Was ist der weibliche Zyklus?
Die weibliche Libido ist kurz gesagt die sexuelle Lust der Frau. Das Verlangen danach, sexuelle Aktivitäten zu erleben und zu genießen. Die Libido kann durch verschiedene Faktoren, wie z.B. hormonelle Veränderungen, emotionale Ausnahmezustände, körperliche Gesundheit und den Zyklus beeinflusst werden. Sie ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der weiblichen Sexualität und ihre Ausprägung variiert von Mensch zu Mensch.
3. Die Lust während der MenstruationBye, Bye Menstruation, Hallo Follikelphase. Der Östrogenspiegel steigt, die Stimmung wird besser und schon nimmt auch das sexuelle Verlangen zu. Durch das Östrogen werden die Empfindlichkeit und die Durchblutung des Körpers gesteigert, was wiederum zu einem Aufflammen von sexueller Erregung führen kann.
5. Die Lust während dem EisprungThat’s where the magic happens! Der Körper setzt in dieser Phase das Ei frei, das nun bereit ist für die Befruchtung. Da die Natur möchte, dass wir uns fortpflanzen, sorgt sie dafür, dass die Lust in dieser Phase ihren Höhepunkt erreicht. Der Östrogenspiegel ist auf seinem höchsten Niveau, was zu starker sexueller Lust führen kann. Menstruierende Personen fühlen sich dadurch oft attraktiver und sind eher bereit, sich auf sexuelle Aktivitäten einzulassen.
6. Die Lust während der LutealphaseThe short answer is yes, you can totally have sex on your period, whether it is penetrative or not penetrative. It can even be healthy and have extra benefits on your period versus off your period. Some people notice increased sexual arousal during their period, whilst some feel embarrassed or uncomfortable from physical symptoms surrounding their period such as the menstrual blood and cramps.
There are many benefits to being in your period when you have sex, such as that it is generally easier for both parties due to increased lubrication, it can be more fun due to hormone fluctuations during your cycle which can make you feel more in the mood, and it can even help with cramps!
Despite the myths, you can get pregnant during your period. Whilst there are lower chances of getting pregnant during your period versus during ovulation for example, there is no guarantee that you are not ovulating at the same time as bleeding. You should therefore be cautious if you do not wish to get pregnant, by ensuring you are using your normal contraception.
Having sex on your period does not affect how much you bleed over your whole cycle. It can however cause a little more blood to come afterwards as the movement in the cervix can cause a uterine contraction which can make blood come out a bit quicker. There is nothing to worry about though and there will be no dramatic difference to your bleeding whether you have or not have sex.
If you want to have sex on your period but are worried about making a mess there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can place a towel on the bed. Using a dark towel can be even better as you are less likely to be confronted with the blood. This can then easily be thrown in the wash afterwards. Another tip is to move your sex to the shower. Any mess that is created will simply wash away and the extra lubrication can make it the best shower sex you’ve ever had. Lastly, you can use a menstrual disk or a soft tampon which allow the blood to be collected and you can then have penetrative sex and remove them afterwards.
Sex and orgasms are not just for those who have or find a partner to have fun with- you can also have some fun solo, and it tends to be a little less messy. Orgasms during your period can help reduce cramps and sooth headaches – so we recommend it.
For those looking to spice up their self-love session we can recommend PEEKU, a platform that allows your imagination to go wild. With PEEKU, you can discover the magic of sexy storytelling, as you read erotic literature written by the community, to transform yourself into your own wildest fantasies. Want to take it a step further? Then you can try reading a story whilst using a sex toy, we recommend the clitoral stimulators from Womanizer. With clitoral stimulation only, you can even leave in a tampon or menstrual cup to avoid any mess.
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The pain of period cramps varies among different people. Some people report intense spasms of pain whilst other times it can be a dull and constant feeling. There are conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids which cause menstrual cramps to be extremely uncomfortable. Typically, if menstrual cramps occur and you do not suffer from a specific condition, they tend to get less painful and frequent with age, and often improve after giving birth.
During your period, your uterus is shedding is lining and it contracts during this time. These contractions are triggered by hormone like prostaglandins which are associated with menstrual cramps and inflammation. The higher the level of prostaglandins, the more severe the menstrual cramps. There are various things that can affect the likelihood and the intensity of cramps. For example, younger people under the age of 30 tend to suffer more, especially those who started puberty early. You are also more likely to experience cramps if you also suffer from heavy bleeding or irregular menstrual bleeding. Moreover, smoking has been reported to make cramping during and before the menstrual period more frequent and more painful.
There are various conditions which can cause stronger menstrual cramp pains:
Endometriosis: This is a disease whereby there is tissue, which resembles the lining of the uterus, is found outside the uterus. As a result, a chronic inflammatory reaction results and there is a formation of scar tissue within the pelvis. One of the most common symptoms of endometriosis is menstrual cramping.
Uterine fibroids: Uterine fibroids are growths that appear in the uterus and are not usually dangerous but can cause discomfort such as cramps, fatigue and heavy blood loss.
Adenomyosis: This occurs when the tissue of the uterus grows into the muscles of the wall of the uterus. This causes the uterus to grow double or triple in size and leads to abnormal bleeding and painful periods.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: Also known as PID, is an inflection, usually transmitted sexually. It is often not noticed but can cause pain.
