Period pants are a game-changer for many, offering comfort and convenience to manage your flows. However, switching to a new period product can come with a few questions, especially when it comes to your vaginal health—one being whether they can cause thrush.
We'll take you through what thrush is, how to treat it and the reasons why Bodyform™ period pants won’t cause thrush if they’re used in the right way.
What is thrush?
Thrush is a type of yeast infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida. While this might sound a bit alarming, it’s actually quite common and treatable. Thrush often affects the vaginal area, as well as the mouth and throat.
Common symptoms of thrush include itching, soreness, and sometimes a thick, white oral (in the case of thrush in the mouth or throat) or vaginal discharge that looks a bit like cottage cheese.
Thrush can happen for various reasons, such as taking antibiotics, wearing tight clothing, or even just a change in your body's pH (the scale used to tell how acidic or alkaline a substance is). It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and with the right treatment, it usually clears up pretty quickly!
For some people, thrush can come back multiple times, so make sure you keep track of how often you're dealing with the infection. If you're getting recurrent yeast infections (more than 4 times in 12 months), it's a good idea to check in with your doctor so that they can rule out other conditions.
Am I more likely to get thrush on my period?
Getting thrush during your period is more common than you might think, and it’s all down to the natural changes happening in your body at that time. During your period, your hormone levels shift, which can affect the pH levels and balance of bacteria in your vagina.
Usually, your vagina is on the acidic side (pH of 3.8 to 4.5), which prevents thrush-causing bacteria from growing. However, during your period, your vaginal pH changes due to an increase in oestrogen, making you more prone to developing fungal infections like thrush and bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis.
So, can period pants cause thrush?
Period pants themselves don’t cause thrush, as they are designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking, which helps keep your V-Zone (everything to do with your vagina, vulva and the V-shaped front of your body that you can see) dry and fresh. Yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, so by wearing period pants that create conditions yeast dislikes, you might even reduce the possibility of getting thrush — no yeast, no problem!
So far, we've learned that thrush is caused by yeast, which thrives on moisture and heat, which is why period underwear is a great option for keeping you comfortable, dry and feeling fresh all day.
Even if it's a hot, humid day, or you're planning a pretty intense workout session, our absorbent, breathable gusset will keep flows in while absorbing sweat and wicking moisture away.
But how is that possible? Well, it's all thanks to our innovative TriTech Performance technology.
How does TriTech Performance work?
Our TriTech Performance material features three layers:
- A moisture-wicking, cotton-soft top fabric that quickly moves blood and moisture deep into…
- A super absorbent middle layer that holds the fluid in securely for up to 12 hours
- An external secure and breathable material enables airflow and dries fast
Bodyform™ period pants are designed to keep your flows locked in place for up to 12 hours, all while feeling like your regular underwear.
Using period pants correctly to reduce the risk of thrush
While period underwear doesn’t cause yeast infections, you still need to be careful. Just like with any period care product, there can be potential health risks associated with improper use that could lead to an increased risk of infection.
Luckily, our period pants are incredibly low maintenance, there are just a few simple things you need to do to make sure you use them safely:
- Change them as often as recommended (every 12 hours or earlier if you prefer)
- Wash them correctly according to care instructions (don't worry — we have an easy step-by-step guide for that)
- Make sure you choose the correct size for you, if your pants are too small, they can trap moisture and heat, increasing the risk of thrush developing (we have a handy size guide too!)
Which materials are best for preventing thrush?
Moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics are super important for keeping things fresh and comfortable, especially when it comes to reducing the possibility of getting thrush, which thrives in warm, damp environments. Fabrics that wick away moisture help draw sweat and dampness away from your skin, keeping you dry and reducing the chances of irritation. In our period pants, the gusset—the part of the underwear that sits closest to your body—is designed with moisture-wicking materials for exactly this reason. It helps absorb moisture, keeps things breathable, and creates a much more comfortable experience overall.
In general, here are materials to look out for when underwear shopping:
Cotton
General guidance on preventing thrush suggests that you wear cotton underwear, due to its natural absorbing abilities. Cotton is also hypoallergenic, so the sensitive, delicate skin of your V-Zone won't be irritated.
Our Essentials range of period pants provides all of the absorption power you need. The 100% certified, organically grown cotton is super soft and comfortable to wear.
Polyamide
Polyamide is a fast-drying, breathable and moisture-wicking fabric that is perfect for period pants as well as other things like sportswear.
So, just like when your favourite gym outfit keeps you feeling dry and fresh during a workout, the same magic can be applied to your V-Zone with polyamide period pants.
TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™ fibres
TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™ fibres* is a new material from Lenzing Company, a leading supplier of specialty fibres. They are natural-based fibres made from wood pulp derived from sustainable wood sources.
These fibres are ultra-breathable and great at managing moisture levels. They are also naturally soft to the touch and offer long-lasting comfort. Thanks to their sleek surface area, they glide lightly over the skin.
The body fabric of our period pants is made from three different materials, depending on which range you go for. All of these fabrics are breathable and perfect for keeping moisture and heat at bay, so the choice is all yours!
How can I make thrush less likely to come back?
Preventing thrush from making a return visit is all about keeping your vaginal pH balanced and comfortable.
There are a few things you can do to hopefully keep thrush at bay:
- Opt for breathable underwear and avoid tight underwear or clothing that can trap moisture
- Steer clear of using heavily scented or fragranced products like soaps, bubble baths, and shower gels that can irritate your delicate skin
- After exercising or swimming, change out of damp clothes as soon as possible
Keep thrush at bay, the Bodyform way!
Thrush can be an uncomfortable experience, so it's natural to look for ways to prevent it and keep it from returning. Along with maintaining proper menstrual hygiene, period pants are a great option for staying comfortable and confident throughout your cycle.
Not only do they keep your flow securely in place, but they also allow your V-Zone to breathe, helping to keep yeast at bay. As well as minimising the likelihood of getting thrush, period pants help make your cycle more comfortable and fuss-free in many ways, including during exercise and helping you get a peaceful night's sleep.
*TENCEL™ and REFIBRA™ are trademarks of Lenzing AG
