How Period Pants Can Help to Prevent Thrush11 March 2024 | Admin Eurgh. It used to be at least a few times a year that I would get my period and at the same time, I'd start feeling itchy and uncomfortable. I used to have to have a stash of antifungal medication on hand, plus of course buckets of trusty antifungal cream. Thrush is a common yet uncomfortable condition that many women face in and around the time of their menstrual cycles. Characterized by itching, irritation, and sometimes discharge, thrush can significantly disrupt daily life. However, there's a potential solution that not many are aware of: period pants and reusable pads. In this blog post, we'll delve into what thrush is, its connection to menstruation, and how period pants and reusable pads can be a game-changer in preventing this pesky issue. In this post we'll look at: What is Thrush? Why do I get Thrush around my period? How Period Pants Can Help Thrush - Breathable Material
- Absorbent Layers
- Naturally Antimicrobial (Bamboo)
- Free from Irritants
Thrush, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the body, most commonly a fungus called candida. It often affects warm, moist areas of the body, including the mouth, throat, skin, and genitals. In women, thrush often occurs around the vagina and symptoms of thrush such as leading to discomfort such as itching, burning, and white vaginal discharge often liked to cottage-cheese can occur. If you suffer from a weakened immune system, you're more at risk of developing thrush also. Improving the balance of bacteria in your diet by drinking kombucha, eating kimchi or yogurt is also a good way of reducing the frequency of thrush episodes. Healthy bacteria really help! If you suffer from pain after sex or when you pee, this is less likely to be thrush and it's worth visiting your GP as it could be a sexually transmitted infection (STI), cystitis or bacterial vaginosis (BV). You may find our articles 'The Ultimate Guide to BV and Your Period' and 'Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge' interesting if you require further details. 
You can get thrush around your period for two reasons. Firstly, the drop in oestrogen which brings on your period can change the internal environment of the vagina giving thrush the chance to embed itself. Secondly, your vulva PH balance changes as a result of the bleeding which again makes a fertile breeding ground for thrush. Thirdly, using plastic filled sanitary products can increase the amount of bacteria and yeast in the vulva and vaginal area. "I suffer from lichen sclerosis and recurrent thrush and Cheeky’s reusable pads are simply life changing! Thank you so much! The organic cotton reusable pads are so safe, soothing and effective I honestly can’t believe it. No itchiness, LS flares or discomfort, and the absorption is second to none. I will never use anything else. I’m so happy too that there is nothing going into my bin at any point. Good for the environment and good for me! I love it! I’d also like to call out the fantastic, knowledgeable and personal customer services who really know what they are talking about! Great company" Fiona, Trustpilot Period knickers offer a revolutionary approach to managing menstruation while simultaneously combating issues like vaginal yeast infections. Here's how period pants and reusable pads can help thrush: Period pants and pads are made from natural materials which are highly breathable like bamboo fabric and organic cotton. Unlike conventional pads or tampons which are both often full of plastic, period undies and pads allow air to circulate freely, avoiding trapping moisture. This breathability helps to keep the vaginal area dry and cool, reducing the risk of thrush development. By choosing period pants, individuals can avoid the discomfort and inconvenience associated with thrush during their periods. 
"I wish I’d found these products sooner! I was a bit unsure of reusable sanitary pads at first, but I’m so glad I tried them. No more itching, no more skin irritations, no leaking, and no more monthly thrush episodes. The pads are soft and comfortable, incredibly absorbent, the designs are pretty (always a plus), easy to wash, and they’re kinder to the environment! I definitely won’t be going back to disposables." Victoria, Trustpilot One of the key features of period pants and pads is their absorbent layers, designed to wick away moisture and prevent leaks. Unlike plastic filled sanitary pads that can leave moisture against the skin, period knickers and reusable pads absorb menstrual flow, keeping the vaginal area dry and minimizing the risk of fungal overgrowth. This moisture-wicking property contributes to overall vaginal health and reduces the likelihood of thrush. Bamboo fabric, commonly used in period shorts, pants and pads, possesses natural antimicrobial properties. This means that it has the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, including the yeast responsible for thrush. By wearing period undies or bamboo period pads, this adds an added layer of protection against thrush, promoting a healthier vaginal environment during menstruation. Many conventional menstrual products contain chemicals, fragrances, and other potential irritants that can disrupt the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome and increase the risk of thrush. It's also a good idea to reduce the use of shower gels and other irritants around this time of the month. Just use water to gently cleanse your vulva and vagina. Reusable period knickers and pads, especially those made from organic and hypoallergenic materials, are free from these harmful additives, reducing the likelihood of irritation and inflammation. By choosing period pants over traditional options, individuals can minimize their exposure to irritants and support vaginal health. "Worth every penny. Great products, helpful and friendly service. No longer suffer from thrush due to plastics and periods seem lighter. Would recommend to everyone" Mrs Hiles, Trustpilot In conclusion, thrush is a common problem for many women, especially during their menstrual cycles. However, by switching to period pants or reusable period pads, it's possible to reduce the risk of thrush and maintain optimal vaginal health. With their breathable materials, absorbent layers, antimicrobial properties, and irritant-free composition, period pants and pads offer a holistic solution to menstrual hygiene. If you have any questions or want to explore more about period products, check out our other blog posts or drop us a line. The team all use our products themselves and just love to help people make the switch and ditch disposables. And if you found this article useful, you may also enjoy these: About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable period kits and reusable intimate care. Both she and the rest of the leadership team are now navigating menopause, with all the joys it brings! The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021. | 