There are various ways to help relieve period cramps. Here are 5 top tips to relieve pain:
The way you feel in your body can make a big difference to the sport you want to, or are capable of doing in that very moment. Whether this is that you feel really strong and are able to go on a long run or lift heavy weights, or if you are feeling sick or weak and cannot handle more than a light walk. The hormones throughout your entire menstrual cycle can affect the way that you feel in your body, and also your current emotional state. That in turn, can make you feel like exercising more or less, and adapting your routine to the way you feel.
Scientifically, it is 100% ok to exercise during your menstrual cycle and when you are on your period. Some women report lower energy levels during their period, whilst others have more energy during this time. This is mostly to do with hormone changes. Those who are on hormonal birth control will likely not feel as much of a change in energy levels due to the balancing of the hormones from the treatment. For some people, they suffer from side effects leading up to, and during their period such as PMS. This can be in the form of painful cramps, agitated mood, low energy and more. These symptoms will most likely affect the way in which you want to exercise during this time of the month.
The menstrual cycle runs over 4 weeks in which the hormones levels change and can influence your energy levels.
Week 1: This is kicked off by the first day of your period, in which your estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest point and slowly rise throughout the period. This slow rise in hormone levels may gradually make you feel like you have more energy and more motivation to do sport.
Week 2: As your period ends, your energy levels will continue to rise, especially estrogen as it is preparing you for ovulation. Here you may feel a higher level of energy and motivation. This is the best time to go on that long run or try for a personal best in a race.
Week 3: This is the week of ovulation in which estrogen levels peak, leaving an energy high, followed by a sudden drop after ovulation in which progesterone begins to rise. With this swap in hormone levels, you can begin feeling less energetic and motivated to do sport. During this time, it may be beneficial to do your sport activities in the morning, when you have extra energy.
Week 4: In the last week of your cycle your energy levels will be falling some more as both estrogen and progesterone are dropping. PMS symptoms might get heavy which could lead to side effects that reduce both your energy and motivation. Be gentle with yourself! Reduce the intensity of workouts and focus on things that make you feel good.
You do not need to avoid any exercise during your period. You might want to consider however the best exercise to match your mood, motivation, and energy. Whether that is the need for fast and furious cardio, or calming yoga- listen to your body!
There is no right or wrong, however researchers have found that some women have fewer painful cramps during menstruation if they exercise regularly. So, whilst you might not feel in the best mood, it could help you find a little relief for those annoying cramps.
There is no evidence to suggest that menstruation dramatically affects your ability to do sport throughout the menstrual cycle, however there was a study that found that women who had already ovulated but not yet started their period (weeks 3-4) had a harder time exercising, particularly in hot weather.
It depends greatly on your flow and the sport activity you are doing. If you have a heavy flow and are doing a long endurance workout or a heavy HIIT workout, you might want to have extra secure protection. In this case we recommend wearing our dais Hipster period underwear along with a menstrual cup or a tampon to ensure you have no leaks. If you are swimming, a tampon might be your best option, as it functions well in water versus alternative products. If you are just experiencing a normal flow, regardless of your exercise, then a pair of dais period underwear will be a great product to use. They are seamless so no one will see them underneath your leggings, and they hold up to 4 tampons worth of blood so they can be worn for all types of sports.
]]>Self-care during pregnancy is essential for maintaining the well-being of both the mother and the baby. There are many ways to practice self-care such as doing physical activity, eating the right things, getting enough sleep, getting emotional support, relaxing and more.
There are so many ways that you can practice self-care during pregnancy. Here are a few examples:
Physical Activity: With physical activity you really must listen to your body and speak to a doctor to get approval for which exercise will be safe for you during pregnancy. However, if you are approved then any form of exercise can be beneficial during pregnancy to keep you both physically and emotionally healthy. Whether you prefer a jog or a yoga class- go for it! Get those endorphins flowing.
Nutrition: Eating a healthy and balanced diet will help both you and the baby feel their best throughout the pregnancy. Ensuring a variety of fruit and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins will make you feel so much better than resorting to food which is not nutritious- stay away from that fast food!
Emotional Support: Emotional support is vital as there will be lots of changes to your body and mood. Some possible stress management techniques include meditation, deep breathing or even talking to a therapist. Having friends and family as support can additionally be important. There is so much changing in your life, and it can really help to have someone to sit down with and talk everything through.
Relaxing: Getting enough rest and reducing stress is a great way to look after yourself during pregnancy. Taking long baths, treating yourself to a spa afternoon, taking long slow walks, taking naps when you are tired. All of this relieves stress which will help both you and the baby feel at their best!
Once you give birth, self-care is probably the last thing on your mind, as your baby will of course come first. But after a few weeks or even days you might start to feel drained, not prioritise yourself and slowly suffer the consequences of not doing things for YOU. There are some easy things that you can do to practice self-care when you have a newborn. Firstly, and most importantly, follow your doctor’s orders! Get as much rest as is humanly possible (which probably is not going to be very much at the beginning). Take the moments you can and accept help from family and friends. Maybe they can come over and give your house a clean or drop off some healthy food for you to heat up.
dais Maternity Underwear: You’re going to need a hygiene product, whether to deal with urinary incontinence or bleeding- either way, why not handle this sustainably? dais maternity underwear are the perfect washable absorbent underwear which can absorb up to 50ml of urine and/or blood and can be worn all day long. They are made of organic cotton and have a comfortable v-shape which adapts to your changing size between pregnancy and postpartum. Simply wear throughout the day, throw into the wash at night and grab another pair- easy!
