Cycle knowledge · 6 min read
Discharge and Panty Liners – What Should You Keep in Mind?
By SELENACARE Redaktion · 23 August 2023

Panty liners are a great everyday companion and often a lifesaver when, for example, your period starts unexpectedly or you experience heavy discharge. But panty liners don't only have positive sides, especially disposable ones. In this article we'll take a brief look at what to consider when using them and what speaks for and against them.
Panty liner materials
Unlike pads, panty liners are considerably thinner and smaller. This means they have less absorbency overall and are best suited for discharge and light bleeding. Disposable liners are attached to your underwear with adhesive strips and usually consist of fleece, an absorbent layer and a protective film for your underwear. The problem: they are often perfumed – and exactly these substances are not ideal for the vaginal flora.
Can panty liners dry out my vagina?
When reading various opinions on the use of disposable panty liners, one note comes up again and again: they may also dry out the vagina. The fact is that panty liners absorb liquid. With daily use, they can of course encourage dryness. That's why it's all the more important not to use perfumed products, so the mucous membranes aren't additionally irritated.
Can I have an allergic reaction to panty liners?
As mentioned, disposable panty liners use adhesive strips to attach to your underwear. Because of these plastic strips, good air circulation isn't possible – and combined with possible bleaching agents or fragrances, this can encourage allergic reactions, skin irritation and yeast infections. The skin on the vulva is very thin and absorbs everything easily. With prolonged use, fungi and bacteria can multiply well. If you need tips for the right intimate care, read on here: "Proper intimate care: 9 tips for good vaginal flora".
How often do I need to change my panty liner?
Many menstruating people reach for scented panty liners because they want to feel especially fresh. Much more important, however, is changing them regularly and wearing fresh underwear daily. With heavy discharge, the panty liner should be changed several times a day. Here too, it's particularly important to pay attention to the liner's material.
We recommend using reusable panty liners, as moisture doesn't build up but is channelled into the absorbent layers. That way you always have a dry wearing feel and less risk of skin irritation or, in the worst case, infections.
Environment & cost factors
Disposable panty liners are not very environmentally friendly. They cause a large amount of waste and unfortunately often end up in the sea. The key here is to choose sustainable products. Some manufacturers have already reduced the plastic content in their disposable products – that's a good start. Even better is switching to washable, reusable liners. In the long run, these save not only waste but also money. You'll find a cost breakdown and more details here: "Saving money with sustainable hygiene products"
What helps with discharge?
The fluid often referred to as "discharge" is actually called "cervical mucus". It has many important functions for fertility and the immune system, above all in fighting bacteria and fungi. You'll find more on this in our article "What is cervical mucus and what colour can discharge be?".
The important thing is: as long as your discharge doesn't smell or look strange, everything is perfectly fine. It is annoying, though, when your underwear is regularly soaked and you have an uncomfortable feeling between your legs. Alongside washable panty liners, we can recommend our daily briefs – underwear with an integrated absorbent zone, developed specifically for daily use. Ideal for discharge and light bleeding.
They work the same way as period underwear, except that the absorbent zone is smaller and thinner. Our discharge underwear is essentially a brief with a built-in panty liner. Thanks to the breathable material, air can circulate well, liquid is channelled away and you always have a dry wearing feel. For us, a real game-changer when it comes to discharge! Just give it a try 😊
GREAT. The most comfortable alternative to tampons I've tested so far. "
Empfohlene Produkte
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of sustainable period hygiene has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
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