FAQ Panties
How much fluid can Femi.Eko® period underwear hold?
The range of Femi.Eko® menstrual panties is a wide one, dedicated to various absorption needs. Some of our collections (FRIDA, FREJA, SMILLA) can hold up to 5 regular tampons’ worth of fluid (45 mL), but Luna collection keeps up to 10 regular tampons worth of fluid (100 ml). Majority of our period underwear have moderate absorption (IDA, SANNE, SILKE, FLORA), which is ideal for up to 8 hours protection, even though, depending on the flow you can wear the underwear up to 12 hours (doctors do not recommend that long though as is best to maintain a safe hygiene). The difference in protection is given by the absorption layers, which can be thicker or having less layers (like our Light Absorption from Ella Collection), and also is given by the absorption area, which can be half or full to the back side of the underwear.Â
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You can check our absorption levels scheme, which provides you the approximate info regarding how much our levels can absorb compared with other period products. The time you use it can depend on the flow or needs.
How is the period underwear made?
The Femi.Eko®  period underwear are just regular underwear, but having 4 layers to the middle area.Â
The superior layer, the one entering in contact with your genitals, is made of organic cotton, without PFAs or pesticides, to be safe for your reproductive system.Â
The middle layers are made for efficient absorption and the last one is waterproof to block liquid.
 The main fabric of the underwear depends on the model and style, and is always carefully selected to be soft, comfortable and breathable.Â
The layers can not be felt while wearing them, so you will be able to enjoy normal activities stress-free. You won’t feel the difference between normal and period underwear, and you will just forget about being on period.
Will period underwear leak?
Period underwear is made to be very absorbent, thanks to the innovative layers of fabric. Our period underwear has a waterproof backing for extra protection(PUL). Of course, just like disposable pads, you need to change them out before they are totally saturated with liquid. After wearing period underwear for just a while, you’ll know when it’s time to change them.Â
Even though period underwear are not made to leak, you can experience supra-saturation of a small area (in a short time) or leaks around the sided sewings. If so, reach out to us, explaining the problem, and we will advise you further. If there is any production error we will happily change your product within 90 days from purchase.Â
ExtraTip! If you are out and about and can’t change when you planned to, you can soak the extra liquid with a piece of toilet paper, having so the security that the period underwear doesn’t get too saturated.Â
How do I find the right size for me?
You may want to check our size chart. Our measures are made to be a comfortable fit, so please choose the right measure for you. Please check for each model the individual reference of size of the waist and be sure to also count the elasticity of the fabric if you are between measures. Otherwise you can benefit from our SATISFACTION GUARANTEE programme.
Can I just wear period underwear, without extra protection?
It’s all about your flow, and knowing which absorbency level suits you best and when. Period underwear can be a total replacement for disposable menstrual products (sanitary pads or tampons), but can also work together with these. Even better, for you and the planet, you can use period underwear with a Femi.Eko® menstrual cup, disc or cloth pad.
Is period underwear comfortable?
Not only is it comfortable, but it feels just like regular underwear.Â
The breathability within the fabric protects against creating bacteria and therefore you may experience less smell and vaginal dryness. Some users say the breathability eliminates that feeling of getting flustered and having a bulky panty, which they normally get with classical pads.Â
Also, eliminating the plastic you usually get in normal pads helps to keep the temperature of the body down, which adds up to more comfort and much more confidence.Â
Having a very breathable fabric in contact with your most intimate parts, will eliminate itches or irritations. The underwear stays dry for hours, while absorbing the blood super-fast, allowing it to even dry along the day.
Do period underwear shorten your period?
There is no study done on this matter yet, but many women who have worn period underwear believe using it can shorten your period. Unlike tampons that absorb menstrual blood and can block the natural flow, the period underwear allows blood to flow down as it should, to its normal speed. This could be the reason why some women find their periods are shorter while wearing period underwear. That fact that the panties are so comfy will just stop making you count down how much time you still have bleeding and just enjoy your body and its miracles.
Is period underwear suitable for heavy period flows?
Yes, actually, our period underwear can be extremely absorbent, keeping up to 10 tampons worth of liquid, the equivalent of 100 ml blood such as LUNA collection, which can be worn for extra heavy flows, night use, post-partum, post surgery or abortion. For heavy flows we also recommend all the other collections which come with extended absorption area to the back of the underwear.  Â
Our period underwear is developed to protect you in all the important parts (even in the back of the underwear!) so that you feel safe during the day or at night.Â
Will the period underwear smell?
No, Femi.Eko® period underwear tends to stay fresher than other intimate products. That’s because the fabric breathes, while keeping most of the liquid in the interior layers. This helps stop the growth of bacteria that normally produces nasty smells.
In order to avoid smells, rinse the underwear well after use, before washing. As well as do not use detergents with perfume that can cause supersaturation of the layers with perfume. It is also important to dry the period underwear in fresh air and let it dry completely.