Baybies Maternity Oil: Baybies Maternity Oil offers an amazing hydrating effect whilst allowing you to massage your changing body. The product sinks quickly into the skin, and works wonders on those pesky stretch marks, or as we like to call them, your lovely zebra stripes. It is the perfect product for a vegan, sustainable, safe, and relaxing self-care treatment at home.
UpCycle Muslin Cloths: You’ll be needing a lot of these to wipe away any excess milk or spit up around your baby’s mouth. You will notice during these first years this will become your most worn accessor, hanging over your shoulder at all times. The muslin cloths from UpCycle are made from handwoven organic cotton and are completely plastic free.
]]>Eating for a healthy menstrual cycle allows you to support your hormones and reduce the inflammation in the body. If your body has a higher level of inflammation, then your body’s immune system blocked hormone signaling. This can cause hormone imbalances which can lead to heavy periods, skipping periods, PMS, or complete lack of ovulation. To avoid over inflammation, it is important to eat foods which are processed as little as possible, foods which are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals also helps. Foods to include would be vegetables such as leafy greens which are a great source of magnesium. Phytoestrogens are a nutrient found in nuts, legumes, whole grains, flaxseeds, and soy. These can help decrease the effectiveness of estrogen which can cause heavier PMS symptoms. Protein is extremely important for providing a balanced hormone level. The recommended amount of protein would be getting 1 gram per kg of your bodyweight. Carbohydrates are an important part of nutrition for your cycle as low levels can negatively impact your cycle through increased anxiety, hair loss and skipped periods. Finally, fats are the building blocks of estrogen and progesterone, so they are vital to balanced hormone levels. It is recommended to choose plant-based fats more than animal fats such as in eggs, avocados or coconut oil.
Any foods which cause either a hormone imbalance or an increase in inflammation in the body can cause issues during your period. Sugar causes large inflammation as the pancreas goes into overdrive and can pump out too much insulin. This can stop ovulation and cause the ovaries to produce testosterone. It is recommended to keep sugar intake of 25g per day. Alcohol causes inflammation and can stress out the liver, not allowing it to process estrogen which can lead to hormone imbalance. Gluten and dairy are two of the most common food sensitivities that can affect your menstrual cycle. It is not the same for everyone, but people who are sensitive or intolerant will find that it causes greater inflammation which can have negative side effects on your menstrual cycle.
The biggest nutrient that is linked to menstruation is iron. Iron is found in the body through red blood cells within the blood, which means that when menstruating and losing blood, there is also a loss or iron. Usually, a balanced diet would be enough to keep iron levels regulated, with the recommended 14.8 mg of iron per day. If the iron lost during menstruation is not restored through diet, then the risk is a decrease in iron stores which can have affects such as tiredness, decreased ability to focus and a lower quality of life overall.
Some foods which are high in iron included minced beef, whole meal bread, cornflakes, lentils, and dried apricots. If the intake of iron through diet is not sufficient, and symptoms are being felt, then iron can be supplemented. This should be done with a doctor as not everyone tolerates iron supplements well.
Vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cells to form and mature them. The body needs vitamin B12, folic acid and iron to produce more red blood cells and if any of those 3 are lacking it can cause anemia. Heavy bleeding can really tac the body’s demand for this vitamin. This vitamin is not as easy to consume, as it is only prevalent in red meats, organ meats like liver and eggs. Therefore, vegan, and vegetarian people often have little or no vitamin B12 in their diet. Vitamin B12 may also have an active role in causing excessive heavy menstrual flow because if the liver does not have enough vitamin B12, then it cannot process estrogen properly and this causes there to be a hormonal imbalance. It is recommended to consult a doctor for recommendations on supplements which can be taken to regulate vitamin B12.
]]>Period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education due to poverty or lack of resources. This can lead to difficulties managing menstrual hygiene, which can have negative impacts on the health, education, and economic opportunities of those affected. The term is often used to describe situations in which individuals or communities are unable to afford or access sanitary pads, tampons, or other products that they need to manage their periods in a hygienic and dignified way. It is a global issue that affects people in many different countries, although it is most prevalent in developing countries where access to resources and education may be limited.
Period poverty can have a number of negative consequences, both for individuals and for communities. Some of the potential consequences of period poverty include:
Overall, period poverty can have far-reaching and negative consequences for individuals and communities, and addressing this issue is important for promoting health, education, and economic opportunities for all.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to period poverty. However, there are a number of measures that can be taken to address the issue and improve access to menstrual hygiene products and education:
Ultimately, addressing period poverty will require a multifaceted approach that takes into account the specific needs and challenges of different communities and cultures.
Period poverty is a global issue that affects people in many different countries, including in Europe. While access to menstrual hygiene products and education may be more widespread in Europe compared to some other parts of the world, there are still individuals and communities in Europe who may struggle to afford or access these resources.
For example, in some countries in Europe, there are reports of people resorting to using unsanitary alternatives, such as newspaper or cloth, because they cannot afford disposable pads or tampons. In addition, some people may be unable to access menstrual hygiene products due to stigma, lack of education, or other barriers.
