That time of the month

[SueDavis]

What do you do when its your time of the month? As far as clothing and protection? I ususally take a day or two off but would like to bike because it helps with the issues that come from it. Don't know what to do :o

[Blueberry]

Search on the forum for diva cup. That's what lots of us do (though I also take bc continuously, so not really an issue).

ETA: Those threads also contain lots of discussion of the alternatives and why they do or don't work.

[indysteel]

I have extremely light periods thanks to the BC pill that I take (Loestrin 24), so I just use a tampon(s) as needed or just don't use anything. As for taking days off, it's been a while since my periods were painful or fatiguing enough to require that. If they were, I'd likely talk to my doctor about how to better manage those symptoms, if at all possible. Before taking the Pill, I used to get bad cramps, which I could better manage if I remembered to start taking Motrin before the pain actually started. If you take any kind of pain reliever while exercising, be sure to drink extra water. They can be hard on your kidneys as it is; dehydration from exercise makes it that much harder.

[Owlie]

I'm not functional the first two (heaviest) days anyway, so I don't ride those days. The other days, I use a tampon and carry a spare. Where I ride, there are restrooms set up along the trail by either the city in question or county park system.

[SueDavis]

Wow!! Had no idea such a device existed. Learn something new everyday. Thanks all for the information.

[TigerMom]

I use a tampon and just cut the string right at my female entrance so that I don't feel the string on my chamois. Just watch where the scissors are cutting ;)
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[spokewench]

For the first day or so, I use an ultra absorbent tampon and take one with me in my underseat bike bag for emergencies. Other than that, nothing more is needed.

[lovelygamer]

I use the cup. Before I used the cup, I could not exercise or be active due to discomfort and mess. The cup is THE BEST THING I HAVE EVER FOUND. I get mine at walmart or rite aid. It's the softcup brand, which are disposable.:D

[funkbunny]

The only caution on a menstrual cup is if you use an IUD (i.e., Mirena or ParaGuard). Technically you aren't supposed to use a cup with an IUD. My sister does and hasn't had any issues - but I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to those types of things.

I have a Mirena and generally do not have my period more than once a year. And it's lighter. And I have to think about birth control every 5 years. :)

I also have not yet taken the plunge into riding "correctly." Thinking this year may be the year to give it a go.

[Irulan]

I don't bother with cutting the string; just stuff it inside.

[SueDavis]

I'm gonna try the cup. If it is cleaner than tampons then I'm sold. Had my tubes tied with my last daughter so no need for birth control all though having a period once a year is a pretty sweet deal I think. I'm always concerned though about messing with nature that way. My older daughter has issues in that department and her specialist told me about Mirena too. Looked into it but was hoping for a hysterectomy first. lol

[velo]

It sounds like you've gotten some great advice. I'm new back to riding, but rode a lot before this hiatus. I've just had my first period since riding again and had forgotten about these "times". Now I remember that it really affected (affects) my cycling. I have a lot less energy and my back aches in the saddle, so I have to stretch and stand more. My solution was (is) to not do anything major those first two days. So, for me : use a super absorbent tampon and take light rides that last less than two hours so I don't need to change while out riding. I feel that I'm close to (peri-)menopause, so hopefully I won't have to deal with this for too many more years.

[nscrbug]

Ehhh...I wear a super-plus tampon the first 2 days and bring a spare along with me. Other than that, it's just another ride to me...I don't do anything special or different such as shortening the mileage or anything like that. Riding actually helps with the discomfort, in my case. I remember doing a century ride on my 2nd day (heaviest for me) last summer...and it hadn't actually dawned on me that I was on my period until we were done.

Linda

[Irulan]

FWIW, I'm more prone to chafing I guess due to tissue congestion.

[climbergirl]

Count me as another vote for menstrual cups. Hands down the best thing ever!

I find that exercise really helps my cramps, and it really helps my moods, so I'll go out at least for an easy ride _especially_ when I don't really feel like it.

[CyclingJenn]

I'm new to riding, but have been using menstrual cups for years! I prefer the Lunette, which now comes in several pretty colors. Once I started using a menstrual cup, I never went back! It is so much easier and worry-free. Plus, it saves money. I haven't bought any tampons in over 4 years!

[SueDavis]

I guess I'm just a wuss. Tried the cup last month and felt sick to my stomach on my heaviest day when I emptied it. It worked very well in my opinion. Just have to get the nack for when to empty it. Had no leaking with it at all.

[zoom-zoom]

FWIW, I'm more prone to chafing I guess due to tissue congestion.

I'm thinking I need to start tracking the days that bother me most with my little phone periods app. I can do centuries without discomfort, then sometimes on 20 milers I will draw blood and be uncomfortable the entire time. I'm really starting to believe that there's something hormonal going on with my external bits. The sucky thing is that my cycles are only 23 days, on average, so it's harder to determine if my issues are cycle-related.

Count me as one of the people who had no luck with menstrual cups. I first tried a Diva cup in L, which was what it recommended for my age. It was too big and I could feel it all the time--uncomfortably so--and it always felt like it was going to fall out. Then I tried a Mooncup USA...that leaked. The disposable Instead cups have worked best, but they still tend to leak, too. So I gave up spending so much $$ experimenting.

I have a tipped uterus and my cervix is at a weird angle, so I suspect strongly that this is why I can't find a cup to work for me.