Blood, sweat, and tears: Why period pants are a game-changer for disabled and autistic people

Let’s talk about that time of the month. Yes, the one that turns you into a walking crime scene, demands you hoard hot water bottles, and makes you question why the uterus didn’t come with a snooze button.
For many, periods are already a monthly inconvenience, but if you’re autistic or have a disability, they can be a full-blown nightmare. Sensory hell, executive dysfunction, mobility struggles, and public bathroom accessibility (or lack thereof) make managing menstruation way harder than it should be.

Why traditional period products are a pain in the… uterus

Pads? Crunchy, sweaty, and full of who-knows-what chemicals. Tampons? Dry, awkward, and require a level of coordination that some of us just don’t have. Menstrual cups? Great in theory, but trying to insert one when you have poor dexterity or limited mobility is like playing the world’s worst game of Operation.
This is where period pants (aka the greatest invention since painkillers) come in. And guess what? You could win some! We’ve teamed up with WUKA to give away 2 x £50 vouchers, so keep reading to find out how to enter.

Autistic? No more sensory hell, just heavenly comfort

Autistic people often have heightened sensory sensitivities, meaning textures and smells that others might tolerate are unbearable. Period pants are soft, breathable, and chemical- free, so they don’t feel like you’re wearing a soggy plastic bag all day. As an autistic person myself, with sensory issues and endometriosis, since switching to WUKA, my periods have gone from a miserable, five-day ordeal to a (slightly less miserable) three-to-four-day experience. And while the pain is still very present, it’s absolutely more manageable.
Coincidence? Maybe. But I’ll take it.

Disabled? Changing period products shouldn’t be an extreme sport

If you have limited mobility or chronic pain, changing pads or tampons regularly might not be an option. Public bathrooms often don’t accommodate wheelchair users properly, and don’t get me started on the lack of accessible sanitary bins. Period pants let you go longer between changes, reduce the need for awkward public bathroom acrobatics, and remove the stress of carrying a million backup supplies every time you leave the house.

So, what’s the catch?

Honestly? There isn’t one. WUKA’s period pants are reusable (goodbye, landfill waste), comfy, and don’t make you feel like you’re wearing a sweaty nappy. Plus, they’re cost-effective, so no more panic-buying overpriced pads because your period showed up uninvited.

Want to try them for free? Enter our giveaway!

We’re giving away 2 x £50 WUKA vouchers, so you can ditch the crinkly pads and try period pants or swimwear for yourself.

How to enter:
You can enter through any of the WUKA competition posts on Purpl social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X), by commenting the words WUKA WIN. You must be a Purpl member to enter (yes, we do check). You are able to enter on each platform – every platform you enter on counts as a separate entry, so make sure you are following us across all our social media accounts for your best chance to win! Check the posts for more details and see our full Terms and Conditions here.

Competition ends: April 27 2025 at 23:59GMT

Periods might be unavoidable, but suffering through them? That’s (mostly) optional. WUKA and Purpl are here to make sure your uterus rage comes with fewer inconveniences – and better underwear.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about period pants

1. How do I wash period pants?
Easy peasy! Just pop them in the washing machine with your regular washing load and hang them to dry. I recommend giving them a warm water rinse beforehand, but that’s just me personally. Avoid tumble drying as it can affect the fabric and reduce their lifespan. Treat them like your favourite pair of comfy undies – wash, dry, repeat.

2. How long do period pants last?
With proper care, your period pants can last a good few years! They’re made to be durable, so if you follow the care instructions (no fabric softeners, no tumble drying), they’ll keep you comfy for ages. You’ll absolutely get your money’s worth – no more buying packs of pads or tampons every month! Bye, pink tax!

3. How absorbent are period pants?
Period pants are the real deal. They come with multiple layers of absorbent material, so they can hold the same amount of fluid as 3-4 regular tampons or pads. Whether you’re having a light day or your heaviest flow, they’ve got you covered without any leaks.

4. Can I wear period pants all day?
Yep! You can wear them for up to 12 hours, depending on your flow. For heavier days, you might want to change halfway through, but they’re comfy and reliable for long stretches – whether you’re working, chilling, or even sleeping.

5. Are period pants suitable for overnight use?
Absolutely. They’re designed to handle longer periods of wear, so you can sleep soundly without worrying about leaks. Some styles are specifically made for overnight use, with extra absorbency to keep you dry while you dream.

6. Do period pants smell or leak?
Nope! Period pants are designed to lock in moisture and keep odours at bay. The fabric works hard to prevent leaks and is breathable so you feel fresh all day long. Say goodbye to the uncomfortable, plasticky feeling of pads!

7. Can I use period pants if I have sensitive skin or allergies?
Yes, they’re perfect for sensitive skin. Many brands, like WUKA, use natural, chemical-free fabrics that won’t irritate your skin. No harsh chemicals, no nasty reactions – just soft, breathable comfort.

8. How do I know which size to buy?
Just use the size guide on the product page! If you’re in between sizes, it’s often best to size up for a bit of extra comfort. Remember, period pants should fit snugly but not too tight. Comfort is key, and they shouldn’t feel restrictive.

9. Can I wear period pants with other menstrual products (like a cup or tampon)?
Definitely! If you like extra protection, you can wear period pants alongside other products like a menstrual cup or tampon. They’re great on their own, but if you feel you need more security on heavier days, feel free to double up.

10. Are period pants really sustainable?
Oh yes! Period pants are reusable, which means you’re cutting down on single-use products like pads and tampons that end up in landfills. Plus, they save you money in the long run. It’s a win for you and the planet.

11. What makes period pants better than disposable pads and tampons?
Period pants are comfy, sustainable, and chemical-free – everything you want but can’t always get from traditional pads and tampons. They’re better for your body, your bank account, and the environment. Plus, they’ll save you the hassle of running to the shop every month!

12. Can I wear them while exercising?
Yes! Whether you’re running, doing yoga, or just going for a walk, period pants stay in place and keep you comfy. No more worrying about leaks or that awful feeling of pads shifting during your workout. And as a little tip from yours truly, they also work GREAT as sculpting pants (yep, just like Bridget Jones).

13. Do period pants have a “safety net” in case I leak?
Absolutely! WUKA and other period pants brands have built-in leak protection, with multiple absorbent layers to prevent any accidents. The design keeps everything where it needs to be, so you can go about your day (or night) worry-free.

And don’t forget that Purpl members can get 15% of WUKA period pants and period swimwear by heading to the WUKA page!

About the Author

Pale pink background with an image of Sammi, a woman with long black and blue hair and wearing a beanie hat, text reads Sammi, Senior Marketing Manager at Purpl, is an autistic advocate for disabled and neurodivergent people, passionate about accessibility and inclusion. She uses storytelling and community-driven content to challenge barriers and amplify underrepresented voices.

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