Where will I go on vacation? Can I vote by mail just in case? I’m buying vintage bikini by Primark? These are the three big questions that we Spaniards ask ourselves in the face of Summer vacation. Well, maybe the latter is a little exaggerated. But it is true that the recent launch of the Irish network is causing a lot of talk as a tool for menstruation don’t ruin our summer.
This is not the first menstrual bikini to hit the market. In fact, in the summer of 2022, many brands have dared to include a similar option in their swimwear lines. But it’s definitely an option. budgetary it attracts a lot of attention to enjoy the beach or pool during your period without knowing about tampons or menstrual cup. Is everything as good as it seems now?
To answer this question, I put it to the test. Quietly and scientifically, I tested the effectiveness of this menstrual bikini in a controlled environment. And for starters, I can say that Primark does not lie on the label, but it may not be as good as we expected.
How does a menstrual bikini work?
Before talking about the experiment, it’s worth asking what a menstrual bikini is made of. In fact, this swimsuit appeared on the market after period pantieswho aim to offer a more sustainable option for people who don’t like a menstrual cup for whatever reason.
This is underwear that contains filters, usually consisting of four layers. The first is the one that is in contact with the skin and usually cottonto avoid allergies. As soon as the blood comes into contact with it, it seeps into the second layer, consisting of super absorbent fabric, which absorbs most of the liquid fraction of the screed. Then another layer polyurethane prevents leakage to the outside and finally the last layer antibacterial fabric avoids typical menstrual odors.
Menstrual bikinis like Primark follow more or less the same mechanism. They promise to absorb the period safely, but without soaking up too much water, as would happen if, for example, we put on regular padded bikini bottoms. In short, the menstrual bikini is offered as a convenient option for swimming at the beach or in the pool during menstruation, without fear of possible leaks.
This is a Primark offer
Primark’s periodic bikini is really simple black pantiesso it can be paired with almost any top.
There are two options for sale, one basic pantieswhich costs 7 euros, and one of high waist, which is sold at a price of 10 euros. In my case, I used the latter for verification.
As for caring for it, it is very simple, as you just need to wash it by hand or in a machine, not higher than 40ºC.
I put it to the test
The label on the Primark menstrual bikini explains that it has exactly four layers to help absorb moisture. light menstrual flow. This is something we have to take into account, because in order to test this, I did it at two points in my period: on the first day when my flow is still lightand the second when much more abundant.
The test, both on the first day and on the second, consisted of four stages. In the first one I stayed 10 minutes in a bath of water. It could be the beach or the pool, but it’s much easier to see results in the tub. After that, I sat on the white towel for another ten minutes. Then I used a towel to dry myself off. And finally, I weighed myself. I also did this before entering the water to see if the bikini had gotten so wet that it had grown a few grams.
It should be noted that each trial was conducted with both the Primark menstrual bikini and another good bikini, also black. It is also important to note that this is not a scientific study. it’s simple reviews made by one person. However, let’s see what they were. my results.
Results with light menstruation
Something interesting happened to me on the first day of menstruation with heavy periods. The results with the Primark menstrual bikini bottoms have been very good. I did not find any leaks in the water and did not stain the towel either.. Therefore, since this is the recommendation of the selling company, it cannot be said that it does not work. But the funny thing is that I did not find any leaks and did not stain the towel with a tissue. regular bikini.
Later we will analyze what it could be. But not before we check what happens with the next menstrual flow.
Second day everything changes
On the second day, the different tests were exactly the same, but here there were differences.
With both the Primark menstrual bikini and regular bikini, I could find leaks in the water. We are not talking about the fact that all the water turns red, as in the scene from Shark. it is approximately small intermittent flow of bloodwhich quickly dissolves in water and disappears. He was older with a regular bikinibut it is true that there was little with the menstrual period.
As for the white towel, in both cases it was stained with blood, although the difference was pretty big. On a menstrual bikini, it was a small spot, whereas on a regular bikini, the spot was much larger and appeared much faster. Drying the panty area with a towel with a menstrual bikini she came out cleanwhile with the regular one it came out dyed.
Finally, since this case had results that weren’t there on the first day, I also tried to look inside the panties. In the case of the regular bikini, it was completely clean. Mainly because most of them left with the water. Instead with a menstrual bikini yes, you could see the remaining blood. In both one and the other, being black, it is difficult to detect, but a little visible.
As for the weight, it was exactly the same before and after the bath, both in the menstrual bikini and in the regular bikini.
Findings about the Primark menstrual bikini
The takeaway from this test of the Primark menstrual bikini is that it actually does what it promises to do. Works with light flow. Although it seems that no difference from the usual bikini.
If we have more intense menstruation, we must keep in mind that there is no ideal option. Which, at least with this brand’s menstrual bikini, it’s impossible to completely avoid leaks. If we want to avoid tampons or a menstrual cup, we can use them, but always remember that there will be leaks. And above all, if we don’t want blood stains to be visible, using dark towelsjust in case.
Myths and taboos about menstruation in water
One of the biggest myths associated with menstruation and water when we swim blood flow is interrupted. It is often said that this is because the blood clots and stops coming out, but this is not entirely true.
Yes, it is true that if the water is cold, you may bleed less for a short period of time. This is due to the fact that due to the low temperature blood vessels constrict. In fact, this could be the reason why there were no leaks in either of the two bikinis on the first day. With a mild flow and just 10 minutes in the water, the bleeding could temporarily stop. But this does not last long and, moreover, not because of clotting problems. It is not dangerous and does not bother.
On the other hand, the question arises whether it is hygienic to swim during menstruation, especially if it is in a public pool where there are more people. Several factors must be taken into account here. First, inside the water very little blood comes out. This happens for two reasons. On the one hand, although the acceleration of free fall inside the water is exactly the same as outside, there is a decrease in the weight (not mass) of the bodies that enter it. This is due to the push of the water in the opposite direction. And also to density of water.
This is why we can swim in water and why blood flows more slowly. In addition, the pressure exerted by the water around us prevents a large amount of water from escaping to the outside. And what little comes out, as I have seen during the tests, is quickly diluted. In short, there is not much blood that the rest of the people in the pool will come into contact with. Especially if we wear a menstrual bikini.
On the other hand, menstrual blood mainly consists of blood, vaginal secretions, and endometrial cells from the uterine wall. Our vagina, especially during certain periods of the cycle, highlights secretions continuously, so that anyone who showers from the vagina can release an invisible clear discharge, possibly seeping through the bikini. As for the blood, it is the same as that which can come out of any other injury.
It is much worse to urinate in the pool, as urine contains nitrogenous components that can react with chlorine, producing toxic substances that can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. These substances are also found in sweat and, yes, partly in the blood, but in less quantity. Thus, the discharge of large amounts of menstrual blood is highly discouraged, but one should not worry about any leakage.
Of course, let’s not forget that small leaksOnce they lose the pressure exerted by the water, they can become a much larger leak. Because of this, the towel quickly got dirty with a regular bikini. We must take all this into account when deciding how to enter the water during menstruation. Does a menstrual bikini work? Yes, but with a light flow of rules. If not, some stain may elude us. Yes, if we don’t usually apologize for taking blood-stained clothing due to an injury or if we have a nosebleed, we should not ask for forgiveness if we have a leak during our period. This should also be taken into account. It’s blood, not acid.
Source: Hiper Textual
