Managing your periods is one of the most significant monthly expenses for women across the globe, and India is no exception. From utilizing pads and tampons as the best solutions for decades to adopting sustainable, comfortable, and affordable options lately, a lot of women in India have already opted for period panties.
At first glance, spending up to Rs. 999/- on a single period panty may seem pretty pricey and more expensive than the packet of sanitary pads that usually costs Rs. 100-150. However, the truth is that period panties are inexpensive and will save one a lot of money in the long term.
Why Period Panties Are Affordable for Indian Women
Let's break down why period pants are a smart investment and how they help women save over time:
1. Long-Term Cost Saving
In order to understand whether period panties are cost-effective, the lifecycle of period panties has to be understood. Disposable sanitary pads and tampons have to be worn and disposed of after each usage, but period panties can be used for years, up to 2-3 years, depending on care and usage.
Let's take a quick look at the comparison to understand the cost benefit.
- Cost of Disposable Sanitary Pads
An average Indian woman uses about six pads per day for her period, and a cycle takes about five days. This means 30 pads per cycle. A pack of 10 sanitary pads costs about Rs. 100. So, each cycle will cost:
3 packs of pads = Rs. 300 per cycle.
In a year (12 cycles), this amounts to Rs. 3,600.
- Cost of Period Panties
Our collection period panty costs between Rs. 499/- to Rs. 999/-. One panty cannot cover the whole cycle, but most women would need 3 to 5 pairs to comfortably get through their period. Thus, at the number of panties and the prices of the same, the total upfront cost would lie between Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000.
Long-term calculation: Considering these period pants are used for 2 to 3 years, here's the maths
Disposable Pads: Rs. 3,600 per year Rs. 10,800 for three years
Period Pants (Rs. 499-999 per pair lasting up to 3-5 pairs) Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000 for three years
Thus, mathematically, period pants would save 1,800 to Rs. 9,300 over a period of three years compared with disposable pads.
2. Comfort and Convenience
The other significant reason Indian women have become adopters of period panties is comfort. Period panties are designed for better comfort by keeping you dry and leak-free all day long. Fabric is breathable, soft, and nontoxic (free from PFAS) to the skin; this is highly important during periods as skin can be particularly sensitive.
If the flow is heavy, ultra period panties can be chosen for more protection. Period panties do not give a feeling of wearing pads or tampons like in other methods while offering 360-degree protection.
3. Environmental Choice
The used disposable sanitary products, amounting to a whopping twelve 3 billion pieces, get dumped into the landfills of India every year. These are non-biodegradable items and would take hundreds of years to decompose, worsening the situation of the burgeoning environmental crisis. Period panties help reduce wastes in an eco-friendly manner.
Let's take an example, that using 30 disposable pads per cycle amount to 360 in a year. Over a period of 3 years that is 1,080 pads. With the reusable period panties, you cut down that number way down into the earth's benefit.
4. Avoiding frequent store visits
For most women, buying sanitary products is usually an afterthought and rush affair. This forces more frequent trips to the shop or ordering online and sometimes a delivery fee attached. Period panties eliminate all of those monthly purchases that are saving you not only money but also time and hassle.
A busy life that Indian women lead, juggling work, home, and social obligations has comfort from period panties. Once you invest in a set, you're set for months, if not years.
5. Healthier Option for Sensitive Skin
Many Indian women experience itching and discomfort because of rashes caused by sanitary pads, which they wear for numerous hours. Some sanitary pads have chemicals or synthetic additives that are bound to irritate any skin. Period panties are made from breathable soft fabrics designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.
With period underwear absorbing the menstrual blood directly, less contact is required with synthetic fibres and chemicals. This can be a real game-changer for women who have to deal with pad-induced rashes regularly. For more shocking reasons to ditch pads and tampons, you can explore the hidden health risks associated with sanitary pads and tampons in our detailed blog post.
6. Flexibility of Use
Much more flexible than traditional pads or tampons, period panties can be worn for light spotting, at night. Many women wear period panties on non-period days to stay comfortable and this has become especially true among girls who have irregular cycles or are expecting their period soon.
This means that period panties are not limited to use for just 5 days in a month; they could be used throughout the year for other purposes, thus making it an even better investment.
Summing it up: Is it Worth the Investment
As you can see, while the initial cost of these period panties may prove quite exorbitant for many Indian women, the long-term view reveals them to be nothing short of affordable. And in so far as you are willing to spend anywhere between Rs. 1,500 and Rs. 5,000 upfront, you can save thousands of rupees over a couple of years as you experience unparalleled comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. So, whether you're a college student watching every penny or a professional who looks for hassle-free solutions, period panties are the smart investment that pays off in the long run.