Overall, while the situation in Europe may not be as severe as in some other parts of the world, period poverty is still an important issue that needs to be addressed in order to promote health, education, and economic opportunities for all.
]]>The menstrual cycle is the regular and natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system, that makes pregnancy possible. This incredible natural bodily function occurs in the uterus and ovaries, whereby eggs are produced, and the uterus is preparing for potential fertilisation. The menstrual cycle is controlled by the rise and fall of certain hormones and is counted from the first day of one period (bleeding) to the first day of the next period.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, although it ranges from 21-35 days in adults and can be different for teens during the first years of their cycle. P.S. You can read our article about speaking to your teen/tween about periods here. During the cycle, the body prepares itself for a pregnancy but if fertilisation does not occur then the uterus sheds its lining, and the period begins. This then results in bleeding which typically lasts 3 to 7 days and can come with other symptoms such as cramping and bloating.
Remember, each person’s menstrual cycle is unique and differs in length, flow and intensity of symptoms. If you have concerns about your cycle or experience unusual symptoms, please reach out to a medical professional.
The amount of blood you lose during a period varies from person to person. Some people have very light cycles, whilst others experience very heavy cycles. It is also common to have varying levels throughout the different days of the period and between one period and the next. For example, your first two days are typically much heavier than the last days of the period. A typical period will produce around 30-80 ml of blood, which is a lot less than you might think you produce. Our dais period underwear can absorb up to 25ml, which is around 4 tampons worth of blood, which means that they are a very safe and absorbent product to keep you dry and leak proof all day long.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones which are produced both in the ovaries and in the pituitary gland in the brain. The main hormones are:
Estrogen: Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and is used to thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur then the levels of Estrogen drop which causes the uterine lining to shed.
Progesterone: Progesterone is produced by the ovaries which helps to maintain the thickened lining of the uterus. If pregnancy does not occur, then the levels of progesterone drop which causes the uterine lining to shed.
FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone): FSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulated the growth and the maturation of the egg in the ovary.
LH (Luteinizing hormone): LH is produced in the pituitary gland and plays a role in the release of the egg from the ovary during ovulation.
It is common to experience different symptoms at each stage of the menstrual cycle, particularly in the days leading up to and the days during your period itself. Some of the most common physical symptoms are cramps in the lower stomach or lower back, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea and fatigue. It is recommended to sooth certain pains, for example by applying heat to the lower stomach or lower back. Using dais hot & cold pack is a great way to say bye-bye to those cramps!
There are further emotional symptoms which you might experience during the menstrual cycle which vary from person to person. For example, the classic PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) symptoms are mood swings, irritability, sadness and anxiety.
There are many reasons why your period might be late. It could be that you have in fact fallen pregnant, but it could also be due to many other factors such as stress, changes in weight, exercise, or certain medications. It is also very normal for periods to be slightly irregular, so it does not always happen at the same time every month.
If you are unsure why your period is late it might be worth doing a pregnancy test, particularly if you have had unprotected sex. Pregnancy tests can be purchased at pharmacies, supermarkets and online.
If you are not pregnant and your period is still late it might be worth reaching out to your doctor to run some tests to determine the cause of your late period.
]]>During pregnancy, the growing baby can put pressure on the bladder, which can cause incontinence (leakage of urine) in some women. This is a common and normal part of pregnancy and is often not a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing frequent or severe leakage of urine, you should speak with your doctor or midwife to make sure everything is okay.
It is normal for some women to experience incontinence (leakage of urine) during pregnancy, especially as the baby grows and puts pressure on the bladder. It is difficult to say exactly how many women experience incontinence during pregnancy, as this can vary depending on a number of factors. Some studies have shown that as many as 50-60% of pregnant women experience incontinence at some point during their pregnancy.
There are a few signs that you may be leaking urine during pregnancy. These can include:
Why does your bladder leak after childbirth?
After giving birth, some women may experience incontinence or bladder leaks. This can be due to several factors, including the following:
The amount of time that a woman may leak urine after giving birth can vary depending on several factors. For some women, incontinence may resolve within a few weeks or months after giving birth. For others, it may take longer to resolve, and in some cases it may persist even after the postpartum period.
If you are experiencing incontinence before or after childbirth, it is important to speak with your doctor or midwife for advice and support. They can provide you with information on how to manage incontinence and may recommend exercises or other treatments to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. We can recommend Valana which offers an affordable program developed by Physiotherapists and sports professionals to guide you through exercises which strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Take a simple quiz to find the right program for you!
Bleeding after childbirth, also known as postpartum bleeding or lochia, is a normal part of the recovery process after giving birth. It is caused by the shedding of the uterus lining that occurred during pregnancy, as well as by the expulsion of blood and tissue from the uterus.
The amount of bleeding after childbirth can vary from woman to woman, but it usually lasts for several weeks. In the first few days after giving birth, the bleeding may be heavy and red, but it should gradually decrease in amount and change to a pink or brownish colour.
If you are experiencing heavy bleeding or bleeding that lasts for longer than a few weeks after giving birth, it is important to speak with your doctor or midwife. This could be a sign of an underlying problem, such as an infection or a retained placenta, and it is important to get it checked out.
