Periods 101
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Period leaks: How they happen & how to deal with them
Period leaks happen. It's how we tackle them that matters. We're all about period pride here at Mooncup HQ but we know they don't always make life easy. Bloating, cramps and fatigue aside, it can also be a messy time of the month. We’ve all experienced leaks during our period - we're only human after all - but why do period leaks happen and how can you prevent them from happening? We've got all your questions answered...
What are period leaks?
Period leaks are (quite literally) when your period leaks through your protection. This could be because of a sudden gush of blood, blood seeping through your pad or a wonky tampon. It’s never planned and certainly never convenient. However, it’s important to remember that if you’ve experienced a period leak, you’re definitely not the first and you certainly won’t be the last.
Why do period leaks happen?
Period leaks happen for a number of reasons, some of the most common reasons are:
- Incorrect period care size or absorbency
- Sleeping position
- Full pad
- Incorrectly inserted menstrual cup
- Crooked pad or tampon
How to prevent period leaks from happening
Preventing period leaks may feel like you're trying to take on gravity, however we've got a few tips on the subject. Our advice: always be prepared & get to know your flow. Here's three key takeaways...
Use the right absorbency for your flow
Your flow can vary throughout the duration of your period. Some of us experience heavier flow during the first few days that becomes lighter on the remaining days whereas others can experience light bleeding or spotting for the first few days which is followed by three to four days of heavier flow. Whilst you might not want to take a closer look at your menstrual fluid, it’s worth getting to know your flow and adapting your period care to cater to it. Opting for mixed absorbency pads or tampons can be a great way to personalise your period.
Switch to a Menstrual Cup
For some, finding the time and space to change a pad or tampon through the day or night can be difficult. If you experience a heavier flow and don’t want to risk any period leaks whilst out and about, switching to a menstrual cup could be the perfect choice. A Mooncup is super soft and can be worn for up to 8 hours, holding the equivalent of up to 3 tampons. Designed to last up to 10 years, menstrual cups are also a planet-friendly zero-waste option.
Wear extra protection at bedtime
Just like skincare, it’s worth incorporating a night-time routine for your period care too. Many find that they experience a period leak at night and wake up to a bloody mess. Some people bleed more heavily at night, and this can be due to the body being less mobile whilst asleep. Another reason is that because you’re asleep and therefore not changing your period care as often as you would during the day, period leaks are more likely to happen.
To prevent period leaks, we recommend wearing ultra-absorbent heavy pads and underwear that is more secure. If you’re looking for freedom at nighttime, our reusable pants are perfect. Wearable for up to 10 hours, they’re perfect for bedtime & absorb 4 tampons worth of your period.
