It was in Marseille that we met Margaux, a 29-year-old Export Manager in the textile industry. She agreed to tell us how our Elia menstrual panties have simplified her daily life.
Like thousands of other women, Margaux felt uncomfortable with the protection she was using, and wanted to move towards other solutions.
"I got a bit tired of throwing away my panties every time I had my periods. Between the stains and the little plastic adhesive strips that I could never get off, I must have thrown away dozens of panties. Then there was comfort: sanitary towels burned my groin, and every other time, my tampon was badly positioned and got in the way".
What was left to do... the cup? She wasn't tempted. I've never tried it," she says, "but lI don't like the idea of having a foreign plastic body inside me.
It all starts with Julie, her sister-in-law, who suffers from periods very heavy and irregular periods. When Margaux wanted to try a new type of menstrual protection, she turned to Julie.
" period pants, the Rolls Royce of sanitary protection m'said Julie. Margaux tells us, amused. "She had apparently tried several other brands of panties, but Elia was the most comfortable and healthy solution for her..
Convinced by so much enthusiasm, she let herself be tempted by the adventure!
Margaux confides that she hesitated for a long time before taking the plunge. "There were 3 things holding me back: the smell, the washing and the leaks".
What we mustn't ignore is that odor comes from bacteria present in stagnant, moist blood. With the eucalyptus-fiber absorbent zone of Elia menstrual pants, there's no unpleasant odor, because bacteria simply don't have time to develop. In fact, eucalyptus fiber has antibacterial properties that neutralize odors for up to 12 hours, providing a fresh feeling too. Nor is there any risk of toxic shock syndrome with our lingerie.
"I was a bit apprehensive about having to rinse them by hand. It might be silly, I know, but it disgusted me a little... But actually, it doesn't bother me at all. Maybe because it's my body after all, but I don't find it dirty. I wash them quite naturally. I also found all the washinginformation on Elia's website :)"
One of the last points Margaux was worried about was leaks, which are a real nightmare for her at periods and often make her paranoid! "It's nothing like normal panties in terms of absorption! In the end, after more than a year of use, I've never had a leak, so I don't ask myself the question any more".
Once Margaux's fears and doubts had been allayed, she confided in us that she felt much freer. "The first two or three times I used them at home, I was afraid of leaking, but now I'm reliving it! It's soft like a pair of panties, but absorbent like a tampon. Frankly, I'm much more serene!
At the end of our interview with Margaux, we asked her how she uses, washes and cares for her menstrual lingerie. She explains that when she gets out of the shower, she puts it on and gets dressed. "Just like a pair of classic panties".
When it comes to washing, Margaux also explains that after wearing it for several hours, and when it's time to shower, she rinses it thoroughly in her washbasin, until the water runs clear. "It can take me 1-2 minutes of rinsing". Once the water is clear, she wrings it out and puts it unfolded in her wash bag. "I usually wash them within 24 hours, so that the wet pants don't sit in my dirty laundry basket for too long".. She also confides in us that she only puts one pair of panties in each wash bag, so that they don't get too crushed and get washed properly. "For drying, as with the other clothes, I hang them out to dry. However, I avoid using a clothespin on the absorbent area, so as not to damage it..
We're delighted to have helped Margaux find the right sanitary protection for her.
"I own 2 pairs of Philomène panties and keep them on for 12 hours during the day. The first days of my cycle can't resist them. All my losses are absorbed. When I used tampons and pads, I changed every 3 hours or so. Not necessarily because it was necessary in terms of flow, but for comfort and smell: I couldn't see myself keeping a tampon on for more than two or three hours at a time. With menstrual panties, I no longer have that unpleasant feeling of wetness I used to have".
That said, Margaux admits that her 2 panties are not enough for her. So she ordered 2 more absorbent ARMANDE shorties, to be more comfortable on the first night of her cycle. "Ideally, and in order to have total peace of mind when it comes to washing, I think I m'd need a dozen or so. But I'm gradually building up my stock.
We'd like to thank Margaux for her time and testimonial, and are delighted to have been able to help her feel better every day.
We want every woman to feel good and comfortable during that time of the month, and if we've contributed even a little to your comfort, we're all set!
Shall we keep in touch?