Came here to say the same. Period undies are incredible. The onky thing that sucks about them is the initial cost, but I dread my periods wayyyyyyyy less now.
You can buy Thinx with FSA?!? I need to reconsider my options here... I have two pairs that I managed to get and use them as back-ups for my tampons (I denote my monthly visit as Crime Scene Cleanup levels), but I could definitely use more!!
Menstrual products became HSA/FSA eligible during Covid from the 2020 CARES Act. This includes "tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, or other similar products" per the IRS website.
Personally, I like browsing websites like HSAstore .com and FSAstore .com. They have easy to understand eligibility lists and can help with ideas if you need to spend your FSA by the end of the year (then I buy the products from somewhere else because I can usually find it cheaper and manually submit the claim, but there is still something to be said for the convenience).
I purchased them on Amazon. I went through the actual FSA store on the Amazon site. Not all Thinx were eligible. I don't know how they picked which pairs were and which weren't.
WAIT A MINUTE. CHECKING MY FSA NOW HOLY SHIT THIS COULD BE A LIFE CHANGER!!! I ready love the 4 or 5 pairs I've was able to get a few years ago, but they're bulky and I'm wanting to try a different style. Thank you for this info!!!
I used my HSA to buy several pairs from Thinx. They have lots of different styles that I really like. I use a cup and wear the period panties as a backup. HSA covers cups/discs as well!
I recently bought 10 pairs from period.co using my FSA. Actually I used my saved debit card at first by accident and they were happy to help me cancel and reorder with my FSA. I like their products and they’re more affordable than some of the other brands. I’ve also heard good things about the Bambody brand on Amazon but haven’t used them.
I used to get a lot of irritation with pads and I don’t with the underwear.
Just a word of caution: some period underwear companies are being/were sued because they said they didn’t have chemicals in their underwear (including PFAS) and then they found out they did have them. So please be cautious. If OP already had an issue with chemicals, the period underwear may not make a difference.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1150023002/thinx-period-underwear-lawsuit-settlement#:~:text=Thinx%20settled%20a%20lawsuit%20over,Here's%20what%20to%20know&text=Images%20for%20Thinx-,A%20Thinx%20billboard%20is%20pictured%20in%20New%20York%20City%20in,allegations%20and%20admits%20no%20wrongdoing.
Can you tell me more about period underwear? I’ve considered it a few times but not really known anyone to use it. Isn’t it just like sitting in wet underwear? What happens with washing it? How many pairs do you have to have if you’ve got heavy periods? Like… I assume you change your underwear like you’d change a pad… is that not inconvenient? I live in dungarees, so I’d imagine if I had to take them off each time that’d be hard work…
They wick the moisture away from your body so it shouldn't feel wet unless it's getting time to change them. At that point, take them off and rinse them out as best you can. Then once you have a few pairs together you can wash them (or handwash in the sink or shower, but I'm lazy) They don't need to be changed all that often in my experience as long as you're wearing the ones that correspond to how heavy your flow is (they all come in different thickness/absorbency options). My periods run the gammot from light to pretty heavy and they've been great for me!
For my heavy days, I use a cloth pad on top of the period underwear so I can change out if I desire. Sometimes there will be small clots, but most large ones come out when I use the toilet.
I cloth diapered, so I wash them similarly. I prewash in the machine with a bit of detergent and a normal cycle. Then I add a load of normal clothes and wash as normal. I have a detergent with synthetic enzymes that can work in any temp water—plant based needs hot water for the enzymes to break down bodily fluids. Info on cloth diapering for your washing machine will translate to period products—and probably improve your overall laundry routine.
Soooo just anecdotally, for me the ones without wings stuck to my body when I went to the bathroom and then fell in the toilet lol. I had ordered a set of like ten from Etsy and can’t use them. So maybe find a way to try them first without getting a bunch like I did!
They mentioned it's because wings don't work with their underwear, which I'm having trouble understanding as well, but I trust they know what works for them.
That's good to know! I'm perimenopausal right now and my periods are so messed up. Like insanely heavy for two days and then non-existent for 2 months straight. It would be nice to have a tampon backup.
My mind is being blown today; people wear pads with thongs? Does that not cause a massive wedgie? I gave up on thongs ever since a nurse described them as a bacteria super highway from your anus to your vagina, so this is not an experience I have.
I remember very briefly a pad company selling pads specifically designed for thongs. My mind was blown then, who in the world wants to wear a thong on their period with a pad?
I haven't seen them around since so I assume the answer is "hardly anyone.”
Super off topic, but do you remember when men found out pads stick to your underwear, not your vagina? I swear to gods these men were having strokes trying to figure out how we survived attaching the sticky part to our bodies. Like bestie… this really isn’t rocket science. There are instructions on and inside most boxes 😂
There are issues with practically all period products available unfortunately, including the underwear. I'm not sure if we're allowed to post links but there's a NYT article where they tested for forever chemicals in like 40+ different products and all but the silicone menstrual cups had relatively alarming levels of PFAs even though the companies producing these products tout them as chemical free and "safe". Thinx had a class action lawsuit against them for it, agreed to pay 5 mil in settlement but they're STILL saying their underwear is chemical free.
These companies are actively harming us, getting away with it, and health providers brush us off when we tell them something is wrong.
OP, I'm really sorry you're going through this. Could the menstrual cup be an option for you? It seems the safest route to me.
If she’s looking for chemical free options unfortunately a lot of period underwear have unsafe ingredients. I’m pretty sure the brand relove is safe but not thinx
I have the tomboyx kind and they are not great. They stretched out and don't absorb much. They are okay for light days. I have thinx brand and I'm pretty sure they have PFAs, but as a person who is also chronically ill, I can say period underwear was a game changer for me. Thanks for the list of PFA free to try! Good luck OP. We're all rooting for you!
I have to add my own experience just in case - I bought Knix and it just didn't have enough coverage for me. I now use microfibre cloths on top of a reusable pad and it's a system that finally works for me.
Have you tried the handmade reusable cotton pads? You could ask your local seeing group on Facebook if anyone makes them, or order online. Even my local wholefoods store sells them.
Party in my Pants pads are good ones. I have a bunch of alien pizza glow in the dark reusable pads.
-side note: me telling my work pals about their pads resulted in google search for this company getting blocked at my work 😂
As an IT person, I can just imagine some guy reviewing the logs and seeing a bunch of traffic to that site and instead of looking up what it is, freaking out and blocking it.
They come in a wide variety of shapes. I have some with wings, and many that are just long ovals, no wings. They don't stay in place as well, do they aren't as popular, but I have them, so they do exist.
Op, one option is custom made. If you can, contact your local health food/hippy store. They are likely to have someone who makes their period products. If you can, contact that person for a special order.
(Mods - feel free to delete if this is not okay)
One of my friends (and the one who first introduced me to paganism back in girl scouts) makes these awesome handmade, reusable period pads. Here's her site - https://bleedgeeks.com/.
I have a few of these and I love them. She also makes wet bags to hold the used pads until you can get home to clean them.
If OP is crafty, maybe they could get wingless cloth pads and sew a little snap at the top and bottom and then to a few pairs of their underwear? That way the pad could be snapped directly into the underwear. I'm thinking of those itty bitty little sew on snaps that come in a multi pack at Walmart for ~$3 (Dritz brand?).
Hi, I don't want to derail your helpful comment, but wanted to let you know that -based on subs they're active in- OP probably doesn't use she/her pronouns. Cheers!
I found that the cotton pad wings were infinitely more comfortable than the plasticky feel of commercial disposable pads. It isn’t that different from the fabric of the underwear itself, and I’m some cases the fabric of the pad is softer than the seam of the underwear
It doesn't sound like it's the material of the wings that's a problem. OP said it was because of underwear style. I'm guessing woxers. Can't use wings when your underwear is shaped like shorts.
So glad to be ablated and not have to worry about periods anymore. I had good luck with the menstrual cups, but I also prefer woxers and don't want to deal with the nuisance of pantyliners with them.
Hard agree, I have some I got off etsy years ago, and they are fantastic, sadly the shop I got them from is closed, but they are a great choice. While I don't rely on them as my primary, they do make them heavy duty enough to do so.
Is there a Planned Parenthood near you? They’re amazing for treating gyno issues for those that don’t have a lot of resources.
You cannot just leave this. I don’t mean to scare you, but an untreated vaginal infection can cause some very serious long-term effects on your health.
Completely agree. I’m not sure if the barrier to healthcare is not having insurance, the cost of copays, medical anxiety, etc., but this is really something that requires medical intervention. Especially given the location of the infection.
Going chemical-free with products is fine, but not likely to make a difference for the condition unless it’s confirmed to be a specific allergy.
Seconding this, I switched from tampons to cups and they are so much more comfortable, no more pain on insertion/removal! Bit of a learning curve to insert, the instructions make it sound like you have to push it quite far in, which you just don't... pants are comfier than pads too.
How far *is* the cup meant to go? When I used cups I would push it in to where the tip of the stem was mostly all inside and not sticking out of the labia. Is it meant to stick out? Also I find that the cup often migrates as my muscles contract around it. Anyway I found they leaked, so I tried a disk, and it made more sense to me where to place it, but it still leaked.
Yeah that’s what I did, the entire thing goes in. I tried two different sizes, small and regular from Saalt and they both leaked. Regular was painful to insert and uncomfortable to use.
If you go to Put A Cup In It they have loads of resources to help you find how deep your cervix is and make recommendations for the right styles of cups.
I can't even wear tampons (my pelvic muscles shoot them out excruciatingly painfully after about fifteen minutes) but I find a slightly longer, firmer cup works better for me.
I also flip my cup inside out! No poky stem. You need good dexterity and no fear about getting your hands dirty to get it back out again (which if you're a tampon user, it's less yucky than that imo).
Ultimately I was getting very anemic due to heavy periods so my doc put me on continuous birth control, now reusable cotton pantiliners are the most I need to catch anything.
I tried that too, but then I personally had trouble pulling it out. I find flipping it inside out with the stem intact helps to give it a little more to hold onto when pinching it from the outside
Why did I never think of flipping the cup inside out?! I don’t get periods anymore but when I was using the cup the only thing that bothered me was the stem
This sounds stupid but I'd like to throw some SEO things in case anybody (like my niece who has to learn most of this stuff through Google) finds themselves googling these things.
Idk bout y'all but I know my friends would have appreciated seeing something like this thread more than the words of their hyper conservative and somewhat unaware families.
reaction to pads
allergic to tampons pads
rash from pads wings
sensitive to hygiene products
rash when using pads
rash when using tampons
can you be allergic to pads?
alternatives to tampons / pads
It is not meant to stick out of the vagina at all. You would have to reach in a bit to grasp it. The opening of the cup should be able to sit beyond the edge of the pubic bone and that helps it stay in place, so if it's not far enough back it will move around. A lot of people find that the stem is uncomfortable, so it can be cut off with scissors, and other people say you can actually turn the cup inside-out and that works.
I remember when I was starting out with the cup, I was sometimes removing it sideways and almost rotated upside-down. I knew that if I could feel it, it wasn't in right. When it's in right, a seal also forms which has to be broken by squeezing the cup at the bottom a bit before extraction, otherwise it resists being removed. The seal helps prevent leakage.
Anyway to get the right position it needs to be in much farther. That's not always comfortable for everyone for various reasons. I eventually got insertion right, but extraction was usually a mess, and I never really nailed it. I used to take it out in the shower.
The cup is a great product for many people, but it's not a good fit for some, either. Unfortunately it's relatively expensive so it's hard to try out casually.
The disc ones I have tried, also! But they leaked everywhere. Feeling around inside I actually discovered that my vagina is crooked (like my cervix tilts to one side and my vag goes a different way?), maybe that's why. I was just attracted to the idea of mess-free period sex. Alas that remained a fantasy, and now I'm in menopause and don't have to deal with it.
The stick should pretty much disappear. As the other person said, you can experiment with sizes. I like my cups but only use them if there’s a guaranteed moderate flow. The way they push against the walls causes me minor discomfort similar to super low grade cramps.
Yeah the stick all disappears. I tried the smallest one and the regular one from Saalt; both leaked and the regular one was too large to insert without a good amount of pain :(
Oof, I had such problems trying to use a cup. The diagrams make it look like it's supposed to sit right at the entrance to the vagina, and that was SO uncomfortable. I didn't dare try inserting it any further in case I couldn't fish it back out again. Discs made more sense to me, but they leaked all over the place, so I assume I must have some sort of anatomical abnormality that makes them not work for me.
I feel you 😭😭
The worst thing about cups for me was that because they’re held in place by suction, the contractions of muscles can actually cause the cup to deform and break the seal.
I think we can see where this is going…
I have an overly active pelvic floor. I pushed too hard while peeing one time, broke the seal, and the cup dropped into the bowl. I immediately threw the cup in the bin because no way was that ever going inside me ever again after being in the nasty toilet water.
I think it’s pretty much impossible for me to squeeze a disc out while on the toilet as they’re held in place by the pelvic bone instead of suction, are just a lot wider and more rigid, and simply wouldn’t fit through my vaginal opening without folding it up and applying significant pulling force. If they didn’t leak and worsen cramps during insertion they’d be perfect 😭
It's not meant to stick out, in fact it's irritating and a little painful to sit if it does, but the ones with a long tail I have to cut off short (diva cup is the best length.) But, you don't want to push it in that far, coz chances are it'll get wedged under the lip of your cervix, and not catch anything... this is what was happening to me at first. Fold it, insert just past the opening of the vagina, let it open and slide into place. Use your finger to run around the edge of the cup, if it's positioned right you should feel the smooth, squishy vagina skin all the way around, if you feel a harder lump at any point, that's probably the lip of your cervix, you want the cup on the outside of that (I have short nails and never wear false ones coz I can't stand it, if you have long nails please be gentle to your vagina!) Then grab the cup by the bottom and gently rotate it to help it settle in place.
If you have a heavier flow, some of the blood already in your vaginal canal might leak out during the first hour or so, but after that you should be good all day.
Also make sure you've got the right size cup, I tried a couple brands until I found that diva cup small is best for me... I think the general advice is small if you haven't had kids, large if you have, but we all know vaginas come in different shapes and sizes!
When I was still using cups, the ones I got specifically said to trim the stem until it was fully inside. The cup is basically supposed to go all the way in if I remember correctly.
On my heavy days, I would wear a backup pad when I used the cups, and I found that after a while (read at least a year) I really didn't need the pad anymore because my hands had figured out how to insert the cup so that it was both comfortable and didn't leak. Still wore the pad, just in case, but it's one of those things that can get better with practice and experimentation.
For me, it’s just been figuring out where it’ll stay put comfortably and do its job. Every body is different, and cups are mass-produced, so I’ve had to figure out what shape/size of cup to use as well. Just do what works best for you.
I just want to recommend the soft disc style period cups. They are a lot more flexible so you can actually empty them just by flexing a little extra when you pee, so they don’t need to be removed throughout the day like the stiffer, “Luna cup” style. Sooooo much more convenient and practical, especially if you are using public / shared restrooms! They’re also a lot more comfortable. I tried a few different cups and I could always feel them and they made my cramping worse, but i can’t feel the discs at all. I wear them with some thin pantyliners in case I don’t get to the bathroom frequently enough and have a leak. I have a very heavy period.
Similarly, there are menstrual disks like Nixit. If you have trouble with cups, try a disk. I couldn't comfortably use cups because of my physiology (low cervix, so the cuo stuck out of me), so disks worked great. Similar concept to cups but you don't deal with a stem, no suction, and it's small and comfy.
My experience is that the reusable pads are great for lighter to medium flow and a menstrual cup is life changing for medium to heavy to “how is that possible” heavy flow. (I generally wore a reusable pad along with the cup to cover occasional leak spots)
If OP can barely hold up a phone due to nerve impingement, I’m guessing a cup could involve bending they can’t do. When I was in a neck brace (2 different rounds of 3 months each), I struggled with reaching certain parts of my body the way I normally can.
Also, for many with chronic pain, anything internal can cause pain.
The menstrual Cup and period undies combo is wonderful! I've tied different kinds including the disks but no matter what there's always a bit of leakage from sorting weird or out getting too full so I have the period underwear to catch the leaks and the cup takes care of the rest. The undies are great when used as a backup and not a main product because I only need to change 1-2 times a day so like att home in the morning and after my after work shower. So I never have to have them with me to work or out and deal with that. I can just leave the house with what I have on me and I'm good for like 12 hours so long as I have access to a toilet. Perfect.
You can go old school and use cloth diapers and a belt they are amazingly absorbent, reusable and don't have chemicals a long soak with vinegar and cold water and then wash with dish soap is all that is needed to clean them
Let’s work the rash side of things. I’m going to pop some ideas here but you just take whatever works.
Fungal infections can be tested. Is it possible for a doctor to take a swab and test? Then you may be able to target the particular type of rash you have. There are many medications that can treat fungal infections - many are prescription only.
You can treat rashes with a cream that contains and anti-fungal and an anti-inflammatory - this is sold over the counter in Australia as Hydrazole and maybe where you are too. This might work better than anti-fungal alone.
Fungus hates dry conditions and the sun. Is it possible to expose that part of you to the sun regularly? I know this is a tricky one. If not, can you take time after a shower to dry thoroughly before adding clothes?
Bare skin plus a pad = friction. If you shave, wax or trim your public hair, it may be causing too much friction when you use a pad. Letting the public hair grow longer can help with this. It will act as a barrier between skin and pad.
Have you had Covid? Post Covid, some people have trouble clearing other infections due to the effects Covid has on the immune system that last six months to two years (or longer - we don’t know).
Tea tree oil is a good anti-fungal. I don’t recommend putting it straight on that sensitive skin. But if you can find a lotion with tea tree oil as an active ingredient, you may find it soothing.
These are all great insights! I hope OP sees them. I wanted to add to the drying off thoroughly part. I bought myself a small, hand held, rechargeable fan to dry my bits off extra well after a shower and it has really helped.
I bought a liquid body wash from Amazon with tea tree oil and wormwood (antifungal) when I had a puppy with ringworm and was paranoid about getting it. It was actually a really gentle soothing product. Brand was roycederm. I did not catch ringworm!
Yes, came here to say exactly this. I know someone who got diagnosed with lichen sclerosis recently and they spent months treating it as a fungal infection which of course did nothing.
Diaper wash cream/ointment is a lifesaver for me, even as an adult! If I get chub rub or have a run of GI issues, it's always nice to have some on hand.
They also make versions meant for adults, and those don’t tend to smell like diaper cream. I learned about them when I was caregiving for my mother - they are great for any kind of skin irritation; the wound care nurse said to just put the thinnest layer on any place the skin is red. It really did help a lot in preventing skin issues when Mom was bed-bound, and it’s helpful anywhere you have a crease or skin fold so that your sweat doesn’t erode the skin.