There are many products available to use to absorb both urine and blood both pre and post birth. Most of them are one-time-use products such as pads or adult diapers which are not very eco-friendly and can be less discreet due to sounds made whilst wearing and moving in them, or by showing through tight clothing.
dais maternity underwear is a great discreet and sustainable alternative as they are highly absorbent, but also can be washed normally in the washing machine and reused. They are also thin, and do not make a noise when you move in them, which makes them really easy to wear and use without anyone knowing. You can wear one pair all day and change overnight.
]]>Your child will most likely get their period between the ages of 9-16, so it is important to approach the topic before their first period arrives, to ensure they are aware and prepared. In general, it is great if you are able to be open with your child(ren) from a young age, regardless of their gender, as it is important to normalise and educate about a bodily function that happens to over 50% of the population. For example, if a young child sees your period products in the bathroom and asks about it, answer it with an easy explanation. For example, “Every month women bleed from their vagina which is called a period. It lasts around 5 days and does not hurt. It is the way for the body to prepare itself for a baby. I use products like that to capture the blood and make sure I can carry on with my normal activities, although sometimes it does make me feel more tired.” This information should be age sensitive and should be adapted to the child's development level to ensure they understand the topic and words uses. By the time children are the age of 6-7 they are old enough to grasp the basic concept, so this is a good time to sit down and talk them through it. They will additionally be likely to be informed about it at school. It might be useful to speak to the teacher about the curriculum and time the conversation to match what is ongoing at school. This combination of an educational approach, with a personal touch from yourself could be extremely useful.
In preparing for this conversation, it is important to cover all aspects of the period, from the educational and more technical side, to how it makes you feel, how to manage your period products, tips and tricks, and how to tell when something is not right. Ideally, you ensure the conversation is two sided, encouraging your child to ask questions, to clarify points and to share their thoughts and feelings.
When choosing a period product it is vital for the child to feel confident and comfortable. They will want something that is easy to use, discreet and low maintenance. It is important to share the options your child has with them, and allow them to be part of the decision making for which products they would like to try at what point.
There are various options out there, from the classic one-time-use products such as pads and tampons, to the eco-friendly options like the menstrual cup and period underwear. It is a good idea to physically show your child all of these options, explain to them how to use them and give them some personal tips with pros and cons. Allow them some time to explore these products by themselves. They will likely then google, touch and feel the products and speak to their friends about them. All of these options give them more power to explore and make the decision that is right for them.
Period underwear are a great choice for teens as they are easy to use, discreet and do not require a change in their routine. Moreover, they are really useful to use when you are not sure exactly when the bleeding will begin, and can therefore be worm as a protective security in the days leading up to the expected start of the period to ensure there is no unwanted leaking.
Unlike tampons and menstrual cups, period underwear does not require anything to be inserted into the vagina and it does not come with a risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. Pads are commonly chosen for this reason for teens or tweens, but as these are throw away products they create a lot of unnecessary waste and also need to be changed multiple times in the day. This could be an annoyance to the child, but also could be embarrassing to need to carry around a few pads in their bag at school for example. Period underwear can be worn for a whole school day, and changed right at the end of the day before bed, which means your child does not have to worry about it throughout the day. They can always have a backup pair in their bag in case of any concerns or issues. We recommend buying the duo pack of dais teen period underwear and the wetbag, which can be used to swap a spare and a used period underwear on a trip or during long days out.
Another great part about period underwear for teens is that it gives them a lot of insight to what their period is really like. By bleeding freely, they can see the colour and texture of their blood more easily, they can tell the difference between the heavier first days and the lighter final days. With tampons for example, this is less obvious.
Parents, period underwear are not just for your teens, they can also be used for yourself. Children often look up to their parents, and will therefore find it more normal if their parent also makes use of the same period products. You can check out our wide range of dais period products for adults here. You should also be aware of the way in which to wash the period underwear, to ensure that it is cleaned properly and that the product is treated properly to preserve the longevity of the period underwear. You can check out our washing instructions for dais period underwear here.
For the first few years after the first period, periods may not be fully regular, so it is important to let them know this is normal. You might want to recommend them to keep track of their period so that they develop an understanding of the cycle and even keep track of any mood changes or symptoms. This can be easily done using a standard calendar, or there are many apps available for smartphones, for example Clue, which are subtle and a great way to track your cycle digitally. The first periods might also be very light, and either shorter or longer than a classic cycle. This is also totally normal as the body prepares to slip into a routine.
]]>Bladder leaks, or urinary incontinence is when urine leaks out of the body, without the intention of the person in question. There are various types of urinary incontinence or bladder leaks including1:
Stress incontinence occurs when urine is released under pressure, for example when laughing, coughing, or jumping. For women, this is the most common type of incontinence, which makes up 49% of those who are affected.
Urge incontinence occurs when you have a sudden need or urge to pee, and urine leaks out during this urge.
Overflow incontinence occurs when you are unable to completely empty your bladder which therefore causes urine to frequently leak.
Total incontinence occurs when your bladder is unable to store any urine at all which causes constant or frequent urine leakage.
Generally, stress bladder leakage or stress incontinence occurs when there is a weakening or a damage to the muscles use to retain urine, such as the pelvic floor or urethral sphincter.
Urge incontinence or urge bladder leakage is generally caused by overactivity of the detrusor muscles which control the bladder.
Overflow incontinence or overflow bladder leaks is usually caused by an obstruction of the bladder which presents it from fully emptying.
Total incontinence or total bladder leaking occurs from a problem which causes a hole that forms between the bladder and the nearby fistula.
There are general things that can increase the chance of urinary incontinence such as pregnancy and vaginal birth, obesity, family history of incontinence and increasing age.
Firstly, if you have any concerns regarding bladder leakage we recommend reaching out to your doctor. However, there are many tips that are commonly reported which can significantly help bladder leakage or urinary incontinence.
Pelvic floor exercises, which are also known as kegel exercises, can be done to train the pelvic floor muscles which can give you more control over your bladder to improve or even stop bladder leakage. The more you do them, the stronger the muscles will be.
For those of you in Germany we can recommend valana.life as they offer a personal training program which is tailored to your needs and concerns. There are also many other resources available through google or youtube which can get you started.
If you are looking for another method, you can invest in a pelvic floor trainer such as Elvie. It is a product which is assists in your training and makes it interactive as it is inserted and when you squeeze and train your pelvic floor it monitors your exercise through the app on your smartphone (note: this specific product is specifically designed for women).
There are some lifestyle changes that can be made which can significantly help issues with bladder control. Firstly, excess weight can release pressure on the bladder, which can cause an overactive bladder. Moreover, being overweight can decrease blood flow and nerve activity which can lead to issues with bladder control.
Secondly, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol can help reduce issues with bladder control. Both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, which means that you’ll produce proportionately more urine after consumption of either of these drinks. By reducing your consumption, you can help reduce the amount of urine you expel per day and reduce some of the pressure on the bladder.
Lastly, if you are a smoker, it is worth quitting to see if this has a positive impact on your bladder control. When smoke enters the body, the toxins are collected and leave the body through the urinary tract. These toxins can irritate the bladder which can cause more frequent urination. Moreover, smoking can initiate coughing, which for people who suffer from stress incontinence, can further provoke bladder issues.
Bladder training can be effective in treating urinary incontinence by increasing the amount of time between emptying the bladder and how much liquid the bladder can hold. It is often used to change urination habits. It is mostly successful in treating stress incontinence and urge incontinence. As above, kegel exercises is one big part of bladder training, but there are also other methods. One is to delay your urination when you feel an urge. When you feel an urge coming, see if you can wait 2, 5, or 10 minutes more. Continue to slowly increase this each time you need to go. You can also make use of mindfulness or meditation methods to help you to increase the time between needing to urinate and urinating. Another method is to schedule your bathroom trips. For example, plan to go to the toilet every hour and set an alarm. Then over time, gradually increase the time between the toilet trips and adjust the alarm to slowly train the bladder to hold it in for longer.
There are many products which can be used for bladder leaks or incontinence. Some examples are incontinence pads or pants, which are essentially adult sized diapers. These can be rather thick, they tend to make noises when you walk and they are one time use products which are then not environmentally friendly.
Bladder leak underwear offer a sustainable solution to light incontinence and bladder leaks as they are washable and thus reusable. Made up of 4 different layers, dais bladder leak underwear are designed to hold up to 50ml of urine and can therefore be used during the day or night to catch unintentional leaks.
dais bladder leak underwear cannot hold a full bladder worth of liquid. A bladder can hold around 500ml for women and 700ml for men, therefore those struggling with Total or Urge Incontinence will not be secure in bladder leak underwear. dais bladder leak underwear is designed for those who need an extra protection in case of a leak throughout the day or night.
You can use period underwear for bladder leakage however they will not be as absorbent. dais bladder leak underwear holds up to 50ml of urine, whereas period underwear holds 25ml of blood. We therefore recommend using dais bladder leak underwear if intending to use for urine leakage as there is a higher level of absorbency.
]]>Yes, you can absolutely wash dais period underwear in the washing machine. We recommend rinsing with cold water before putting the underwear in the wash as it helps the blood to be fully washed out. We recommend washing dais period underwear at 40 °C which is an eco-friendly temperature and also significantly reduces household bills. If you want, you are also able to wash at 30°C which will save you 60% energy in comparison to washing at 60°C.1 Not only are these lower temperatures saving energy and reducing your costs, but it also helps the underwear last longer as it reduces the likelihood of materials shrinking and fraying.
dais period underwear are easy to clean in 4 steps.
This ensures that the blood does not stain and stay in the material and that most of the blood is rinsed out before the product is put into the wash.
This not only saves you money and is more eco-friendly, but it ensures that all the layers stay the same shape and size and do not shrink, allowing you to use more underwear for the years to come. We recommend using a liquid detergent as powdered detergents sometimes struggle to dissolve at lower temperatures. We also recommend every once in a while, using laundry disinfectant to ensure that all bacteria is killed on the underwear.
Simply place on the laundry line or hang inside your home to dry.
Cold water is much more effective at removing blood than warm or hot water. The reason for this is because blood stains are protein based, and the use of warm or hot water with protein-based stains could cause you to “cook” the proteins allowing them to bind further into the textiles, making it almost impossible to remove them.2
We recommend using a liquid based detergent instead of a powder as sometimes powders struggle to dissolve properly in a colder wash. We personally love the Ecover laundry detergents with their clean ingredients which are plant based, dermatologically tested and vegan friendly. Moreover, their bottle is made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and they even have refill stations!