Please don’t add softeners or perfume while washing your period underwear, this can destroy the protective layers and cause disbalance to your flora.
If you notice any weird smells, you may need to check the issue with your doctor and eliminate any undetected infections.
Are period panties suitable for the womens who suffer from endometriosis or adenomyosis?
Yes, they are. Many of the womens who suffer from this disease don’t feel comfortable when they insert tampons or menstrual cups in their body, but the period panties are soft and easy to use. Plus, they are a better choice for the menstrual flow to happen naturally, which can ease the period days and discomfort. The breathability within the fabric protects against creating bacteria and therefore you may experience less smell, vaginal dryness or irritations. Some users say the breathability eliminates that feeling of getting flustered and having a bulky panty, which they normally get with classical pads, which adds up to more comfort and much more confidence.Â
How much money can I expect to save by switching to period underwear?
Women bleed about 35 years of their lifetime. Yes, that’s a lot!Â
Switching to period underwear and sustainable intimate products, such as menstrual cups or period panties, will help you save up to 4.000 euro or more (depending where you live and how much you pay for menstrual products).
Don’t believe it? Let’s do the maths:Â
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DISPOSABLE PADS over a lifetime:
35 years x 12 periods yearly x 5 days average = 2100 days of period= 5 years and 8 months of continuous period days – Crazy right?Â
5 disposable pads/ day x 2100 days= 10500 disposable pads
0.6 EUR/ pad x 10500 disposable pads = 6300 EUR / IN A LIFETIME spent on disposable pads
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FEMI.EKO® ’S PERIOD UNDERWEAR
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Let’s say you buy 5 period underwear each 2 years. In 35 YEARS you should change the period underwear for about 17 times.
17 x 5 = 85 period underwear in a lifetime
22 EUR x 85 period underwear = 1870 EUR/ IN A LIFETIME spent on period underwear
How many pairs of period underwear will I need?
It depends on the flow you have or if you also use a menstrual cup or you alternate your days with using another type of period protection. Normally, women have between 5 to 10 pairs of period underwear. A simple way to answer is: calculate how many disposable period pads you used in your period days and divide it by 3.Â
The minimum need is 3 period underwear to start with and rotate it within the drying process. You may need to wash the pairs right away and get them ready to wear.
You can opt for various absorbency levels for your period panties range to have every type of flow and day of your period covered accordingly.Â
Don’t forget, period underwear can be worn up to 2 years and even more depending on how careful you are when washing it.
How long can I wear the same period underwear?
For a normal period flow you may need to change the period underwear about 2 times a day, but if you have heavy flows, then you can change 3 times a day. Normally, you should not keep the underwear for more than 12 hours, as it is not hygienically safe.
Can teenagers use period underwear?
They sure can. Sustainable education should start early and we endorse teenagers to be early on eco-friendly by choosing products that will change their life for the better, while also protecting the Planet. Starting early with period underwear can help young girls and teenagers feel in control of their cycles, while not spending a fortune on products that will end up in landfills. Plus, they will feel safer, getting less stress about changing pads or being judged in different situations of their life, and they can escape that preconception of being ashamed to be on a period.Â
Can I use period underwear for incontinence, postpartum, after surgery or abortion?
Period underwear is a perfect product to use for light incontinence. People with this issue are in need of daily protection. While disposable pads can increase the risk of getting yeast and bacterial infections or can create irritation and chafing, Femi.Eko® period underwear can be heaven-sent for people who need to wear protection every day and that’s due to their comfort and breathability.
For postpartum, many of the women choose it as being a natural choice that promotes comfort and healing after birth, as it is more skin friendly for the intimate area, plus the extra back protection is giving extra security and confidence to enjoy the best moments of their life without the struggle of being on period again.Â
After surgery or abortion, period underwear can ease that feeling, while comforting and giving more freedom of move.
Any stress related to any leaks will change forever. You have our promise on that!
Can I use period underwear every day instead of regular underwear?
Yes, you can. Period underwear are also made for heavy discharge, pubic sweating, urinary incontinence and have the same feeling as normal underwear.Â
If you normally use daily liners then choose our Moderate or Light flow absorbent underwear. They will replace safely your dependency on disposable liners, and will save extra waste from arriving in the landfills.Â
Our especially developed g-string Ella collection is favourite when talking about daily comfort, protection and stress-free life.
How do I deal with changing my underwear when I’m away from home?
While on period, you may want to have an extra period underwear with you and a small bag to store used underwear. For a more eco-friendly solution, instead of using plastic bags, you can choose our wet-bag solution for period underwear. This can be used as storage for the period underwear and can be the perfect companion for when your period pops by surprise. If you don’t have to change your underwear in a public toilet, we recommend having with you a reusable pad as an extra protection.Â
You can also check our ULLA collection, which have sided hooks, making it easy to change while on the go, without being necessary to undress yourself.
How long can period underwear last?
