Sensitive Question - Riding when you have your period

[fkannady]

I have recently began riding and I am training for two day 150 mile ride in April. My question to all the expert female riders out there is, what can I do about having my period during a long ride? I am not on birth control so I cannot skip a period nor can I wear tampons so I will have to ride with the usual maxi pads. Any advice on how to avoid any additional friction or issues?? Thanks in advance for responding!

[Grog]

Please check out this thread:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...highlight=diva

And welcome to TE! Hope you enjoy your ride!

[Wahine]

Yup. I'll second Grog on this one. That thread made me order a Diva cup and I've never looked back.

[OakLeaf]

I like my Diva Cup - but don't love it as much as the old latex one that the dog ate There is a bit of a learning curve, so if you're going to try one, get it now for your next period, not for the first time on your big ride.

You didn't say why you can't wear tampons. If it's a history of TSS, they recommend not using a Diva Cup either, even though there's never been a known case associated with the cup.

If it's just the string on the tampon that's an issue, you can tuck that up inside.

If you're not a heavy bleeder and you have a black saddle, chamois are made to absorb a lot.

If there's some reason you must wear a pad, I'd guess you'd want to use the narrowest, lowest profile one you can buy, no "wings," and the strongest adhesive, and stick it tight to a pair of shorts with a very low profile chamois, then use lots of lube. If it sticks tight it probably won't be too much different from some of those bulky chamois.

[mimitabby]

I love menopause

[kat_h]

I haven't made the switch to the Diva yet, but I'm thinking about it. Currently I use reusable cotton flannel pads. They're awesome - far more comfortable than commercial pads, soft, fit better. There are a few websites that sell them, but there's also an ebay seller named Cindy with some numbers after her name who makes some really nice ones for much cheaper than the websites.

[fkannady]

Thank you all for the responses. I will definitely check into the other "methods". I had an episode of TSS when I was young and then never used a tampon since. Never thought to try it again.

[pinkychique]

I have a Diva cup, and also I use reusable pads: http://partypantspads.com/ and they're AWESOME. i think a few women have had great success with wearing the reusable pads on the bike...super comfortable if you can arrange the little snap around your girly stuff

also, there are these things called instead: http://www.softcup.com/

I've used these, but they're not reusable. Despite this, I've had really good luck with these on long travel since they claim that you can wear them for 12 hours with no problems of TSS.

Good luck!

[emily_in_nc]

I haven't made the switch to the Diva yet, but I'm thinking about it. Currently I use reusable cotton flannel pads. They're awesome - far more comfortable than commercial pads, soft, fit better. There are a few websites that sell them, but there's also an ebay seller named Cindy with some numbers after her name who makes some really nice ones for much cheaper than the websites.

What in the world would you do if you need to change one at work -- or just out somewhere? I can't see carrying a used one around all day with me until I got home.

(no offense intended -- I'm truly curious!)

Emily