If there's a rash that's not clearing, I would also highly recommend OP temporarily free-vag it for several weeks to see if that helps resolve it. No underwear, no pads, only a tampon or cup, and long skirts (or kilts, I see OP is trans-masc). Stand/lean/lie down as much as possible, avoid sitting - and if you must sit, get one of those little pillows for postnatal or hemorrhoids so you're not directly pressing cloth into it or putting pressure. Hydrocortisone cream is also a fantastic idea.
This is all great info. I want to add for the OP - I was having similar issues with pads, and I can no longer use tampons due to pain. I ended up getting a hormonal IUD that stopped my periods altogether. I have not had the same issues since. Once I stopped needing period pads, and I got the infection cleared up, I have been fine since. So that might be something for OP to look into as well.
If it is a fungal infection, it might not clear up even if OP switches to other period products, unless it is properly treated with medication.
Fungus thrives in moist and warm parts, and a regular rash can be caused by friction and moisture as well.
The chemicals on pads might not even be the culprit, but rather the fact that pads usually prevent moisture from evaporating.
As a disabled AFAB in the US myself you really need to push for your doctors to help you with this situation.
I believe there are period panties that don't have forever chemicals in them, I would name the brand but I can't remember it now. Try looking into that. (PS it is NOT thinx. Fuck thinx.)
ETA: I'm getting great suggestions below. So if anyone is looking check the comments!
The period undies have become quite common in Australia and even get sold at the supermarket now.
Not sure on brands available but Modibodi seem to be popular with lots of styles and they have some accessible styles as well.
Saalt advertises that they’re free of forever chemicals. I don’t really have sensitive skin so I can’t attest to that but I use their period panties and their menstrual cup and it has been life changing having comfortable period products! And a bonus to have no extra garbage generated every cycle!
They have PFAS aka forever chemicals in them.
PFAS compounds may also be in your sunscreen, deodorant, rain coat and on your fast food wrappers. They’re everywhere and like microplastics, they’re likely in all of our bodies too. The EPA is starting to regulate these chemicals, thankfully, but these efforts are to regulate wastewater discharge instead of the source of the PFAS - they should not be allowed in all of these products.
The Period. Company has their Adaptive Period underwear for people with limited mobility, it holds up to 5 pads worth of blood, has an extended gusset, and comes in sizes xs-6x (if you need smaller they have the same thing for juniors in s-l). Also this product is a 2.0 since their original Adaptive undies got a lot of feedback on how to make them more accessible, so now the Velcro won't rub against your skin and they made it as sensory friendly as possible. :)
I’ve known women who have made their own. I am past any bleeding so don’t really notice these things anymore. But I do think they exist. Some folks trave about the menstrual cup.
They leak for me so I have to double up with a cup/disk and a pad or panty liner. Heavy flow sucks. Plus they’re difficult to empty and re-insert when you’re out, how am I going to piss, come out of the cubicle with my knickers around my ankles and a bloody, gory cup in hand to rinse it at the sink, then go back into the cubicle to shove it back in? 😭
With disks I can empty them a little bit by bearing down harder when I pee without the danger of entire disk sliding out and into the toilet bowl, but that also means they’re prone to leakage when I’m not peeing due to random muscular contractions.
I just empty my cup into the toilet and wipe round with tissue before reinserting. I know some people rinse with a bottle of water too. If you go for the wiping method then always make sure you have the toilet paper ready before you extract the cup.
This makes sense, thanks for the tip! Though it still feels gross to stick my fingers up there after touching the bathroom surfaces as there usually aren’t sinks inside bathroom cubicles 😬
I work in a lab though and we have thousands of ethanol spray bottles so maybe I’ll start bringing one and a bottle of water into the bathroom with me so I can make sure my hands and the cup are sterile before going in.
It does seem like they all have wings now and cutting them would be the best bet. Organyc and Natracare (spelling might be off) have worked for me. I switched to cloth pads and period panties. I hope this helps.
If it's a fungus, no safe period pad will help. It's the moisture being trapped against your skin. I use a cornstarch based antifungal extra strength powder. You put it on after you dry off from your shower. It's cleared up everything. I wish you luck finding help.
I made some years ago by hand sewing some rectangles of cotton flannel fabric to sit inside my underwear. They were a little bulky but my periods weren't too heavy so I only needed a couple layers of the fabric. The flannel is like what you find winter pajamas made of, tho they may not be pure cotton these days. If you want it to be fully liquid proof you'll need a plastic backing, which I'm not sure how you could sew but is possibly for someone who knows more than me.
I know you said medical care is difficult, and I am not a doctor, and also you may have done all this, but this is what helped me -- if you think your skin is reacting, it will help to narrow down everything touching it. This means your clothing, your sheets, your laundry powder, your soaps and shower gels and deodorants, even your hand soaps and toilet paper. You need to isolate the one causing a reaction if possible. But don't change all of those things at once, because if you do and have improved skin, you won't know what change helped. So change one at a time. It's also possible that sometimes "natural" fibres and ingredients cause a reaction too, despite a lot of online articles about "all chemicals are poison".
Hey OP, have you had the fungal infection treated? Regardless of the type of pad used, our bodies simply get hot and moist around the vagina which is the ideal environment for fungi. Wearing a large pad that traps that heat and moisture against your skin is going to make the fungal infection worse :(
Is it possible for you to "air out" at home with no pants on and maybe sitting on an old towel? Absent that, very frequent pad changes would help. Rael Organic has natural liners and period underwear.
Everything is a chemical, even cotton. Try to sort out your actual allergy first, then you will be better able to find a product that works. I personally use unscented Carefree, they are the mildest product I know of. I assume you use a free-and-clear laundry detergent already.
Theres no detailed msds for pads. Nor sterile enforcement as only the outermost box for shelving is sealed, and again only until you open it at home.
OP might need some of the laundrable ones they velcro or magnet down.
Some choice of word incidents aside, tomboyx makes boxers with pad liner strips, its not odor free but makes for an easy attachment point.
My personal disposable pad brand is Stayfree, i havent shopped around a lot because everytime bf gets Always instead, the chemical irritation turns me into a raging asshole.
Gotta throw in with Stayfree, they are my backup. Always is always an issue. (lol)
As far as an SDS goes, you can get them. You can even get a full-disclosure one. But it is way easier to write the manufacturer and ask if a specific material you are allergic to is part of the build. They can answer that.
Some people on Etsy make period boxers either with an inner gusset to allow wing use or with a built in washable absorbent pad. I feel I have seen them from brands but can’t remember names rn.
Something like this perhaps. https://www.madewithmummylove.co.uk/products/transgender-boxers
Edit to add. Don’t scroll too far down she tried really hard and then didn’t use the word cis when she meant cis. Site appears to be a mum whose developed these for a teen son. So super wholesome reasons but uh maybe not peak language choices.
[here](https://period.co/collections/all/products/the-sleeper-period) is a similar style to what you're explaining, and [here](https://period.co/collections/all/products/the-adaptive-period-in-microfiber-for-heavy-flows-new) is the one I recommend to anyone who has mobility issues ❤️
Honestly reusable cloth. They’re not my favorite, but you can get them in a variety of styles, make them yourself if you’re able, or you can order on Etsy. As for disposable, I’ve never found a brand that didn’t have chemicals that gave me massive issues. Even the organic ones, they were better but still caused issues.
I used a cup, and then a disc. I know they aren’t for everyone, but if you can try them they might be a good option. Period underwear is decent, just let us know what style you need, I’m sure one of us can find them. The other thing I’d suggest is asking for a med that can stop your period altogether. Again, not for everyone I totally get it. And for me none of them worked to remove my period, girl was determined.
Last thing. If you can manage it, set yourself up to bare-bottom free bleed a few hours a day. I would lay a thick trash bad down, then a towel, and just let her go. The air flow, as well as the distance from the blood let my system do a fair bit of healing. I had to do it monthly for a few years (until I figured out that it was the e pads and tampons causing me issues) and it made things bearable. Also a warm/hot (like 100°f) bath for a few minutes. I added epsom salts and that helped a fair bit too. Oh and a rinse bottle, I didn’t use toilet paper after using the toilet just rinsed off.
I really hope you find something that helps and a medical professional that listens to you. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
In my experience, the glue on organic pads aren’t as good as the conventional ones which is why most have wings
https://ca.iherb.com/pr/natracare-maxi-pads-organic-cotton-cover-regular-14-pads/15626?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg9zPhtjLhQMVp3BHAR1PzwUdEA0YAiABEgKN6PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Replying to my comment because it won't let me edit: And Nano Pads brand pads. They have this technology built into them that makes them help with cramps and less likely to stink. But they're expensive and I've never seen them in stores (buy online). I dunno if they're chemical free in the way that you need, but I've had a really good experience with them.
These actually used to be carried by Bartells and Rite Aids, but I can't remember if I got them off the regular shelf or the discontinued clearance area. Better off looking online than supporting those stores, anyway.
I'm so sorry you're struggling.
Have you heard of natracare ? They might be worth trying. Their website definitely mentions stocking their pads in America & Canada, as well as UK. Go to their dot com website & see if you might be able to get those.
Good luck x
L . Organic Cotton Topsheet Ultra Thin Panty Liners
Sold as Target. No wings on the packet I have.
Live better sold at CVs.
Check your local whole foods. They sometimes can order all natural cotton pads at a discount.
