Periods are a natural process that every menstruating person goes through. Despite this, periods are still considered a taboo topic in many cultures, which can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment around periods — and the blood that comes with it. This mindset has led to the harmful belief that period underwear is ‘dirty’, so we’re here to show skeptics the science that proves this wrong.

the science behind period blood

Here’s the deal: the blood that comes out during menstruation is not ‘dirty’, but rather a mixture of blood, tissue, and mucus that the body no longer needs. This blood is not harmful or dangerous in any way. In fact, menstrual blood is even less concentrated than blood found elsewhere in your body, and does not contain any bacteria unless there is an infection present.

yes, period underwear is sanitary

Period underwear is designed to absorb menstrual blood, just like pads or tampons. Unlike these products, however, period underwear is reusable and more sustainable, since it doesn't rely on single-use plastic. Some people may think that period underwear is messy or unhygienic because it isn't disposable — which couldn’t be farther from the truth. 

Thinx period underwear is designed to be as easy to wash as it is to wear. Once your Thinx undies are full, you can throw them into the washing machine on a delicate cycle with the rest of your laundry — your other clothes will be fine! You can also opt to hand wash them in lukewarm water (which, fun fact, is a great way to preserve the elasticity of all your delicates). Just make sure to avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can break down the material. Then, hang dry your undies (do not iron!). With these simple steps, your Thinx will stay at maximum performance for 40 washes, which is typically around 2 years.

So yes, wearing and washing period underwear is just as hygienic as wearing and washing any of your other dirty clothes. Since Thinx period-absorbing underwear is ultra-absorbent, odor-controlling, and moisture-wicking, it’s designed to keep you fresh and dry. If your undies have not reached capacity, we recommend changing ‘em once daily, as you would regular underwear. Please note: if your period begins to smell different or have a foul odor, that might mean something is amiss down there, and it might be a good idea to check in with your doctor.

the importance of normalizing periods

The stigma surrounding periods and menstrual blood is harmful and can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. Normalizing periods, on the other hand, can help people feel more confident and comfortable with their bodies. By talking openly about periods and the products that are available to manage them, we can break down the stigma and make periods a more accepted and normal part of life.

Period underwear and period blood are not dirty, point blank. Menstrual blood is a natural bodily fluid that is not harmful or dangerous, and period underwear like Thinx is an easy, more sustainable option for managing periods. It is important to break down the stigma surrounding periods and normalize the conversation around them, so we can ensure that every person with a period feels comfortable and confident with their body and its natural rhythms.

At Thinx, we strive to provide our readers with the most up-to-date, objective, and research-based information. Our content is crafted by experienced contributors who ground their work in research and data. Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked within the text or listed at the bottom to lead readers to the original source.

by Team Thinx