What is free bleeding?

What is free bleeding?

With so many new period products popping up all the time, there are more options than ever for keeping your flows in check. But what if you’re looking for something a little different, or even nothing at all? That’s where free bleeding comes in.

We'll explore what free bleeding actually is, why some people choose it and whether it’s safe. We'll also take a look at how period underwear can give you that same sense of freedom — just with a little extra peace of mind.

So, what’s the deal with free bleeding?

Free bleeding is all about having your menstrual blood flow freely, without having it collect in menstrual products like pads, tampons or menstrual cups. Simply put, it's about letting your body do its thing and letting it do what comes naturally.

Why do people choose to free bleed?

People free bleed for loads of reasons — they might feel more comfortable, want to do their bit for the planet, or make a powerful statement.

Let's break down just a few of them in more detail:

Feel good free bleeding

Some of us find that free bleeding just feels better! This includes those of us that might have sensitive V-Zone skin (everything to do with your vagina, vulva and the V-shaped front of your body that you can see). Alternatively, some of us might not like the feeling of other products or aren't comfortable with insertion methods like tampons. Some people choose to free bleed because it makes them feel more in touch with their bodies, more confident and as a way to promote body positivity.

A few free bleeders out there even say that it helps reduce menstrual cramping, but there's been no science or proven health benefits to back that up yet.

An eco-friendly flow?

Around the world, 200,000 metric tons of waste comes from disposable period products every year.[2]  We are taking action to counteract this, through innovations with lower waste and offering sustainable alternatives. However, some people choose to avoid period products completely. With free bleeding, because you're not using any of these products, you're not contributing to landfill waste. By reducing waste, many free-bleeders consider this a more eco-conscious choice for their period care.

Contributing to the conversation

Free bleeding can be a powerful way to put periods front and centre in a way that's difficult to ignore, allowing women+ to express what matters to them.

Even as we move towards a more accepting world, period stigma is still a thing. This movement highlights the simple idea that having a period is totally normal and natural, and no one should be ashamed of it. Aside from this, it's often used to raise awareness around the problem of period poverty. Since March 2017, over 9 million Bodyform products have been donated to help tackle the issue of period poverty in the UK.

But did you know that 500 million women+ around the world don't have access to period products or the facilities they need to manage their periods?[3] 

By free bleeding, women+ are reminding people that periods are happening everywhere, all the time, and everyone deserves the support and resources they need to have a comfortable period.

Is free bleeding safe?

For most people, it is perfectly safe. However, just like with anything to do with your menstrual health (and your health in general) there are some things to consider, and it might not be for everyone.

The key to safe free bleeding is good menstrual hygiene practices, ensuring you keep yourself clean and fresh. Leaving blood in your underwear and on your skin for too long can make your V-Zone uncomfortable and itchy, and in some cases, can increase your risk of infection.

Who shouldn’t free bleed?

If you know you won't be able to clean yourself up for a long period of time, traditional free bleeding might not be the most practical method for you. Think about it the same way you would with changing your period products, so you would aim to freshen up every 4-8 hours. With this in mind, if you have a super heavy flow, free bleeding might be a bit tricky to manage too, especially if you have a long day ahead.

Aside from the hygiene aspect, if you have certain medical conditions that require you to stay clean and dry, it's a good idea to chat with your doctor if you're considering free bleeding.

But there is a middle ground, combining the idea of free bleeding with all of the practical protection you need, whatever your flow may bring.

Does wearing period pants count as free bleeding?

Yes! Even though bleeding with period underwear offers all of the protection you need, it still allows you to bleed freely while keeping everything locked in place all day.

Why choose period underwear for free bleeding?

Free bleeding can feel like a very personal choice, with everyone having their own reasons for wanting to go with their flow.

If you choose to bleed without any period protection at all, that's completely okay! But, if you'd like a little extra peace of mind, reusable period pants can be a great option for any free-bleeder.

All day protection, whatever your flow

Bodyform® period pants are designed to lock any intimate fluids in for up to 12 hours*, just pop on a pair and get on with your day, whatever you're doing! Just make sure you choose the right absorbency for your flow. If you're not sure what that means for you, here's a quick breakdown:

  • Light flow: Equivalent to up to 1 pad/tampon change per day
  • Moderate flow: Equivalent to up to 3 pad/tampon changes per day
  • Heavy flow: Equivalent to up to 6 pad/tampon changes per day

You might be wondering, how is that possible? Well, it's all thanks to our innovative TriTech Performance technology. This technology is designed to wick blood and moisture away from the skin, making sure you stay fresh, dry and comfortable all day long.

They look and feel just like your regular underwear

Our period pants are made using fabrics that you probably already have in your wardrobe, or maybe even your underwear drawer.

The body fabric of our pants is available in three comfortable, breathable fabrics:

We carefully choose our fabrics to make sure all women+, even those with sensitive skin. Allowing you to feel confident and protected wherever you are in your menstrual cycle. Better still, there are a range of styles, cuts and colours to choose from.

Whether you like lazing around in lace or conquering a busy day in a Brazilian cut, the choice is all yours.

They’re kind to the planet

Some women+ choose to free bleed to limit their environmental impact, and luckily, our period pants are a great sustainable option. Aside from the fact that you can use them over and over again, we consider sustainability every step of the way, from manufacturing to design and materials.

Compared to other period products, our period pants produce up to 82% less waste.

Free bleeding is an important movement and one of the countless ways you can manage your flow. Whether you're a frequent free-bleeder or a no-product novice, learning how it works, doing it safely, and the products you can use can only be a good thing.Switching from one type of menstrual product to another can be challenging at first, but getting caught up on how they work and how to look after them is the best first step.

Medical Disclaimer

The medical information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your doctor for guidance about a specific medical condition.

References:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/free-bleeding

[2] https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/your-waste/sanitary-waste/sanitary-waste-facts/

[3] https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/menstrual-health-and-hygiene

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