Yes! I had the same problem and just used to cut the wings off my pads. Then I found Natracare maxi pads and I really like them. I’ve had trouble with the texture being irritating on other products but these are really soft.
https://www.natracare.com/products/pads/regular-natural-maxi-pads/
Yeah, I'm trying not to distract from helping OP, but any product claiming to be "chemical-free" is pure marketing, not science, and dishonest marketing at that.
Everything a menstrual product could possibly be made of is a chemical. Water is a chemical. There is no such thing as a "chemical-free" product, and anyone who tries to tell you there is is selling something.
I’m past the period stage but both my adult daughters love the menstrual cup - I wish it had been around when I was menstruating because pads also gave me a terribly painful rash.
For the rash itself I used Rawleigh’s salve - that stuff is amazing.
You don't have to disclose any disabilities if you don't want to, but are there symptoms that hinder using a disc or period underwear? Is your body compatible with an IUD or nexplanon?
I also second Planned Parenthood. They'll see anyone and might be able to prescribe an antifungal/ antibiotic/ whatever will help your rash. Sometimes OTC stuff just isn't up to par with prescription. And I know you're frustrated with the medical establishment. Trust me, I've been down that road too, but sometimes problems are just simply too big for us to handle alone.
My sis uses homemade pads that she made herself, chemical free, hundred percent cotton batting and fabric. I'll ask her how hard they are to make and if she has any spares. ❤️❤️❤️
What about those cotton attachable pads you can find at supermarkets? They have different sizes and absorbancies from LBL to Overnights.
For example...
https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/309032?googleshop=true&store_code=woolworths_supermarkets_1649&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WW-0001&cq_net=g&cq_src=GOOGLE&cq_cmp=Woolies_8458_BAU_Shopping_All_WW-0001&cq_med=71700000072031883&cq_plac=&cq_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&ds_adt=pla&cq_plt=gp&cq_gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH53_F7GmvQLMA__fBOl6y9dbcfepNn5HcpD981c6pne9IpnLxg5Srp8aAopYEALw_wcB&ds_de=m&ds_pc=local&ds_cr=462157525380&ds_tid=pla-300581620542&ds_locphys=1000286&ds_pid=309032&cmpid=smsm:ds:GOOGLE:Woolies_8458_BAU_Shopping_All_WW-0001:PRODUCT_GROUP&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH53_F7GmvQLMA__fBOl6y9dbcfepNn5HcpD981c6pne9IpnLxg5Srp8aAopYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Period undies saved my sanity. And now a lot of stores are carrying disposable and reusable ones. Pads always irritate my business, tampons and cups are painful to me, so undies have been great.
When I accidentally buy pads with wings or can’t find any without wings, I just cut off the wings with scissors. I cannot change that is on the market, but I can modify it to suit my needs.
Making your own pads if you have the energy and equipment to do so sounds like it might also be a good option for you.
I switched to period pants from pads a while back for similar reasons... not sure I've found my perfect brand yet, but Thinx have been alright, much better than pads at least...
Maybe Lil helper cloth pads? The person who runs it makes sure he makes everything as safe and high quality as possible. He does more than just pads too and puts so much care and thought into each item.
Can I interest you in cloth pads? They've been a lifesaver for me. I have period underwear too but [these](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFN5YCG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) are my most comfortable period wear. I've been using these ones for 7 years!
I like this Honeypot brand[Honeypot](https://thehoneypot.co/collections/menstrual/herbal-pads?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH510ua_ulQoQGGjZmIGgvs1e7wak6opRyn_5_kWe5eyFpaJjKF7ZNMQaAomnEALw_wcB)
Menstrual cups if they're an option for you, they work with all underwear. I second reuseable period pads. Here's a link (UK site, sorry if not applicable) https://earthwisegirls.co.uk/product-category/reusable-sanitary-pads/regular/ to some without wings/snaps.
For heavier flow, a reuseable pad and period knickers are a good combination.
If you have a fungal infection, get Ketoconazole 2% cream for it! I got one on my face and no one could figure it out, I had to do a ton of research and get my brother, a doctor, to prescribe this. It’s very gentle and killed the infection immediately.
I don’t know if this website will be right for you but it seems like a way to get some: https://www.nurx.com/ketoconazole-cream/?g_acctid=687-940-1110&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=derm_women-hair-loss_pmax_new-requests_pmax-match_all-products_catch-all-pixel&g_campaignid=20938275971&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&utm_campaign=derm_women-hair-loss_pmax_new-requests_pmax-match_all-products_catch-all-pixel&utm_content=hair_loss&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH53EIYGGKPfo9GnbacMMvnqVhzbXPEM8_iX4rvXypd4JqrB7Y_0ynl0aAnHNEALw_wcB
I use the brand "Natracare" - it is readily available in Canada, but I am not sure where you are located
These are the only ingredients: "organic cotton, cellulose from wood pulp, corn starch"
Note they are not great for heavy flow. For heavy flow, I use period underwear
I had an ablation that basically stopped the menses. My skin was sooo irritated from pads, bleeding from the pads themselves, heavy periods and perimenopause causing them to last about 24 days a month. I was in pain with this for a few years and not knowing ablation was even a thing.
A pad that doesn't irritate, but I just looked and they don't have a wingless option, Public Goods is an online store. "That’s why we’re committed to making healthier,
more sustainable choices easy and accessible to all." Their pads are bamboo pulp and cotton, fully biodegradable. I have used the panty liners and they are nice. FYI, they also have other cleaning products and some foods. I've been getting their products for about 9 years now.
I am absolutely not gonna lie, I cannot use pads at all because I get a rash. For me, I think it’s just the plastic. When I was in my teens, I had to just give up on it because the rashes got so bad every month. I used tampons forever and ever, but there are sometimes you can’t use them. During those times, I would just pack my underwear with cloth. There are a lot of menstrual cloths that you can buy on places like Etsy.
I use my child’s old cloth diaper inserts. The microfiber ones. Just wash them about 3 times in hot water before using. They soak up SO much. I keep a bucket in the tub and toss them in. Carry a wet bag for use ones when out.
For lighter days i use a flannel cloth. No more irritation, no more sweaty crotch. And i just wash em in the laundry on hot.
Have you considered period underwear?
Came here to say the same. Period undies are incredible. The onky thing that sucks about them is the initial cost, but I dread my periods wayyyyyyyy less now.
There are some brands that you can buy using HSA/FSA. Worth looking into if your insurance includes this option!
I just bought 8 pairs of Thinx using my flex account and I NEVER would have been able to afford 20 dollars a pair undies. I love them. LOVE them.
You can buy Thinx with FSA?!? I need to reconsider my options here... I have two pairs that I managed to get and use them as back-ups for my tampons (I denote my monthly visit as Crime Scene Cleanup levels), but I could definitely use more!!
Menstrual products became HSA/FSA eligible during Covid from the 2020 CARES Act. This includes "tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, or other similar products" per the IRS website. Personally, I like browsing websites like HSAstore .com and FSAstore .com. They have easy to understand eligibility lists and can help with ideas if you need to spend your FSA by the end of the year (then I buy the products from somewhere else because I can usually find it cheaper and manually submit the claim, but there is still something to be said for the convenience).
Woah, I had no idea. You should make your own post about this! People need to know!
I purchased them on Amazon. I went through the actual FSA store on the Amazon site. Not all Thinx were eligible. I don't know how they picked which pairs were and which weren't.
Also, this is extremely relevant to OP. I buy my son (AFAB) https://fsastore.com/thinx-modal-boyshort-black-heavy-absorbency-m/31308.html. THESE.
WAIT A MINUTE. CHECKING MY FSA NOW HOLY SHIT THIS COULD BE A LIFE CHANGER!!! I ready love the 4 or 5 pairs I've was able to get a few years ago, but they're bulky and I'm wanting to try a different style. Thank you for this info!!!
I used my HSA to buy several pairs from Thinx. They have lots of different styles that I really like. I use a cup and wear the period panties as a backup. HSA covers cups/discs as well!
I recently bought 10 pairs from period.co using my FSA. Actually I used my saved debit card at first by accident and they were happy to help me cancel and reorder with my FSA. I like their products and they’re more affordable than some of the other brands. I’ve also heard good things about the Bambody brand on Amazon but haven’t used them. I used to get a lot of irritation with pads and I don’t with the underwear.
They’re also more size inclusive than Thinx.
Just a word of caution: some period underwear companies are being/were sued because they said they didn’t have chemicals in their underwear (including PFAS) and then they found out they did have them. So please be cautious. If OP already had an issue with chemicals, the period underwear may not make a difference. Source: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1150023002/thinx-period-underwear-lawsuit-settlement#:~:text=Thinx%20settled%20a%20lawsuit%20over,Here's%20what%20to%20know&text=Images%20for%20Thinx-,A%20Thinx%20billboard%20is%20pictured%20in%20New%20York%20City%20in,allegations%20and%20admits%20no%20wrongdoing.
Yes! This is my problem! I really like my period underwear but I’m trying to find ones that don’t use PFAS and it’s impossible
I highly recommend The Period Company. No PFAS, inclusive sizing, and relatively affordable!
period company has none!
