Pourquoi les culottes menstruelles réutilisables en 2026 au Québec - Libre by deys

Why Choose Reusable Period Underwear in Quebec in 2026

Updated September 2026.

In Quebec, more and more people who menstruate are swapping disposable pads and tampons for reusable period underwear. A trend? Not really. The reasons are concrete: less waste, a more predictable budget, more comfort, and cities that reimburse part of the cost. Here's what you need to know, with sources.

1. Thousands fewer disposable products

According to a 2023 literature review by UQAM's Institut Santé et société, one person uses on average 12,000 to 15,000 disposable products in a lifetime, or 110 to 135 kg of waste. The same report estimates that disposable pads alone generate about 2,700 tonnes of waste per year in Quebec, and that a pad is made largely of plastic.

Period underwear can be washed and reused for years. A few pairs replace hundreds of disposable products. To make them last, just care for them properly: see our guide How to wash period underwear.

2. Better control of your budget

With disposables, the expense comes back every month for decades. Period underwear is a one-time purchase that you use cycle after cycle. That's also why several Quebec organizations see it as one way to fight period poverty.

And in Quebec, there's another advantage: many cities reimburse part of the cost. Quebec City, for example, reimburses 60% of the pre-tax price, up to $100, and 75% when you buy from a Quebec City merchant. Lévis, Longueuil and most Montreal boroughs also have programs. See our up-to-date list: Period underwear subsidies in Quebec, city by city.

3. Nothing to insert

Period underwear is worn like regular underwear: the absorbent zone is built into the fabric and nothing is inserted into the vagina.

That's an important difference from tampons. Health Canada regulates tampons as medical devices and notes that they are associated with toxic shock syndrome, a rare but serious illness. It recommends changing tampons every 4 to 8 hours, not wearing them overnight and using the lowest absorbency you need. If you get a fever, vomiting, dizziness or a sunburn-like rash during your period, seek medical care quickly.

4. Fewer unknowns about what's in disposables

The UQAM review points out that independent studies on the composition of disposable pads and tampons are still scarce, and that some have detected substances of concern, such as phthalates or volatile organic compounds. Its authors recommend applying the precautionary principle and call for more ingredient transparency. In other words, research doesn't have all the answers yet, and many people prefer to reduce their exposure to disposables.

5. Designed for heavy flow too

People often think period underwear only works for light flow. That's no longer true: some styles are designed for heavy flow. According to the Government of Canada's menstrual health guide, periods are considered heavy when they last longer than eight days, when you soak through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, or when you pass clots larger than a toonie. If that's you, also talk to a health professional.

At Libre by Dey's, both of our styles are made for heavy flow: discover our period underwear for heavy flow.

6. Periods, finally talked about openly

Period poverty, menstrual health, environmental impact: these topics are increasingly discussed in Quebec, in the media, in schools and in municipalities. Reimbursement programs are a good example. Period underwear is part of that movement: protection that respects your body, your budget and the environment.

In short

  • A few pairs replace hundreds of disposable products.
  • You pay once, and your city may reimburse part of it.
  • Nothing is inserted into your body.
  • Styles exist for heavy flow.

Ready to try? Discover our period underwear, proudly designed in Quebec. For sizing, simply choose your usual underwear size.

Sources

This article is for information only and does not replace advice from a health professional.

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