Our testers first evaluated the absorbency of each pair of underwear by pouring the maximum advertised amount of liquid onto the gusset. They noted how well the underwear absorbed the liquid, rating each pair on a scale of one to five. Adi Katz, MD, FACOG, director of gynecology and director of the obstetrics and gynecology residency program at Lenox Hill Hospital

When it comes to fabric, period underwear isn’t as straightforward as regular underwear. You’ll need to consider both the body material and the gusset material when you’re choosing the best pair for you. Next, the team conducted a simple test with dry filter paper to determine whether or not the underwear had any leakage or fluid transfer issues. Testers held the filter paper against the underwear for 30 seconds and noted any changes in moisture, texture, or appearance. The third step was to wash each pair of underwear according to instructions with mild, unscented, dye-free detergent. The testers noted staining, residual odor, and the overall state of the underwear after washing. Because of a class-action settlement by Thinx that alleged PFAS were found in their products, many people are worried about the impact of these chemicals in period underwear.

How we tested

Period underwear are pants made from absorbent fabric. They soak up blood in the same way as sanitary pads, and have a layer to prevent leaks. They're designed to be washed and reused. PMS (premenstrual syndrome) You’ll also need to consider what kind of fabric and design you prefer. For example, some fabrics are stretchier, while others are less elastic. If you prefer seamless underwear, that is another feature to look for in your period underwear.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate any period products, so there is no way to know if period underwear or other menstrual products contain PFAS or other chemicals. Working out when you can get pregnant – your fertile time – can be difficult. It's around the time you ovulate, which is about 12 to 16 days before the start of your next period. Why we love them:"WUKA's Ultimate High Waist period pants were the first pair of period pants I ever tried. To be honest, they're not my go-to, because my flow isn't quite heavy enough to justify needing a pair of panties with a super-heavy absorbency – but on the days I do need a little extra protection, I'll reach for them. I like that they sit really high on the waist (it's the perfect antidote to period-induced bloat), and I like that they always felt dry (even after I had bled into them for upwards of six hours). The gusset is extra-long for extra piece of mind, and the mesh panels make me feel a little bit sexier (when I'd otherwise feel anything but).Menstrual cups collect the blood rather than absorb it. Unlike tampons and most sanitary pads, which are thrown away after they've been used, you can wash menstrual cups and use them again. Period underwear Why we love them: “Period-proof bikinis bottoms? Really? I was sceptical. Nervous, actually. I was on holiday with my friends in the South of France, begrudgingly on my period, and desperate to get involved in water sports/swimming races without fear of leaking. The perfect time to put them to the test, some might say, but that didn't stop the fear. Why we love them: “I have to say - I was a little sceptical about strayed away from a longer-standing period pants brand in favour of a (albeit stalwart) high street label, but I was pleasantly surprised by M&S' period panties offering. While they're probably not quite as absorbent as they were sold to be, they suited me fine for WFH days and felt super comfortable. I also loved how high the legs have been cut on these period pants – it makes me feel a lot “sexier” than I usually feel on my period, and means they can't be seen under many styles of clothes. The biggest limitation to our testing was time, but we are already working on another round of testing. This time, we’ll analyze how these selections hold up over time and with frequent washing. Stay tuned! Your periods will continue until you reach the menopause, which usually happens when you are in your mid-40s to mid-50s. In the UK the average age of menopause is 51.

Our period underwear testing was conducted in the Verywell Lab, with over 46 products under review. We consulted with several experts, including: Tampons come with instructions that explain how to use them. If the tampon is inserted correctly, you should not be able to feel it inside you. If you can feel it or it hurts, it might not be in properly. Why we love them:"As someone who's woken up to that dreaded crimson stain on my white bed sheets more times than I care to admit, finding a solution to aunt Flo's monthly crimes was top of my shopping list. Enter Modibodi. We're three years into my switch from tampons and pads to period pants and, I can say with complete honesty that Modibodi period pants have transformed the quality of my sleep. We would be remiss if we failed to mention Aisle Leakproof Period BOOST Boxersdue to their comfort, unique design, and amazing absorption. They didn’t quite hold the advertised amount of 8 teaspoons of fluid, though. A delay in starting periods isn't usually a cause for concern. Most girls will be having regular periods by age 16 to 18.

Read more about heavy periods, period pain, irregular periods and stopped or missed periods. When do periods start? The OBGYNs and researchers we spoke to agreed that we are exposed to PFAS so often on a daily basis that using period underwear for a few days every month may not pose any additional risks to our health. "People are exposed to PFAS daily in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It's impossible for us to avoid PFAS exposure in our daily lives. We don't need to be alarmed about the potential for health effects due to the use of Thinx products," Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, FACEP, FUHM, FACMT, Medical Toxicologist, Co-Medical Director, and Interim Executive Director of the National Capital Poison Center told Verywell Health. When your period is at its heaviest, the blood will be red. On lighter days, it may be pink or brown. Sanitary products soak up or collect the blood released during your period. The main types of sanitary products are: