Community Spotlight: Things I don't like about period panties!

Over 10,000+ women have tried Nushu Period Panties so far! 🩸

It’s only realistic to expect that we’ve gotten at least a few complaints, right? Yep, we did. 

So this time we’re speaking to a Nushu customer, who had a couple of very valid complaints!

In conversation: Brishti Dutta, 30, Mumbai

–

👉🏼Nushu: Why did you decide to try period underwear?
Brishti: So I’d been using pads all my life. That’s what I was comfortable with – rather, that’s what I was accustomed to. Even the irritation, itching, I’d just sort of just accepted. 

I had come across the concept of period underwear & I tried a disposable period panty a few times – that was super comfortable especially during travel, but it also felt like a diaper. 

So when a friend asked me to try the reusable ones, I was a bit skeptical, but I thought I’ll try it while I’m home. Worst case, I’ll just have to go back to pads.

 

👉🏼Nushu: What’s your experience been like since you’ve tried them?
Brishti: I’ll be honest – I have mixed feelings. I’d tried the Super Heavy Duo, which was recommended by my friend.

The good part is that it actually is super comfortable and the material itself is so soft, I was actually keen on trying it when I touched it! Even when I wore it for a while I didn't really feel like I was wearing soggy underwear, so the absorption is good. 

For me the icky part is washing.

I don’t like it for a few reasons:

1. I’m yet to get used to touching my own blood. So with time that might change, but that still causes some resistance for me to pick an underwear over pads/ disposable underwear
2. When I have to go to the office, if I happen to have heavier flow, it stresses me out to think where will I wash it, how will I take it back, etc. 
3. The clots wash off easily but they do sit on the surface, which I understand, but makes me feel a bit icky

👉🏼Nushu: So do you still use Nushu?
Brishti: I know I’ve complained a lot about the washing bit, but I haven’t completely abandoned them! 

From a comfort perspective, they’re truly unmatched! Pads are convenient, but they’re so uncomfortable, I can’t. The itchiness would just make my period worse. So at least that’s one relief with Nushu. 

What I’ve started doing now is, I wear them when I’m at home (or when I head out for shorter durations) since I don't have to stress about how/where to wash them. 

Plus, once the rinsing is done, I just put it in the machine, so I’m over with it. 

👉🏼Nushu: Do you slowly find yourself getting accustomed to the washing?
Brishti: I do actually – I don’t find it as icky as I did a few months ago, and I do see myself getting over it eventually. 

It’s teaching me to let go of my conditioning regarding period blood, which wouldn’t have been a conscious thought had I not tried it. So slowly & steadily I’m getting there.

 

👉🏼Nushu: Do you think the pros outweigh the cons?
Brishti: Yes, to some extent since I use it selectively. I choose comfort over the ick of washing when I don’t have to worry about how/ where to wash. Or any public washrooms or when i’m travelling for a short span. 

But yes, the bottom line is (Nushu) period panties changed the way I experience my period - it's not as uncomfortable as it used to be. 

—

Washing can feel uncomfortable to several women – and it's not their fault. 

For generations together, we’ve been conditioned to shun menstruation, let alone touch menstrual blood. So de-conditioning oneself can be a process that takes time and patience!

Once accomplished, it can feel liberating too! Your period has the power to make you feel connected to your body & your cycle. To own it, is to stay in power – and that’s what Nushu aims to bring to you :)