The period underwear’s life may vary greatly according to how they are cared for and how often they are used, or if they are used together with other products, or singularly. Generally, they will last for 2 to 5 years, but we recommend changing it after 2 years, as the protective layer can get tainted while used and washed.Â
To carefully care for your underwear, rinse it well in cold water, then wash it gently under 40 degrees (recommended by hand for a long lifetime).Â
How do I wash period underwear?
Blood stains the fabric easily, and you should always remember to use cold water first when washing a reusable period underwear or any blood spot anywhere.Â
Rinse the period underwear before washing in cold water into a bowl , or you can leave the cold water to run on the blood stain (not really sustainable, though), while rubbing it with your hands (particularly if there’s any dried blood on the period underwear). Always make sure to rub it in cold water, even more times if needed, until the water is clear. Do not soak the underwear in cold water for more than 15 minutes.Â
After this, just wash it normally, in the washing machine or by hand but always under 40 degrees Celsius.
If you choose to handwash the period underwear, rub it with warm water and special underwear detergent or detergent without perfume, then just rinse in cold water until water runs clear.Â
We recommend you avoid fabric softeners because they can make fabrics less absorbent. It’s not recommended to bleach period underwear either, because it can break down the material and interfere with absorbency, but also can be transferred to your skin and interfere with the vaginal flora.Â
We do not recommend air dry period underwear in the machine, if you wanna enjoy them for more than 2 years, as the absorbency and waterproof layers can be destroyed.Â
Sunlight and fresh air drying can kill any lingering bacteria and help stains fade, but it can also act as bleach and make the colours fade. But be careful, as the waterproof backing materials can be damaged if left for an extended period in sun exposure or high heat (it is also applying for drying period underwear on the radiators).
Do not iron! Do not use perfume or any harmful chemicals!
For longer usage, wash the period underwear in an underwear bag.
I spend a lot of time sitting on my chair in my classroom and at my office, is there a risk of leakage?
Even though Femi.Eko® period underwear is of good quality and has full protection, we can’t offer a NO leakage guarantee.
It all depends on the abundance of your flow or if you have blood clogs, which mostly can be the ones creating risks. If you have an abundant day we recommend you use an extra menstrual cup, which for sure will get you the security you need. The best way to test the capacity of absorption is to wear the underwear for the first time while at home.
Can I wear my period underwear while I do exercises?
Yes, it is a great way to better enjoy sports and any other activities you do on period.  It will give you the freedom of movement without having to worry about any leaks, sweat or even that plastic feel between your legs.
Make sure to choose the right absorption for the flow you have. You can choose our cotton boyshorts Luna, if you have high flow, when practising running, cycling or other demanding activities. If you just exercise steadily or do yoga, pilates or you do not have a high flow, you can choose IDA or FLORA collections, as they as well are made of cotton and you may want a fabric that is highly breathable.Â
Running may be challenging on period, but it is more a problem if you have incontinence, as many women are. The Femieko’s absorbent panties not only can be useful for menstruation, but they cover any discharge, from urine, to secretions and sweat.Â
Now you can enjoy life at its best, while exercising stress-free.Â
Many women choose to combine period underwear with a menstrual cup. This combo works wonders. You should try it too when you exercise in various ways.
Can I use my period underwear while sleeping for a whole night?
Yes, you can, and it is even healthier, as women have been advised not to use tampons during the night, but to leave their periods to flow naturally.Â
When you will experience the real potential of period underwear, it will change your perception about how nights can be at menstruation.Â
We developed especially for night use the menstrual boyshorts Luna, who have the highest capacity of absorption (up to 100 ml) and a full absorption area to the back.Â
If you are not the type for Luna Collection, we recommend any period underwear that have the back rear up to the top- such as Frida, Freja and Smilla collections. They all have high absorbency and the extended area gives you that extra protection much needed during the sleep.Â
The extended area will allow you to move peacefully around the bed, belly and back, without the stress of stains on the sheet.Â
Do not worry, you can sleep restfully for up to 12 hours.
Can I use my period underwear for swimming or sunbathing?
Yes, you can, but you must know that not all the panties are recommended for swimming. We have a special collection of period underwear, called Maya, for swimming and sunbathing. You can use them for medium flow, up to 8 hours.Â
The repellent recycled nylon which is made our period bikini will reject the water. The absorbent layers will attract the fluid inside and then the waterproof layer will block the fluid within the absorption area.Â
 If you have an abundant flow or you are in the first days, you can reduce the time wearing the bikini or you can combine them with the menstrual cup for a maximum of protection.
Can I feel sexy in my underwear?
YES, you can and you should! Our product range is dedicated to all women, absorbency levels and styles. Women can and should be sexy even on period, with our special designs.Â
The collections we consider having a sexy touch are called: Freja, Smilla, Nanna, Nanna+, Silke and all came with beautiful insertions of lace.
We assure you that not only will you feel comfy and beautiful, but you will have a safe and protected feeling, while boosting your confidence.