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Key Takeaways -Small, occasional blood clots are a normal occurrence during menstruation, particularly on heavy flow days -Blood clots are the way the body prevents excessive blood loss during your period -Period underwear can handle clots by absorbing the liquid -Simply wipe away any remaining clot from the surface of underwear with toilet paper -If clots are frequent and/or larger than the size of a quarter, seek medical advice |
Sometimes, particularly on heavy flow days during your period, you might notice small blood clots in your underwear. These coagulated clumps of blood, about the size of a quarter, are often totally normal–they're actually how the body prevents excessive blood loss during menstruation. But, clots can be messy and require a little extra cleanup. You might be wondering how period underwear works with blood clots, and if it can even handle them?
The answer is yes, period underwear can absolutely handle blood clots. The absorbent layers wick away liquid coming from the clot, leaving the semi-solid remainder sitting on the surface of the underwear. Simply wipe away any remaining clot with toilet paper and discard. Remember, if you're experiencing blood clots frequently, and they are larger than a quarter, seek medical advice. There may be something going on that needs treatment.
The Short Answer: How Period Underwear Handles Clots
- The absorbent core of the period underwear soaks up the liquid around the clot.
- The semi-solid portion stays on the surface for easy cleanup with a tissue.
Period underwear handles clots by absorbing the liquid around the clot, keeping you dry and comfortable. The thicker remainder of the clot will sit on the surface of the underwear, so all you have to do is wipe it away with toilet paper, and discard.
How Period Underwear Works
Period underwear sometimes seems too good to be true–designed to feel like regular underwear, but somehow able to absorb your period blood without you feeling any wetness? If you're wondering how the heck period underwear works, the magic lies in a three-layer "gusset" system that keeps you dry, odor-free, and comfy: a moisture-wicking top layer; an absorbent core; and a leak-proof outer barrier. Let's break it down:
The Layers Explained
- The top layer keeps you dry by evenly spreading liquid from the top surface and pushing it to the middle layer.
- The middle layer is where the major absorption happens. This layer does the heavy duty job of soaking up your flow, and can hold up to three regular tampons' worth of liquid.
- Finally, the bottom layer is breathable and liquid impermeable to keep you safe from leakage. LOLA's Organic Cotton Period Underwear even extends this layer all the way to the waistband, giving you full coverage leak protection for the entire panty.
Explore Clean Period Care with LOLA's Organic Cotton Period Underwear.
What Actually Happens to Clots in Period Underwear
The three layers of period underwear work together to keep you feeling dry, comfy, and as odor-free as possible, even on your heaviest flow days. Here's how: When you release a clot, the liquid blood around it gets absorbed and locked in by the middle layer, the absorbent core. The bottom layer is liquid impermeable, so none of the blood can escape from the middle, keeping you leak-free. The semi-solid clot tissue can't be absorbed by any period product, meaning it stays on the gusset surface. But, because all the liquid has been wicked away, all you have to do is wipe off the remaining tissue with toilet paper and discard. Easy-peasy.
Are Clots Normal? When To Pay Attention
In many cases, it's totally normal to pass occasional small menstrual blood clots, according to Dr. Jody-Ann McLean, MBBch, women's hormonal and metabolic health expert. However, "if you’re having frequent large clots, anything bigger than a quarter, it’s worth seeking medical advice," she says. Other red flags to look out for: if your flow soaks through your period product every hour, or if you're experiencing severe pain or cramping.
McLean explains that some people clot more, and it’s often related to how heavy their periods are overall. Certain medical conditions can lead to a heavier period, including hormonal changes (like perimenopause, increased stress, or weight changes); fibroids or polyps in the uterus; endometriosis or adenomyosis; PMOS; or, rarely, a bleeding disorder called von Willebrand disease. If you're seeing large, frequent clots, and/or your period is excessively heavy and paired with severe pain, don't hesitate to contact your gyno to see if something more serious is going on.
Can Period Underwear Handle Heavy Flow With Clots?
If you have a heavy flow with occasional blood clots, period underwear can handle the job (while keeping you moisture-free and comfortable throughout). This is because period underwear uses a three-layer gusset to absorb liquid and keep you leak-free. The top layer, made of organic cotton and lycra, keeps your skin feeling soft and dry, while pushing liquid down to the middle layer, the absorbent core. Made of polyester and polyamide, this layer works to wick moisture and absorb all the liquid–up to three tampons worth! Finally, the bottom layer, made of 100% polyester, is completely waterproof so you won't have to worry about any leaks.
You can wear period underwear on its own, or you can pair it with a panty liner, tampon, or menstrual cup so it functions as back-up on extra heavy days. Not sure if your period is coming or not? Put on a pair of period underwear just in case. It's also an apt choice on light flow days when you want a little protection without the bulk.
Shop LOLA's Washable Period Underwear
How To Clean Period Underwear After Clots
Period underwear is totally reusable and built to last, but you have to regularly change it and wash it. This is key for your hygiene, too.
After you pass a blood clot, the underwear's middle layer will absorb all the liquid. But, the semi-solid remainder will stay on the top layer, so you'll need to wipe it clean with tissue and discard.
You should change your period underwear at least every 12 hours, but you may need to change it more often, depending on your flow and comfort level–and on a heavy day with clots, that might be a lot sooner. "Generally, as long as you’re changing it every few hours, or sooner if it feels damp, that’s reasonable to minimize risks of bacterial or fungal growth or skin irritation," advises McClean.
Wash your period underwear after each use, cold rinsing first, then machine washing on a gentle wash cycle using mild detergent. Always air dry.
FAQs
1. Can period underwear handle clots?
Yes! Period underwear has a 3-layer system, with the middle layer absorbing the liquid from the blood clot. The semi-solid remainder stays on the top layer, but can easily be wiped clean with a tissue.
2. What are the downsides of period underwear?
You have to wash period underwear after each use, and be sure to change it at least every 12 hours, or as often as every few hours on heavy days. Period underwear costs more upfront, but should last years with proper upkeep.
3. Is it free bleeding if you use period underwear?
Absolutely. You can wear period underwear on its own, on light or heavy flow days. You can also wear it as backup to tampons, panty liners, or menstrual cups.
4. Can I wear period underwear with a heavy flow?
Yes, period underwear has a three-layer gusset system that works to absorb liquid (sometimes up to three tampons worth!), prevent leaks, and block odors, even on the heaviest of days.
5. How often should I change period underwear when I have clots?
You should change your period underwear at least every few hours, but if you have clots, you may need to change immediately or every few hours, depending on saturation and comfort level.
Conclusion
At LOLA, we believe you deserve to have an easier period. That's why we always put your comfort and wellness first, with gynecologist-approved, organic products that keep you feeling fresh and dry, even on the heaviest flow days. Shop LOLA's Washable Period Underwear for 100% organic cotton period care.