Please contact Alex at Yellow Door to get your free reusable period products by calling 01268 514792 or emailing drop-in@cyp-yellowdoor.org.uk
You can wear period pants like normal underwear. They have extra absorbency layers and moisture barriers. This helps them collect and contain menstrual bleeding. They also come in a variety of sizes and absorbencies to fit your flow.
You should wash your pants before you first use them. You can either pop them in the washing machine or rinse them by hand with detergent. They should never be tumble dried as this reduces their absorbency. Instead hang to air dry.
Period pants can be worn for up to 12 hours at a time. However, you can change them as often as you like throughout the day depending on your flow.
Once you have worn your pants, rinse them with water. Cold water prevents staining. You can do this straight after use, or you could pop each pair into a wet bag ready to be batch washed at the end of your cycle. Once rinsed, you can either handwash your pants or put them in the washing machine. You should never use fabric softener as this decreases their absorbency. Different brands have different care instructions so make sure to check before use.
Menstrual cups are a bit like a tampon. They are a silicone cup that can be folded in many ways and inserted into the vagina. You can use a water-based lubricant to help insert if needed. They sit below the cervix and create a seal, catching blood flow. If inserted correctly, it should be comfortable and there should be no leakage. You should always wash your hands before inserting or removing your cup.
Menstrual cups are usually available in 2 sizes to suit different people. You can wear a cup for up to 12 hours depending on your flow.
To insert, choose a fold that works for you and get into a comfortable position. Try squatting, sitting on the toilet or standing. Slowly insert the cup maintaining the fold until you can no longer hold it. It should ‘pop’ open but you may need to adjust by pushing or twisting the base. You can test it by gently pulling on the stem. You should feel resistance if it is sitting correctly.
To remove, use a finger and thumb to pull the stem down slightly so you can pinch the base of the cup and break the seal. You can also try pushing down using your pelvic muscles to lower the cup so you can reach the base. Once the seal is broken the cup can be removed and emptied. You can then rinse your cup and re-insert it. Some people prefer removing their cup in the shower. At the end of your cycle, wash your cup with soap and boil in water for 5 minutes, ready for your next cycle!
Watch this video for more information on menstrual cups.
Reusable pads are like disposable pads, except you can use them again and again. They are made from absorbent material that collects and contains menstrual bleeding. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes and absorbencies to fit your flow.
You should wash your pads before you first use them. You can either pop them in the washing machine or rinse them by hand. They should never be tumble dried as this reduces their absorbency. Instead hang to air dry.
Reusable pads have wings and poppers to attach them to your underwear. You can change them as often as you like throughout the day, depending on your flow.
Once you have worn your pads, rinse them with water. Cold water prevents staining. You can do this straight after use, or you could pop them into a wet bag ready to be batch washed at the end of our cycle. Once rinsed, you can either handwash your pads or put them in the washing machine. You should never use fabric softener as this decreases their absorbency. Different brands have different care instructions so make sure to check before use.
Watch this video for a demonstration on how to use reusable pads.
Still want to learn more? Check the Hey Girls website for support and more information on periods. Or please contact the Love Essex team.