Period Leaks: How They Happen & How to Deal With Them

Period leaks happen. It's how we tackle them that matters. We're all about period pride here at &SISTERS HQ but we know they don't always make life easy. Bloating, cramps and fatigue aside, it can also be a messy time of the month. We’ve all experienced leaks during our period - we're only human after all - but why do period leaks happen and how can you prevent them from happening? We've got all your questions answered...

What is a period leak?

A period leak is (quite literally) when your period leaks through your protection. This could be because of a sudden gush of blood, blood seeping through your pad or a wonky tampon. It’s never planned and certainly never convenient. However, it’s important to remember that if you’ve experienced a period leak, you’re definitely not the first and you certainly won’t be the last. 

Why do Period Leaks Happen?

Period leaks happen for a number of reasons, some of the most common reasons are:

• Incorrect period care size or absorbency
• Sleeping position
• Full pad
• Incorrectly inserted menstrual cup
• Crooked pad or tampon

How to Prevent Period Leaks from Happening

Preventing leaks may feel like you're trying to take on gravity, however we've got a few tips on the subject. Our advice: always be prepared & get to know your flow. Here's three key takeaways...

1. Use the Right Absorbency for your Flow

Your flow can vary throughout the duration of your period. Some of us experience heavier flow during the first few days that becomes lighter on the remaining days whereas others can experience light bleeding or spotting for the first few days which is followed by three to four days of heavier flow. Whilst you might not want to take a closer look at your menstrual fluid, it’s worth getting to know your flow and adapting your period care to cater to it. Opting for mixed absorbency pads or tampons can be a great way to personalise your period.

2. Switch to a Menstrual Cup

For some, finding the time and space to change a pad or tampon through the day or night can be difficult. If you experience a heavier flow and don’t want to risk any unexpected leaks whilst out and about, switching to a menstrual cup could be the perfect choice. The nüdie period cup is super soft and can be worn for up to 12 hours, holding the equivalent of up to 3 tampons. Designed to last up to 10 years, menstrual cups are also a planet-friendly zero-waste option.

3. Wear Extra Protection at Bedtime

Just like skincare, it’s worth incorporating a night-time routine for your period care too. Many find that they experience a period leak at night and wake up to a bloody mess. Some people bleed more heavily at night, and this can be due to the body being less mobile whilst asleep. Another reason is that because you’re asleep and therefore not changing your period care as often as you would during the day, period leaks are more likely to happen. To prevent leaks, we recommend wearing ultra-absorbent heavy pads and underwear that is more secure. If you’re looking for freedom at nighttime, our nüdie pants are perfect. Wearable for up to 10 hours, they’re perfect for bedtime & absorb 4 tampons worth of your period.