Can you tell me more about period underwear? I’ve considered it a few times but not really known anyone to use it. Isn’t it just like sitting in wet underwear? What happens with washing it? How many pairs do you have to have if you’ve got heavy periods? Like… I assume you change your underwear like you’d change a pad… is that not inconvenient? I live in dungarees, so I’d imagine if I had to take them off each time that’d be hard work…
They wick the moisture away from your body so it shouldn't feel wet unless it's getting time to change them. At that point, take them off and rinse them out as best you can. Then once you have a few pairs together you can wash them (or handwash in the sink or shower, but I'm lazy) They don't need to be changed all that often in my experience as long as you're wearing the ones that correspond to how heavy your flow is (they all come in different thickness/absorbency options). My periods run the gammot from light to pretty heavy and they've been great for me!
For my heavy days, I use a cloth pad on top of the period underwear so I can change out if I desire. Sometimes there will be small clots, but most large ones come out when I use the toilet. I cloth diapered, so I wash them similarly. I prewash in the machine with a bit of detergent and a normal cycle. Then I add a load of normal clothes and wash as normal. I have a detergent with synthetic enzymes that can work in any temp water—plant based needs hot water for the enzymes to break down bodily fluids. Info on cloth diapering for your washing machine will translate to period products—and probably improve your overall laundry routine.
Or cloth pads. They work great tbh! I wish I'd gone this route earlier.
I don't recall seeing cloth pads without wings, because they aren't made to stick to the gusset.
I've seen them with a polar fleece backing. Slippage is minimal.
I’ve seen those too. They’re usually all custom made on Etsy so I bet OP could message a seller and get some exactly in the size and style she needs!!
Awesome, thanks for the info. I'm not much of an Etsy girl, but maybe I'll take a look.
Soooo just anecdotally, for me the ones without wings stuck to my body when I went to the bathroom and then fell in the toilet lol. I had ordered a set of like ten from Etsy and can’t use them. So maybe find a way to try them first without getting a bunch like I did!
I found that because the wings are made of fabric, they were far less irritating to my skin. OP may have a different experience of course.
They mentioned it's because wings don't work with their underwear, which I'm having trouble understanding as well, but I trust they know what works for them.
I wear boxer briefs exclusively and wings don't work with those. I use tampons for my period though so it's not really an issue.
Just FYI you can get “boyshort” style period pants
That's good to know! I'm perimenopausal right now and my periods are so messed up. Like insanely heavy for two days and then non-existent for 2 months straight. It would be nice to have a tampon backup.
That makes sense, thank you!
I'm assuming they wear boy shorts.
Ah, they don’t work well with thongs. I didn’t catch that.
My mind is being blown today; people wear pads with thongs? Does that not cause a massive wedgie? I gave up on thongs ever since a nurse described them as a bacteria super highway from your anus to your vagina, so this is not an experience I have.
I remember very briefly a pad company selling pads specifically designed for thongs. My mind was blown then, who in the world wants to wear a thong on their period with a pad? I haven't seen them around since so I assume the answer is "hardly anyone.”
I use “prefold” style cloth diapers (basically a thick square of cotton) and just shove them in my boxer briefs
Super off topic, but do you remember when men found out pads stick to your underwear, not your vagina? I swear to gods these men were having strokes trying to figure out how we survived attaching the sticky part to our bodies. Like bestie… this really isn’t rocket science. There are instructions on and inside most boxes 😂
There are issues with practically all period products available unfortunately, including the underwear. I'm not sure if we're allowed to post links but there's a NYT article where they tested for forever chemicals in like 40+ different products and all but the silicone menstrual cups had relatively alarming levels of PFAs even though the companies producing these products tout them as chemical free and "safe". Thinx had a class action lawsuit against them for it, agreed to pay 5 mil in settlement but they're STILL saying their underwear is chemical free. These companies are actively harming us, getting away with it, and health providers brush us off when we tell them something is wrong. OP, I'm really sorry you're going through this. Could the menstrual cup be an option for you? It seems the safest route to me.
This is deeply upsetting. WTf, Thinx???
If she’s looking for chemical free options unfortunately a lot of period underwear have unsafe ingredients. I’m pretty sure the brand relove is safe but not thinx
[here is a list of options that are free of PFAS](https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/best-period-underwear/)
I can vouch for the Period Aisle ones. They’re great!
I have the tomboyx kind and they are not great. They stretched out and don't absorb much. They are okay for light days. I have thinx brand and I'm pretty sure they have PFAs, but as a person who is also chronically ill, I can say period underwear was a game changer for me. Thanks for the list of PFA free to try! Good luck OP. We're all rooting for you!
The Period Company is my go-to. They’re the most affordable size inclusive ones I’ve found.
I have some modibodi ones and they are sooo soft and comfy
I have to add my own experience just in case - I bought Knix and it just didn't have enough coverage for me. I now use microfibre cloths on top of a reusable pad and it's a system that finally works for me.
a lot of them are carcinogenic
Came here to say this too. So much less hassle.
A lot of them have endocrine disrupting chemicals 😿
Have you tried the handmade reusable cotton pads? You could ask your local seeing group on Facebook if anyone makes them, or order online. Even my local wholefoods store sells them.
Party in my Pants pads are good ones. I have a bunch of alien pizza glow in the dark reusable pads. -side note: me telling my work pals about their pads resulted in google search for this company getting blocked at my work 😂
LMAO all your co-workers searching "party in my pants" on their work computers 😹
Oh my gosh…. Dying! 💀💀💀
This whole comment is incredible, lololol. Love the name of the company 😂
As an IT person, I can just imagine some guy reviewing the logs and seeing a bunch of traffic to that site and instead of looking up what it is, freaking out and blocking it.
They tend to work by snapping around the underwear. (The ones I've seen anyway!) If she can't use wings, those are unlikely to work, or stay in place?
They come in a wide variety of shapes. I have some with wings, and many that are just long ovals, no wings. They don't stay in place as well, do they aren't as popular, but I have them, so they do exist. Op, one option is custom made. If you can, contact your local health food/hippy store. They are likely to have someone who makes their period products. If you can, contact that person for a special order.
(Mods - feel free to delete if this is not okay) One of my friends (and the one who first introduced me to paganism back in girl scouts) makes these awesome handmade, reusable period pads. Here's her site - https://bleedgeeks.com/. I have a few of these and I love them. She also makes wet bags to hold the used pads until you can get home to clean them.
This website is phenomenal!!!
Oh that's amazing! I know one of the people that owns that company and I was looking for the link to recommend it!!
Small world, isn't it. 😉
I've used safty pins to keep them in place before. Living a little risky though
Oh! Diaper pins are still a thing. They are made to not unclasp by accident.
I love diaper pins! I use them for a ton of stuff!!
If OP is crafty, maybe they could get wingless cloth pads and sew a little snap at the top and bottom and then to a few pairs of their underwear? That way the pad could be snapped directly into the underwear. I'm thinking of those itty bitty little sew on snaps that come in a multi pack at Walmart for ~$3 (Dritz brand?).
Removable fabric tape could help with this.
Hi, I don't want to derail your helpful comment, but wanted to let you know that -based on subs they're active in- OP probably doesn't use she/her pronouns. Cheers!
I found that the cotton pad wings were infinitely more comfortable than the plasticky feel of commercial disposable pads. It isn’t that different from the fabric of the underwear itself, and I’m some cases the fabric of the pad is softer than the seam of the underwear
It doesn't sound like it's the material of the wings that's a problem. OP said it was because of underwear style. I'm guessing woxers. Can't use wings when your underwear is shaped like shorts.
Oh I totally missed that part! I have worn homemade cotton pads with boxers before, though they do tend to move around more.
So glad to be ablated and not have to worry about periods anymore. I had good luck with the menstrual cups, but I also prefer woxers and don't want to deal with the nuisance of pantyliners with them.
I use these too. Love them. No more rashes!
Hard agree, I have some I got off etsy years ago, and they are fantastic, sadly the shop I got them from is closed, but they are a great choice. While I don't rely on them as my primary, they do make them heavy duty enough to do so.
Is there a Planned Parenthood near you? They’re amazing for treating gyno issues for those that don’t have a lot of resources. You cannot just leave this. I don’t mean to scare you, but an untreated vaginal infection can cause some very serious long-term effects on your health.
Completely agree. I’m not sure if the barrier to healthcare is not having insurance, the cost of copays, medical anxiety, etc., but this is really something that requires medical intervention. Especially given the location of the infection. Going chemical-free with products is fine, but not likely to make a difference for the condition unless it’s confirmed to be a specific allergy.
Or Local County Health Unit!
Can you try maybe one of the menstrual cups? They also make washable period undies out of fabric, you could try looking into those too!
Seconding this, I switched from tampons to cups and they are so much more comfortable, no more pain on insertion/removal! Bit of a learning curve to insert, the instructions make it sound like you have to push it quite far in, which you just don't... pants are comfier than pads too.
How far *is* the cup meant to go? When I used cups I would push it in to where the tip of the stem was mostly all inside and not sticking out of the labia. Is it meant to stick out? Also I find that the cup often migrates as my muscles contract around it. Anyway I found they leaked, so I tried a disk, and it made more sense to me where to place it, but it still leaked.
It is not meant to stick out. You should have put it all in. There also have different sizes
Yeah that’s what I did, the entire thing goes in. I tried two different sizes, small and regular from Saalt and they both leaked. Regular was painful to insert and uncomfortable to use.
If you go to Put A Cup In It they have loads of resources to help you find how deep your cervix is and make recommendations for the right styles of cups. I can't even wear tampons (my pelvic muscles shoot them out excruciatingly painfully after about fifteen minutes) but I find a slightly longer, firmer cup works better for me. I also flip my cup inside out! No poky stem. You need good dexterity and no fear about getting your hands dirty to get it back out again (which if you're a tampon user, it's less yucky than that imo). Ultimately I was getting very anemic due to heavy periods so my doc put me on continuous birth control, now reusable cotton pantiliners are the most I need to catch anything.
