Let's talk about the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products and why you should try reusable period products, such as Modibodi period undies*!

What is the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products?

Did you know that disposable menstrual products (pads, tampons, applicators and individual wrapping) generate over 200,000 tonnes of waste per year?

Where do they end up? Take a wild guess… in landfill or in the oceans, because they are mainly made of plastic. Which means that they will take centuries to degrade.

A person who menstruates goes through 11,000 disposable period products in their lifetime on average. Now imagine if we were all making sustainable swaps and ditching the disposables? The amount of waste would be considerably reduced.

The health risks around tampons

Not only does the production of cotton have a very heavy water footprint, but most brands use non-organic cotton which has been infused with pesticides. Tampons also contain chemicals such as chlorine.

I used regular tampons for years and although I made the switch to reusable menstrual products for environmental reasons first, the fact that regular tampons are full of crap reinforced my decision to stop using them!

You might also have heard of the toxic shock syndrome. It is a life-threatening condition caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins. The main cause is the use of tampons but it can also be caused by a menstrual cup.

Although it’s a rare condition, it does scare me and I’d rather avoid any unnecessary risk, which is why I’ve been testing Modibodi period underwear.

What is period underwear?

Period underwear are simply undies to wear during your period instead of tampons or pads. They look and feel like regular underwear but they are equipped with extra layers and absorbent fabrics.

Period undies can hold a few tampons’ worth of flow and are also designed to prevent leaks and stains.

You can totally wear a pair of period undies on its own or pair it with a period cup for a complete zero-waste experience on heavier days.

Modibodi period underwear review

Before receiving my Modibodi undies I’ve never tried any period undies before and I didn’t know what to expect. I was slightly scared that they would be quite bulky, nappy-like but it’s not the case at all. I received them at the right time to try them in “real life conditions” and share my thoughts below.

How does it feel?

It’s like wearing normal undies with a pad that you can’t feel (as opposed to the annoying, uncomfortable disposable pad). I tried first at night and I felt very comfortable. Modibodi period undies are super slim, only 3mm thick!

Does it work?

According to my personal experience so far, yes it does! However I received them half-way through my period so I’ll need to wait for next month to try them on the first, heavier days.

These undies are made with Modibodi’s Modifier Technology™ which can hold up to up to 4 tampons worth!

The top layer is made of bamboo, which keeps you dry and fresh. The middle layer absorbs fluids and the bottom layer offers waterproof protection, so that you’re fully covered!

How to wash your period underwear?

Modibodi products are machine washable. They advise to wash on a gentle cycle and to avoid fabric softeners and strong detergents.

Also, do not soak them! I’m glad I read the instructions on Modibodi website before the first wash, because I would have totally made that mistake. Soaking can reduce the efficiency of the product and thin the materials.

Instead, squeeze your undies under running water then put them in the washing machine.

If they are well taken care of, they can last for 2 years or even longer!

Modibodi period undies: options for everybody

Do you prefer a full brief, a classic bikini, a high waisted seamless brief? There are many styles and colours to choose from on the website.

There are also various options based on your needs: from heavy overnight to light moderate and superlight.

In the photos I am wearing the Seamfree Full Brief in Black in XS

Modibodi discount code

Modibodi have kindly given me a 15% off code to share with you :) Simply use code CHLOEH15 at checkout!

No minimum spend required and it works on the whole website excluding sale items, the Maxi 24 hour range and bundles.

*This blog post is kindly sponsored by Modibodi, however all opinions are my own and I would never recommend products I wouldn’t use myself!