Do you know that we spend over $4,752 over our lifetime on disposable period products? That's almost $5,000 down the drain for being female! Plus, pad and tampons are unsustainable and environmentally unfriendly.
One of the reasons why most menstrual products are unsustainable is because of the lack of conversation about it. Pad and tampons are sold with discreet plastic packaging because it is taboo to handle a menstrual product in public. To admit that you have to bleed monthly is still considered shameful despite how modernized we are.
#TransformingTaboos around women's reproductive health and sexuality is an important step for us to be part of the solution to the plastic waste crisis.
Meet fermata Singapore
Fermata is the leading femtech ecosystem in Asia and it's now here in Singapore! The team is on a mission to transform taboos into triumphs by providing solutions to improve a women's health and well-being. They provide women with tools and knowledge to help them achieve their goals. By transforming the women's body changes from a deterrent to a driving force, women no longer have to be restrained by taboos.
Offering novel period solutions, like the period underwear
Menstrual underwear is a reusable panty that you bleed into during your period. This underwear is perfect for frequent pad users who want to try out something more environmentally-friendly but don't want to insert something inside, like menstrual cups. It is also suitable for those suffering from slight urine leakage after childbirth or during menopause.
EVE Organic Period Panty
The EVE Organic Period Panty has 4 layers of organic, natural textiles that are environmentally and human-friendly, and free of toxic chemicals. Layer 1 contains a GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified 100% organic cotton. Layer 2 and 3 have 70% bamboo fabric that helps absorb the smell. Layer 4 have 95% organic cotton, waterproof film and 5% spandex. The waterproof fabric has a "Blue Sign" sustainability certification and the water-absorbent fabric have a European eco-certification "Oko-tex standard 100".
I got the Eve Organic Period Panty in black, but they have a natural color as well.
High-waist designed
Manufactured in South Korea, the period panty has a high-waist design that helps support the lower belly comfortably during your cycle. I love this high-waisted design as it not only supports my lower belly but it helps keep my stomach warm. It was like having a warm hug consistently on your lower belly.
The 4 layers of organic and natural bamboo textile were not only made around the bottom of the pelvis, but it extends to the back as well. This design removes the fear of leakage while laying down. However, if you are suffering from heavy periods, anxious nights, or days when you don't want to leak, you can use it in combination with a tampon or sanitary napkin.
Absorb water up to 5 ml instantly and up to 15 ml of fluids
I did a test where I pour a small cup of water directly on the inside of the panty. Due to the slight waterproof film, the water did stay on the top for a few seconds before getting absorbed into the panty.
It did a great job in absorbing the water quickly without any leakage on the outside of the panty.
Why I made the switch from pads
Aside from the uncomfortable cramps and hormonal mood swings during my menstrual cycle, one of the main problems I face is leakage at the side of my underwear. Since I am a person that enjoys lying down, my sitting posture resembles someone that does not have a backbone. This is a problem when you are a wingless pad user. The problem kept reappearing at every cycle until I decided to only sit upright throughout my cycle and change to a pad with wings.
However, that change comes with another issue. Pads with wings are uncomfortable and itchy especially at the inner thighs. The sensation and sound of plastic every time I move made me cranky all the time. It makes me hyper-aware that I am 'suffering in silence' as my uterus sheds its inner lining. I considered changing to a tampon but all the articles about tampon disasters got me freaked out. Thus, I am stuck with uncomfortable pads.
Wearing EVE Organic Period Panty on the Heaviest Day of my Cycle
Since the usage of a period panty is like a pad, I thought I'll try it out. I wore this on Day 2 of my menstrual cycle, the heaviest day for me. Since I got an M, I was afraid that it would be too tight for me since I did gain some weight from the time I ordered the panty. Thanks to the spandex, it fit perfectly.
The panty fits me snuggly as the high waisted design hugged my lower belly and lower back. That gave me a warm feeling throughout usage. Plus, it helps support and soothe the pain from my lower back.
Another worry I had was the underwear being too bulky due to its heavy bottom. After I put it on, all the worries went out the window since it resembles the shape of my usual underwear. The panty hugged my curves at all the right places, allowing me to wear whatever I want. It felt different putting on a panty without a pad during your period. There's a sense of adventure and freedom as you bleed freely into the soft and comfortable fabric.
It was the first time in my life I did not feel or hear the irritating plastic in between my legs. Despite the layers of fabric and bamboo textile used to make this panty, it does not feel like a diaper. It feels like you're putting on your regular underpants and heading about your day. It was the most comfortable menstrual product that I have used.
I almost forget about my period until I head to the bathroom!
Since I got the black panty, blood could not be seen. I could only see the damp spots from where the blood was. However, if you're prone to have period clots, they will sit on top of your panty. I suggest wiping them down and removing the clots before putting them back on. I also noticed that there were not much scent coming from it as well.
As a person that changes a pad every time I head to the bathroom, re-wearing the panty after a trip to the toilet felt weird. The dampness on the top of my underwear came in contact with my skin when I wore the panty again. It was not my favourite sensation but it goes away after some time, allowing me to forget about Aunt Flo.
The best part about wearing this panty is I can lie down and sit however I want without having to worry about any leakage since it is all covered. After 6 hours, I stopped wearing the panty and took it for a wash.
Washing Process
I started by rinsing the period panty under cold water. Since I wore it on a heavy day, the blood kept flowing for up to 5 minutes. I was shocked at how much blood the panty could take. It did not look nor feel like that much since all I see is damp spots. After the water became clear, I soak it in mild detergent before hand washing it and hanging it up to dry. Cleansing it was an easy process, drying it took some time especially on rainy and cloudy days. It took 2 - 3 days for my underwear to be fully dried.
My conclusion
All in all, the EVE Organic Period Panty is a wonderful product for pad users that are looking for a more environmentally-friendly option for your menstrual cycle. The menstrual underwear is soft, comfortable and suitable for medium to heavy bleeders as well. I like how the high waist design hugs my lower belly and lower back, giving me comfort and warmth throughout usage. Additionally, it allows you to move freely and experience free bleeding without any leakage.
With that, transform taboos into triumphs with fermata Singapore this menstrual cycle. Quote IRUR10 for 10% off Eve and Period Tokyo menstrual panties from fermata Singapore.
Fermata provides discreet shipping as well.