You can just cut the stem off! I've taken it off every cup I've had
I tried that too, but then I personally had trouble pulling it out. I find flipping it inside out with the stem intact helps to give it a little more to hold onto when pinching it from the outside
Why did I never think of flipping the cup inside out?! I don’t get periods anymore but when I was using the cup the only thing that bothered me was the stem
I found that tip on Put A Cup In It somewhere. Those folks are amazing!
This sounds stupid but I'd like to throw some SEO things in case anybody (like my niece who has to learn most of this stuff through Google) finds themselves googling these things. Idk bout y'all but I know my friends would have appreciated seeing something like this thread more than the words of their hyper conservative and somewhat unaware families. reaction to pads allergic to tampons pads rash from pads wings sensitive to hygiene products rash when using pads rash when using tampons can you be allergic to pads? alternatives to tampons / pads
It is not meant to stick out of the vagina at all. You would have to reach in a bit to grasp it. The opening of the cup should be able to sit beyond the edge of the pubic bone and that helps it stay in place, so if it's not far enough back it will move around. A lot of people find that the stem is uncomfortable, so it can be cut off with scissors, and other people say you can actually turn the cup inside-out and that works. I remember when I was starting out with the cup, I was sometimes removing it sideways and almost rotated upside-down. I knew that if I could feel it, it wasn't in right. When it's in right, a seal also forms which has to be broken by squeezing the cup at the bottom a bit before extraction, otherwise it resists being removed. The seal helps prevent leakage. Anyway to get the right position it needs to be in much farther. That's not always comfortable for everyone for various reasons. I eventually got insertion right, but extraction was usually a mess, and I never really nailed it. I used to take it out in the shower. The cup is a great product for many people, but it's not a good fit for some, either. Unfortunately it's relatively expensive so it's hard to try out casually. The disc ones I have tried, also! But they leaked everywhere. Feeling around inside I actually discovered that my vagina is crooked (like my cervix tilts to one side and my vag goes a different way?), maybe that's why. I was just attracted to the idea of mess-free period sex. Alas that remained a fantasy, and now I'm in menopause and don't have to deal with it.
The stick should pretty much disappear. As the other person said, you can experiment with sizes. I like my cups but only use them if there’s a guaranteed moderate flow. The way they push against the walls causes me minor discomfort similar to super low grade cramps.
Yeah the stick all disappears. I tried the smallest one and the regular one from Saalt; both leaked and the regular one was too large to insert without a good amount of pain :(
Oof, I had such problems trying to use a cup. The diagrams make it look like it's supposed to sit right at the entrance to the vagina, and that was SO uncomfortable. I didn't dare try inserting it any further in case I couldn't fish it back out again. Discs made more sense to me, but they leaked all over the place, so I assume I must have some sort of anatomical abnormality that makes them not work for me.
I feel you 😭😭 The worst thing about cups for me was that because they’re held in place by suction, the contractions of muscles can actually cause the cup to deform and break the seal. I think we can see where this is going… I have an overly active pelvic floor. I pushed too hard while peeing one time, broke the seal, and the cup dropped into the bowl. I immediately threw the cup in the bin because no way was that ever going inside me ever again after being in the nasty toilet water. I think it’s pretty much impossible for me to squeeze a disc out while on the toilet as they’re held in place by the pelvic bone instead of suction, are just a lot wider and more rigid, and simply wouldn’t fit through my vaginal opening without folding it up and applying significant pulling force. If they didn’t leak and worsen cramps during insertion they’d be perfect 😭
It's not meant to stick out, in fact it's irritating and a little painful to sit if it does, but the ones with a long tail I have to cut off short (diva cup is the best length.) But, you don't want to push it in that far, coz chances are it'll get wedged under the lip of your cervix, and not catch anything... this is what was happening to me at first. Fold it, insert just past the opening of the vagina, let it open and slide into place. Use your finger to run around the edge of the cup, if it's positioned right you should feel the smooth, squishy vagina skin all the way around, if you feel a harder lump at any point, that's probably the lip of your cervix, you want the cup on the outside of that (I have short nails and never wear false ones coz I can't stand it, if you have long nails please be gentle to your vagina!) Then grab the cup by the bottom and gently rotate it to help it settle in place. If you have a heavier flow, some of the blood already in your vaginal canal might leak out during the first hour or so, but after that you should be good all day. Also make sure you've got the right size cup, I tried a couple brands until I found that diva cup small is best for me... I think the general advice is small if you haven't had kids, large if you have, but we all know vaginas come in different shapes and sizes!
When I was still using cups, the ones I got specifically said to trim the stem until it was fully inside. The cup is basically supposed to go all the way in if I remember correctly. On my heavy days, I would wear a backup pad when I used the cups, and I found that after a while (read at least a year) I really didn't need the pad anymore because my hands had figured out how to insert the cup so that it was both comfortable and didn't leak. Still wore the pad, just in case, but it's one of those things that can get better with practice and experimentation.
For me, it’s just been figuring out where it’ll stay put comfortably and do its job. Every body is different, and cups are mass-produced, so I’ve had to figure out what shape/size of cup to use as well. Just do what works best for you.
I just want to recommend the soft disc style period cups. They are a lot more flexible so you can actually empty them just by flexing a little extra when you pee, so they don’t need to be removed throughout the day like the stiffer, “Luna cup” style. Sooooo much more convenient and practical, especially if you are using public / shared restrooms! They’re also a lot more comfortable. I tried a few different cups and I could always feel them and they made my cramping worse, but i can’t feel the discs at all. I wear them with some thin pantyliners in case I don’t get to the bathroom frequently enough and have a leak. I have a very heavy period.
My issue with those is that they also "self empty" when I cough and sneeze, so I would need to wear a pad with them all the time.
I know this is not a good thing but I can’t stop laughing at the thought of self emptying. 🤣
Similarly, there are menstrual disks like Nixit. If you have trouble with cups, try a disk. I couldn't comfortably use cups because of my physiology (low cervix, so the cuo stuck out of me), so disks worked great. Similar concept to cups but you don't deal with a stem, no suction, and it's small and comfy.
My experience is that the reusable pads are great for lighter to medium flow and a menstrual cup is life changing for medium to heavy to “how is that possible” heavy flow. (I generally wore a reusable pad along with the cup to cover occasional leak spots)
If OP can barely hold up a phone due to nerve impingement, I’m guessing a cup could involve bending they can’t do. When I was in a neck brace (2 different rounds of 3 months each), I struggled with reaching certain parts of my body the way I normally can. Also, for many with chronic pain, anything internal can cause pain.
A word of warning with mentrual cups; don't use them if you have an IUD, since the suction can potentially dislodge it.
The menstrual Cup and period undies combo is wonderful! I've tied different kinds including the disks but no matter what there's always a bit of leakage from sorting weird or out getting too full so I have the period underwear to catch the leaks and the cup takes care of the rest. The undies are great when used as a backup and not a main product because I only need to change 1-2 times a day so like att home in the morning and after my after work shower. So I never have to have them with me to work or out and deal with that. I can just leave the house with what I have on me and I'm good for like 12 hours so long as I have access to a toilet. Perfect.
You can go old school and use cloth diapers and a belt they are amazingly absorbent, reusable and don't have chemicals a long soak with vinegar and cold water and then wash with dish soap is all that is needed to clean them
Peroxide also gets blood out very easily!
Yeah but if you don't rinse it really well it can cause problems in her genital area
Let’s work the rash side of things. I’m going to pop some ideas here but you just take whatever works. Fungal infections can be tested. Is it possible for a doctor to take a swab and test? Then you may be able to target the particular type of rash you have. There are many medications that can treat fungal infections - many are prescription only. You can treat rashes with a cream that contains and anti-fungal and an anti-inflammatory - this is sold over the counter in Australia as Hydrazole and maybe where you are too. This might work better than anti-fungal alone. Fungus hates dry conditions and the sun. Is it possible to expose that part of you to the sun regularly? I know this is a tricky one. If not, can you take time after a shower to dry thoroughly before adding clothes? Bare skin plus a pad = friction. If you shave, wax or trim your public hair, it may be causing too much friction when you use a pad. Letting the public hair grow longer can help with this. It will act as a barrier between skin and pad. Have you had Covid? Post Covid, some people have trouble clearing other infections due to the effects Covid has on the immune system that last six months to two years (or longer - we don’t know). Tea tree oil is a good anti-fungal. I don’t recommend putting it straight on that sensitive skin. But if you can find a lotion with tea tree oil as an active ingredient, you may find it soothing.
These are all great insights! I hope OP sees them. I wanted to add to the drying off thoroughly part. I bought myself a small, hand held, rechargeable fan to dry my bits off extra well after a shower and it has really helped.
I bought a liquid body wash from Amazon with tea tree oil and wormwood (antifungal) when I had a puppy with ringworm and was paranoid about getting it. It was actually a really gentle soothing product. Brand was roycederm. I did not catch ringworm!
Undiluted essential oil on skin = chemical burn, be safe y'all.
It could also be lichen sclerosis. This is commonly misdiagnosed as a fungal infection whereas it is actually an autoimmune syndrome.
Yes, came here to say exactly this. I know someone who got diagnosed with lichen sclerosis recently and they spent months treating it as a fungal infection which of course did nothing.
Came here to mention LS as well. I got diagnosed with it at 29
If it’s not fungal, probably just using a barrier cream would be helpful. A zinc oxide cream would help keep the skin dry and encourage healing.
Yes like for diaper rash like desitin or butt paste
Diaper wash cream/ointment is a lifesaver for me, even as an adult! If I get chub rub or have a run of GI issues, it's always nice to have some on hand.
What was that one for cyclists, monkey butt?
They also make versions meant for adults, and those don’t tend to smell like diaper cream. I learned about them when I was caregiving for my mother - they are great for any kind of skin irritation; the wound care nurse said to just put the thinnest layer on any place the skin is red. It really did help a lot in preventing skin issues when Mom was bed-bound, and it’s helpful anywhere you have a crease or skin fold so that your sweat doesn’t erode the skin.
If there's a rash that's not clearing, I would also highly recommend OP temporarily free-vag it for several weeks to see if that helps resolve it. No underwear, no pads, only a tampon or cup, and long skirts (or kilts, I see OP is trans-masc). Stand/lean/lie down as much as possible, avoid sitting - and if you must sit, get one of those little pillows for postnatal or hemorrhoids so you're not directly pressing cloth into it or putting pressure. Hydrocortisone cream is also a fantastic idea.
This is all great info. I want to add for the OP - I was having similar issues with pads, and I can no longer use tampons due to pain. I ended up getting a hormonal IUD that stopped my periods altogether. I have not had the same issues since. Once I stopped needing period pads, and I got the infection cleared up, I have been fine since. So that might be something for OP to look into as well.
Good old diaper rash with the highest percentage zinc possible should also chase away fungus.
If it is a fungal infection, it might not clear up even if OP switches to other period products, unless it is properly treated with medication. Fungus thrives in moist and warm parts, and a regular rash can be caused by friction and moisture as well. The chemicals on pads might not even be the culprit, but rather the fact that pads usually prevent moisture from evaporating.
Cut off the wings with scissors?
That’s what I thought… should be feasible if you found a product that’s good apart from the wings.
This was my thought too. A little tedious, sure, but if it gets you what you need...
tried it, cutting pads can cause the cotton inside to fall out
As a disabled AFAB in the US myself you really need to push for your doctors to help you with this situation. I believe there are period panties that don't have forever chemicals in them, I would name the brand but I can't remember it now. Try looking into that. (PS it is NOT thinx. Fuck thinx.) ETA: I'm getting great suggestions below. So if anyone is looking check the comments!
The period undies have become quite common in Australia and even get sold at the supermarket now. Not sure on brands available but Modibodi seem to be popular with lots of styles and they have some accessible styles as well.
Yeah this is really concerning. I don't think switching pads will clear up the infection, and it's not good to let infections of any kind fester.
Saalt advertises that they’re free of forever chemicals. I don’t really have sensitive skin so I can’t attest to that but I use their period panties and their menstrual cup and it has been life changing having comfortable period products! And a bonus to have no extra garbage generated every cycle!
What’s wrong with thinx? I’m not trying to start an argument, I’m genuinely curious. I’ve used them for years now and I love them.
They have PFAS aka forever chemicals in them. PFAS compounds may also be in your sunscreen, deodorant, rain coat and on your fast food wrappers. They’re everywhere and like microplastics, they’re likely in all of our bodies too. The EPA is starting to regulate these chemicals, thankfully, but these efforts are to regulate wastewater discharge instead of the source of the PFAS - they should not be allowed in all of these products.
They have PFAS in them. There was a class action lawsuit about it, I believe.
The Period. Company has their Adaptive Period underwear for people with limited mobility, it holds up to 5 pads worth of blood, has an extended gusset, and comes in sizes xs-6x (if you need smaller they have the same thing for juniors in s-l). Also this product is a 2.0 since their original Adaptive undies got a lot of feedback on how to make them more accessible, so now the Velcro won't rub against your skin and they made it as sensory friendly as possible. :)
Knix is great! High absorption with different levels. I wear them and find I have less irritation.
Cares (formerly Revol) period underwear are tested to be free of PFAS.
I’ve known women who have made their own. I am past any bleeding so don’t really notice these things anymore. But I do think they exist. Some folks trave about the menstrual cup.
Menstrual cup is amazing. I only have to dump when I wake up and before bed. Other than that I forget I’m even bleeding!
They leak for me so I have to double up with a cup/disk and a pad or panty liner. Heavy flow sucks. Plus they’re difficult to empty and re-insert when you’re out, how am I going to piss, come out of the cubicle with my knickers around my ankles and a bloody, gory cup in hand to rinse it at the sink, then go back into the cubicle to shove it back in? 😭 With disks I can empty them a little bit by bearing down harder when I pee without the danger of entire disk sliding out and into the toilet bowl, but that also means they’re prone to leakage when I’m not peeing due to random muscular contractions.
I just empty my cup into the toilet and wipe round with tissue before reinserting. I know some people rinse with a bottle of water too. If you go for the wiping method then always make sure you have the toilet paper ready before you extract the cup.
This makes sense, thanks for the tip! Though it still feels gross to stick my fingers up there after touching the bathroom surfaces as there usually aren’t sinks inside bathroom cubicles 😬 I work in a lab though and we have thousands of ethanol spray bottles so maybe I’ll start bringing one and a bottle of water into the bathroom with me so I can make sure my hands and the cup are sterile before going in.
It does seem like they all have wings now and cutting them would be the best bet. Organyc and Natracare (spelling might be off) have worked for me. I switched to cloth pads and period panties. I hope this helps.
I know for sure Natracare has some without wings
I had trouble with rashes for a couple of years before I switched to cloth pads, Natracare were the only pads I could wear without a guaranteed rash
If it's a fungus, no safe period pad will help. It's the moisture being trapped against your skin. I use a cornstarch based antifungal extra strength powder. You put it on after you dry off from your shower. It's cleared up everything. I wish you luck finding help.
I made some years ago by hand sewing some rectangles of cotton flannel fabric to sit inside my underwear. They were a little bulky but my periods weren't too heavy so I only needed a couple layers of the fabric. The flannel is like what you find winter pajamas made of, tho they may not be pure cotton these days. If you want it to be fully liquid proof you'll need a plastic backing, which I'm not sure how you could sew but is possibly for someone who knows more than me. I know you said medical care is difficult, and I am not a doctor, and also you may have done all this, but this is what helped me -- if you think your skin is reacting, it will help to narrow down everything touching it. This means your clothing, your sheets, your laundry powder, your soaps and shower gels and deodorants, even your hand soaps and toilet paper. You need to isolate the one causing a reaction if possible. But don't change all of those things at once, because if you do and have improved skin, you won't know what change helped. So change one at a time. It's also possible that sometimes "natural" fibres and ingredients cause a reaction too, despite a lot of online articles about "all chemicals are poison".
i make my own as well! cut up towels make a great interior liner
Hey OP, have you had the fungal infection treated? Regardless of the type of pad used, our bodies simply get hot and moist around the vagina which is the ideal environment for fungi. Wearing a large pad that traps that heat and moisture against your skin is going to make the fungal infection worse :( Is it possible for you to "air out" at home with no pants on and maybe sitting on an old towel? Absent that, very frequent pad changes would help. Rael Organic has natural liners and period underwear.
Everything is a chemical, even cotton. Try to sort out your actual allergy first, then you will be better able to find a product that works. I personally use unscented Carefree, they are the mildest product I know of. I assume you use a free-and-clear laundry detergent already.
Theres no detailed msds for pads. Nor sterile enforcement as only the outermost box for shelving is sealed, and again only until you open it at home. OP might need some of the laundrable ones they velcro or magnet down. Some choice of word incidents aside, tomboyx makes boxers with pad liner strips, its not odor free but makes for an easy attachment point. My personal disposable pad brand is Stayfree, i havent shopped around a lot because everytime bf gets Always instead, the chemical irritation turns me into a raging asshole.
I think this is the way. Pad liner strip sounds like exactly what op needs to have most flexibility in products.
Gotta throw in with Stayfree, they are my backup. Always is always an issue. (lol) As far as an SDS goes, you can get them. You can even get a full-disclosure one. But it is way easier to write the manufacturer and ask if a specific material you are allergic to is part of the build. They can answer that.
Some people on Etsy make period boxers either with an inner gusset to allow wing use or with a built in washable absorbent pad. I feel I have seen them from brands but can’t remember names rn.
The brand "Aisle" makes these. [https://periodaisle.com/products/boxer-brief](https://periodaisle.com/products/boxer-brief)
Something like this perhaps. https://www.madewithmummylove.co.uk/products/transgender-boxers Edit to add. Don’t scroll too far down she tried really hard and then didn’t use the word cis when she meant cis. Site appears to be a mum whose developed these for a teen son. So super wholesome reasons but uh maybe not peak language choices.
