Over the last weeks I’ve received about five emails from a man named Omar Cunningham, a representative of public relations firm Mannfolk. The pitch is for Period Undies, which are apparently underwear that “provide a comfortable layer of extra protection at the height of your menstrual cycle.”

Really? Those are necessary?

Necessary enough to launch a new business off of? I truly thought I was being punked, but apparently these padded panties are for real. Omar got back to me–Period Panties have been featured on The Tyra Banks Show. We don’t typically run personal hygiene stories here on Fashionista–not even in the beauty section–but I truly am curious. (PS, you’re supposed to wear them in conjunction with a tampon or pad. Not in lieu of.)

Would you use these? Are these the next Spanx? Am I just being a prude?