We also recommend every now and then using a laundry disinfectant in the washing machine with the dais period underwear. As we do not use biocides in our underwear, it is beneficial to do a bacterial clean every few wears. You just add it to your machine wash in the laundry softener compartment according to instructions on the pack. You can find them at your local supermarket or drugstore. If you live in Germany we recommend the Denk Mit disinfection which we have tested on our underwear. It is only €1,65 and does not leave any smell or residue on the clothes and underwear.
Yes, you can absolutely hand wash your dais period underwear whilst travelling. We recommend soaking your dais underwear in cold water for about an hour and then use warm tap water with a liquid hand wash detergent to ensure the underwear is fully clean. Then hand to dry and re-wear! We recommend to add a little bit of the laundry detergent whilst hand washing to be absolutely sure that the underwear is clean, or alternatively do so with your next wash.
Yes, there is absolutely no reason why you cannot wash dais period underwear with other clothes. For a lot of people this is a difficult barrier as it feels unhygienic but it should be treated no differently than any other underwear you wear, especially if you have already rinsed with cold water. Some people feel more comfortable to use a washing bag for their dais period underwear which you can also purchase on our webshop. As always, please wash along with similar colours to avoid any discolouration.
If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to check out our FAQs or write us an email at info@dais-group.com .
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Period underwear is an absorbent underwear which is made up of 4 layers of materials designed to soak up and store period blood while you wear them. The blood is then later washed out in the washing machine and the underwear is re-used. For this reason, reusable period underwear is an environmentally friendly alternative to other period products such as tampons and pads. dais offers period underwear in different shapes, sizes and materials so that everyone can find the perfect fit for their needs and wishes. All of dais period underwear can hold up to 4 tampons worth of blood, which is a lot! For most people this would be enough that the underwear can be worn the entire day without having to change.
dais period underwear works on the basis of 4 layers, which are designed to quickly absorb, capture blood and store it. This ensures a dry feeling on the underwear all day long.
Layer 1: The first layer is the layer which is in contact with the intimate area. It is made of 95% organic cotton which makes it very soft, breathable, and absorbent. It works to quickly absorb period blood and transport the liquid to the next layer which helps you feel dry all day long.
Layer 2: The second layer is a bit like a super, super thin sponge however it is made out of a cotton and bamboo mix in all dais period underwear. It absorbs and stores the liquid for the entire day.
Layer 3: The third layer is like a waterproof lining ensuring that the period blood cannot leak out of the bottom on the underwear. dais period underwear additionally has leak proof edges which ensure that the underwear cannot leak out of the sides.
Layer 4: This is the final layer and the main layer of the underwear. Its main purpose is to cover you and make you feel comfortable whilst holding all of the elements of the underwear together. dais period underwear come in all different materials, sizes and shapes so that you can find the best one for you. If you like organic cotton, we recommend taking our Hipster cut. If you want a more modern cut and material, we recommend the Cheeky Nylon cut.
We can assure you that dais period underwear really work. dais period underwear have been tested with the external institute Intertek, which has confirmed that our period underwear can absorb as much blood as 4 tampons! Additionally, due to our leak proof edge technology, dais period underwear are leak proof and offer that extra safety to ensure there are no leaks.
dais period underwear do not feel thick like a diaper or even like a pad. They are thinner than a grain of rice! There is no rustling or noises like you have in a pad or a diaper and it is much thinner. dais period underwear make use of both natural and smart technology materials to achieve such a thin underwear with such a powerful absorbency.
dais period underwear is really easy to clean in 4 steps.
Step 1: Rinse with cold water. This ensures that the blood does not stain and stay in the material and that most of the blood is rinsed out before the product is put into the wash.
Step 2: Machine wash at an eco-friendly temperature of 40 °C (degrees Celsius). This not only saves you money and is more eco-friendly, but it ensures that all the layers stay the same shape and size and do not shrink, allowing you to use more underwear for the years to come. We recommend using a liquid detergent as powdered detergents sometimes struggle to dissolve at lower temperatures. We also recommend every once in a while, using laundry detergent to ensure that all bacteria is killed on the underwear.
Step 3: Air dry. Simply place on the laundry line or hang inside your home to dry.
Step 4: Reuse, repeat and leave the world a better place.
You can wear dais period underwear for the whole day or night as it has enough absorbency as 4 tampons. However, if you have a very heavy cycle, you might have to change it a bit earlier, after 6-8 hours.
You can keep dais period underwear for years, especially if you occasionally use a laundry detergent as it will help to ensure there is no bacteria build up. This way, dais period underwear can be used for 3-5 years or until there is any natural wear and tear.
No, you do not need to wear pads with dais period underwear as they are a direct replacement for pads. What is possible is to combine the period underwear with other sanitary products such as menstrual cups or tampons. We do not recommend this as we prefer to completely replace one time use products, however if you have a heavy cycle or are just looking for an extra security for leaks, this is the perfect product for you.
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Biocides are used to protect people from bacteria, viruses, and fungi through a chemical or biological action1. An example of a biocide would be a hand sanitiser. Biocides can also be implanted into textiles, allowing viruses and bacteria to be fought off whilst wearing the item of clothing. There are many different clothing items that have this technology integrated into it, such as sports clothing or underwear. Most commonly, silver chloride is used to treat clothing or underwear because it can be easily integrated into the clothing, does not come at a great cost in manufacturing and is effective at fighting bacteria and viruses. They are additionally great odour neutralisers which is an added benefit for sports clothing and underwear in particular.