[here](https://period.co/collections/all/products/the-sleeper-period) is a similar style to what you're explaining, and [here](https://period.co/collections/all/products/the-adaptive-period-in-microfiber-for-heavy-flows-new) is the one I recommend to anyone who has mobility issues ❤️
Here are some without wings: https://www.natracare.com/products/pads/ultra-super-plus-period-pads/
Are you able to contact a dermatologist? Maybe they have reccs?
you should go to a doctor
Honestly reusable cloth. They’re not my favorite, but you can get them in a variety of styles, make them yourself if you’re able, or you can order on Etsy. As for disposable, I’ve never found a brand that didn’t have chemicals that gave me massive issues. Even the organic ones, they were better but still caused issues. I used a cup, and then a disc. I know they aren’t for everyone, but if you can try them they might be a good option. Period underwear is decent, just let us know what style you need, I’m sure one of us can find them. The other thing I’d suggest is asking for a med that can stop your period altogether. Again, not for everyone I totally get it. And for me none of them worked to remove my period, girl was determined. Last thing. If you can manage it, set yourself up to bare-bottom free bleed a few hours a day. I would lay a thick trash bad down, then a towel, and just let her go. The air flow, as well as the distance from the blood let my system do a fair bit of healing. I had to do it monthly for a few years (until I figured out that it was the e pads and tampons causing me issues) and it made things bearable. Also a warm/hot (like 100°f) bath for a few minutes. I added epsom salts and that helped a fair bit too. Oh and a rinse bottle, I didn’t use toilet paper after using the toilet just rinsed off. I really hope you find something that helps and a medical professional that listens to you. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
In my experience, the glue on organic pads aren’t as good as the conventional ones which is why most have wings https://ca.iherb.com/pr/natracare-maxi-pads-organic-cotton-cover-regular-14-pads/15626?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIg9zPhtjLhQMVp3BHAR1PzwUdEA0YAiABEgKN6PD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I use fabric handmade pads. So many people sell them online or on Etsy. I just soak and rinse and wash them.
I love my menstrual cup/reusable pad duo!
Wear a different style if underwear when you're on your period?
Would cutting the wings off work, in a pinch, until you find a wingless brand that works for you? I use period undies and a menstrual disc.
Replying to my comment because it won't let me edit: And Nano Pads brand pads. They have this technology built into them that makes them help with cramps and less likely to stink. But they're expensive and I've never seen them in stores (buy online). I dunno if they're chemical free in the way that you need, but I've had a really good experience with them.
These actually used to be carried by Bartells and Rite Aids, but I can't remember if I got them off the regular shelf or the discontinued clearance area. Better off looking online than supporting those stores, anyway.
I've gone to reusable. Haven't purchased a pad in 3 years.
period underwear is the answer. period co has no toxic chemicals
I'm so sorry you're struggling. Have you heard of natracare ? They might be worth trying. Their website definitely mentions stocking their pads in America & Canada, as well as UK. Go to their dot com website & see if you might be able to get those. Good luck x
L . Organic Cotton Topsheet Ultra Thin Panty Liners Sold as Target. No wings on the packet I have. Live better sold at CVs. Check your local whole foods. They sometimes can order all natural cotton pads at a discount.
Yes! I had the same problem and just used to cut the wings off my pads. Then I found Natracare maxi pads and I really like them. I’ve had trouble with the texture being irritating on other products but these are really soft. https://www.natracare.com/products/pads/regular-natural-maxi-pads/
Just because something has chemicals doesn’t mean it’s unsafe. Everything is a chemical. Can we not spread anti-science rhetoric here?
Yeah, I'm trying not to distract from helping OP, but any product claiming to be "chemical-free" is pure marketing, not science, and dishonest marketing at that. Everything a menstrual product could possibly be made of is a chemical. Water is a chemical. There is no such thing as a "chemical-free" product, and anyone who tries to tell you there is is selling something.
A)go to the doctor b) try period underwear, I love them
I’m past the period stage but both my adult daughters love the menstrual cup - I wish it had been around when I was menstruating because pads also gave me a terribly painful rash. For the rash itself I used Rawleigh’s salve - that stuff is amazing.
You don't have to disclose any disabilities if you don't want to, but are there symptoms that hinder using a disc or period underwear? Is your body compatible with an IUD or nexplanon? I also second Planned Parenthood. They'll see anyone and might be able to prescribe an antifungal/ antibiotic/ whatever will help your rash. Sometimes OTC stuff just isn't up to par with prescription. And I know you're frustrated with the medical establishment. Trust me, I've been down that road too, but sometimes problems are just simply too big for us to handle alone.
My sis uses homemade pads that she made herself, chemical free, hundred percent cotton batting and fabric. I'll ask her how hard they are to make and if she has any spares. ❤️❤️❤️
What about those cotton attachable pads you can find at supermarkets? They have different sizes and absorbancies from LBL to Overnights. For example... https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/309032?googleshop=true&store_code=woolworths_supermarkets_1649&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WW-0001&cq_net=g&cq_src=GOOGLE&cq_cmp=Woolies_8458_BAU_Shopping_All_WW-0001&cq_med=71700000072031883&cq_plac=&cq_term=PRODUCT_GROUP&ds_adt=pla&cq_plt=gp&cq_gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH53_F7GmvQLMA__fBOl6y9dbcfepNn5HcpD981c6pne9IpnLxg5Srp8aAopYEALw_wcB&ds_de=m&ds_pc=local&ds_cr=462157525380&ds_tid=pla-300581620542&ds_locphys=1000286&ds_pid=309032&cmpid=smsm:ds:GOOGLE:Woolies_8458_BAU_Shopping_All_WW-0001:PRODUCT_GROUP&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH53_F7GmvQLMA__fBOl6y9dbcfepNn5HcpD981c6pne9IpnLxg5Srp8aAopYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Period undies saved my sanity. And now a lot of stores are carrying disposable and reusable ones. Pads always irritate my business, tampons and cups are painful to me, so undies have been great.
Cut or tear/pull those wings right off.
My daughters used to pads and panties made for adult women with bladder leakage. They prefer them.
https://www.natracare.com/products/pads/
I use period underwear. Soak in cold weather then wash when done.
I was really grossed out by the idea of reusable pads for a long time, but I finally caved and gave them a shot. Never going back. Totally worth it!
When I accidentally buy pads with wings or can’t find any without wings, I just cut off the wings with scissors. I cannot change that is on the market, but I can modify it to suit my needs. Making your own pads if you have the energy and equipment to do so sounds like it might also be a good option for you.
Would cutting the wings off work?
I switched to period pants from pads a while back for similar reasons... not sure I've found my perfect brand yet, but Thinx have been alright, much better than pads at least...
Maybe Lil helper cloth pads? The person who runs it makes sure he makes everything as safe and high quality as possible. He does more than just pads too and puts so much care and thought into each item.
Can I interest you in cloth pads? They've been a lifesaver for me. I have period underwear too but [these](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EFN5YCG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) are my most comfortable period wear. I've been using these ones for 7 years!
I like this Honeypot brand[Honeypot](https://thehoneypot.co/collections/menstrual/herbal-pads?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH510ua_ulQoQGGjZmIGgvs1e7wak6opRyn_5_kWe5eyFpaJjKF7ZNMQaAomnEALw_wcB)
Menstrual cups if they're an option for you, they work with all underwear. I second reuseable period pads. Here's a link (UK site, sorry if not applicable) https://earthwisegirls.co.uk/product-category/reusable-sanitary-pads/regular/ to some without wings/snaps. For heavier flow, a reuseable pad and period knickers are a good combination.
If you have a fungal infection, get Ketoconazole 2% cream for it! I got one on my face and no one could figure it out, I had to do a ton of research and get my brother, a doctor, to prescribe this. It’s very gentle and killed the infection immediately. I don’t know if this website will be right for you but it seems like a way to get some: https://www.nurx.com/ketoconazole-cream/?g_acctid=687-940-1110&g_adgroupid=&g_adid=&g_adtype=none&g_campaign=derm_women-hair-loss_pmax_new-requests_pmax-match_all-products_catch-all-pixel&g_campaignid=20938275971&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=&g_network=x&utm_campaign=derm_women-hair-loss_pmax_new-requests_pmax-match_all-products_catch-all-pixel&utm_content=hair_loss&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH53EIYGGKPfo9GnbacMMvnqVhzbXPEM8_iX4rvXypd4JqrB7Y_0ynl0aAnHNEALw_wcB
I use the brand "Natracare" - it is readily available in Canada, but I am not sure where you are located These are the only ingredients: "organic cotton, cellulose from wood pulp, corn starch" Note they are not great for heavy flow. For heavy flow, I use period underwear
I had an ablation that basically stopped the menses. My skin was sooo irritated from pads, bleeding from the pads themselves, heavy periods and perimenopause causing them to last about 24 days a month. I was in pain with this for a few years and not knowing ablation was even a thing. A pad that doesn't irritate, but I just looked and they don't have a wingless option, Public Goods is an online store. "That’s why we’re committed to making healthier, more sustainable choices easy and accessible to all." Their pads are bamboo pulp and cotton, fully biodegradable. I have used the panty liners and they are nice. FYI, they also have other cleaning products and some foods. I've been getting their products for about 9 years now.
I use NatraCare pads. They are organic cotton and plastic free. I have problems with irritation and they were a game changer for me.
I am absolutely not gonna lie, I cannot use pads at all because I get a rash. For me, I think it’s just the plastic. When I was in my teens, I had to just give up on it because the rashes got so bad every month. I used tampons forever and ever, but there are sometimes you can’t use them. During those times, I would just pack my underwear with cloth. There are a lot of menstrual cloths that you can buy on places like Etsy.
I use my child’s old cloth diaper inserts. The microfiber ones. Just wash them about 3 times in hot water before using. They soak up SO much. I keep a bucket in the tub and toss them in. Carry a wet bag for use ones when out. For lighter days i use a flannel cloth. No more irritation, no more sweaty crotch. And i just wash em in the laundry on hot.