases, pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus
This is completely normal and not harmful if the underwear is washed properly after each use.
𩲠How Is Period Underwear Designed to Handle This?
High-quality period underwear (like NYX Collectionās leakproof line) is built with:
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Moisture-wicking inner layers to keep you dry
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Antimicrobial treatments in some brands to reduce bacterial growth
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Breathable fabrics that reduce odor and dampness
These features help minimize bacterial buildup, especially compared to disposable products that trap moisture for hours.
š§¼ How to Prevent Bacteria Buildup in Period Underwear
The key to avoiding bacteria is proper washing and drying:
ā After Each Wear:
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Rinse with cold water immediately to remove blood
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Hand or machine wash using mild detergent
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Air dry completely (avoid dryers, which can damage the layers)
Never reuse period underwear without washing. Doing so can allow bacteria to multiply and cause odor or irritation.
š” How to Know Itās Clean?
Your period underwear is likely clean if:
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Thereās no visible blood or stains
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Thereās no lingering odor
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It feels dry and fresh after air drying
If it still smells after drying, try:
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Soaking in vinegar + cold water
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Switching to unscented detergent
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Avoiding fabric softener (which can trap bacteria)
š Are There Health Risks?
When used and cleaned correctly, there are no known health risks from using period underwear.
In fact, many people find it:
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Less irritating than pads
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Safer than tampons (which can rarely cause TSS)
š± Final Thoughts
No, period underwear doesnāt harbor harmful bacteriaāas long as you clean it properly after every use. Like any hygiene product, it requires care, but when used correctly, itās a safe, eco-friendly option for your period.
Recommended:
šļø Shop NYX Collectionās leakproof, washable period underwear ā designed for comfort, safety, and sustainability.