Getting your period while traveling sucks!
It's also a part of being a woman that we have to deal with all the time.
But for many of us, the solution is quite cumbersome - carrying loads of pads and tampons for that "just in case" moment. I'm sure all of us have been there - running out or even forgetting to pack these feminine products, and then needing them while you are away.
Last year, I experienced a scary incident where a tampon was literately lost deep within me. It slipped in so far up my pelvic wall that I couldn't reach it. Then when I finally could touch it, it was so slippery and I couldn't get a grip on it. It was a scary moment as I thought of consequences of loosened cotton debris, even worse, getting sick or toxic shock syndrome.
Well, that was the last straw for me and I unpacked the menstrual cup that I had been gifted, but intimidated to use.
THERE ARE MANY BRANDS OF CUPS - PICK THE BEST ONE FOR YOU
A menstrual cup is just a different way of managing our cycle. It just takes getting used to this routine, rather than carrying around tons of pads and tampons. Menstrual cups are more environmentally friendly - less waste, saving about 12000 tampons over a lifetime of your cycle, and thousands of dollars. You only need one cup that can last, on average, 10 years. I have two of them- one for home and one that stays in my travel bag.
The materials are more safe for your body vs tampons. They are made of medical grade silicone. So even people who are sensitive or have allergies are recommended to use them. You never have to worry about toxic shock syndrome or the RECENT horror stories of poisonous tampons. You also won't get screwed on the taxes on feminine products! Remember the TAMPON TAX?
ALSO READ: Women’s Health: Take your power back without shame with Plan B
Before you go to the toilet, especially in public, make sure to bring inside the stall at least two paper towels (one wet and one dry). Or you can just carry wet wipes.
When you empty the cup, your hands will get soiled. Dump the menstrual fluid from the cup in the toilet, and then wipe with the wet towel. You'll likely need to clean around the cup again, so that's why I recommend two towels. Then, just reinsert the cup and go on with your day.
Now, because the start of my period is still pretty heavy, I do still carry a few panty liners.
I also feel extra secure against leakage as these days I also wear Dear Kate. These are "period underwear" that also advertise to prevent leakage and staining - which, unfortunately, even after all of these years of having a period, we still deal with. Beware of knock-offs on Amazon, though. Dear Kate is made of premium materials, including their Underlux fabric — the inner layers absorb fluids, and the outer layers trap them and prevent them from leaking. I have three pairs and they are worth it.
Here's a video I made on how to a menstrual cup.
Do you use a menstrual cup? Let us know and we'll post it here!
Like this post? Pin it!
Post a Comment