Both Eva and I were involved in the topic of biocides in our previous jobs where we were able to generate our individual opinions. In general, I live by the “strong opinions, loosely held” mantra, and therefore am always open to understanding both sides of arguments and debating the issue. In this case however, the information out there does make it really difficult to form a decision because quite frankly, it is vague. On the one hand, periods are not unhygienic- they are a naturally occurring bodily function. By this premise, if you do not have a problem with your normal underwear on a daily basis, why should you have a problem with absorbent underwear? Then again, normal underwear should be washed hygienically as bacteria build up could result in infections and/or odour concerns and as dais underwear cannot be washed hot, it did make us feel concerned.
On the other hand, there was the option to use silver chloride like most other brands do. This however concerned me personally- if my period and my vaginal fluids in general are not unhygienic, then why do I permanently need to be fighting all the bacteria whilst wearing my underwear? I also was not comfortable with the idea that there would be no control of whether the underwear was only fighting the “bad” bacteria or if it would also be working against my good bio-flora which I know is vital to my health downstairs. I also knew that silver chloride washes out over time: making the underwear less effective but also allowing the biocides to seep into the water systems2.
Having worked with biocides in the past, we knew that there were no official studies or recommendations by government bodies indicating whether biocides could have negative impacts on the body, and in particular the intimate area. What we did know though, is that the Federal Environment Ministry of Germany warns of possible consequences of biocides such as allergic reactions, impairment in the natural bacterial flora and the development of resistance in pathogens. This alone was enough to make our decision: silver chloride is a NO, biocides are a NO, clever washing instructions are a YES and that we want to spend more time in the future investigating and learning so that we can make the right decision for our brand and products.
We recommend washing our dais underwear at 40 degrees maximum. This is to ensure that the garment lasts the 2-3 years that we designed it to, but also to maintain the layers that are inside. These layers are pivotal to the product function and because they are a mix of various materials, we need to ensure none of them shrink or misshape in the wash. In general, modern detergents are pretty effective at lower temperatures, we recommend using liquid ones as powders sometimes struggle to dissolve at lower temperatures which makes them less effective.3 We also recommend washing out the underwear in the sink with cold water before throwing them in the wash. Cold water is much more effective at removing blood from fabric than warm or hot water4.
If you want to be 100% sure that your underwear is disinfected, you can buy laundry disinfectant at your local drugstore or supermarket. It is very cost effective and in one cold wash cycle can guarantee a 99% cull of bacteria and viruses5. Please be cautious to use one without bleach as this can discolour the underwear. Another, more natural option is to add 1 cup of 5% white vinegar to your wash6. You might think this would cause a vinegar smell but actually, it is odour neutralising and is a natural anti-bacterial agent.
We do not claim to be experts, we are just trying to learn and explore the options to bring you a product that works the best for your needs. If we find something that we believe offers effective disinfection without risking any of the negative side effects, you can bet that we will begin using it. However, until then, we are happy to recommend simple and easy tips to allow you to safely treat your underwear to ensure they last for a long time and look after your body.
]]>What kind of plastics exist?
When you think of plastic, you probably think of plastic water bottles, or food containers. Actually, plastic is an extremely broad term used to describe a category of material, rather than a specific material itself. Most plastics are made from oil, that “evil” fossil fuel that causes serious environmental and health concerns. However, smart scientists have managed to make plastic out of renewable resources such as corn which is great because they have many of the advantages of the “dirty” plastics, but they biodegrade. Regardless of the material itself, if you look around, you will release that most of the items in the room you are sitting in contain at least some plastic. That makes it a tough dilemma- it certainly is not the cleanest material in the world, but equally it is probably the single most useful one for our everyday lives, we just need to learn how to deal with it properly.
Where and why is plastic used in dais period underwear?
dais absorbent underwear works due to our 4-layer technology. Our 3rd layer is made of PUL, a plastic which is soft, flexible, and waterproof. It is used to prevent the stored liquid from getting through the underwear- an essential to avoid any leaks or accidents. We also use spandex/elastane which provides elasticity, because there truly is nothing worse than having to pull your underwear up 100x per day. Lastly, some of our models use a Nylon based outer layer- this is totally down to preference. Some prefer a soft, breathable cotton, others prefer the silkier shaping effect of nylon. If you have a personal preference to pick a product with less plastic, then please choose our For Staying In dais, For Teenage dais or our For Maternity dais products as they contain no Nylon which has a large impact on the amount of plastic in the product.
What does plastic neutrality even mean?
We know- sometimes these environmental claims on products are just confusing. So, let’s break it down. Because we have plastic in our product, we decided we want to balance this by removing and recovering plastic waste from nature. We measure the grams of plastic in each of our underwear types, then we track the sales and for each gram of plastic we sell, CleanHub collects plastic pollution.
Our Plastic Collection
We work with the collection hub Green Worms based in South India. They collect household waste in more than 50 municipalities and provide income for over 300 people, of which over 80% are women. These efforts have already led to the collection and recycling over 26,000 tonnes of waste.
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