Cycling on your menstrual Cycle?

[Owlie]

I get really bad cramps sometimes, and while I know the exercise helps, I really don't want to get off the couch on those days! So I don't. I do ride on the tail end once the worst of the cramps and bleeding has passed, though. I keep a tampon in my seat bag.

[shootingstar]

I rarely had menstrual cramps. (I'm perimenopause now.)

It was when it was humid and hot in temps. 85+ degrees F that I would feel just a little bit more tired and only for long bike rides over 65-70 km.

[zoom-zoom]

Dammit, I wish I could find a cup that didn't leak. I've tried the Diva Cup, the Mooncup US, and the disposable Instead. All either were uncomfortable and/or leaked. The Instead was the best, but still leaked...so I'm back to tampons. Fortunately I will be done with this period when I do my ride across the state in 6 days.

I definitely seem to find that things are more sensitive during my period. I can have uncomfortable rides at any time, but the likelihood seems greater during my flow...of course, I have 23 day cycles and bleed for about 8 days, so I have this issue about a third of the time. *sigh*

[Swan]

I'm suffering this issue just now. I had a few days off the bike waiting for a saddle sore to heal... and wouldn't you know it, the day it was gone was the day Auntie Flo came a-knockin'!

Does anyone have any advice on which pads to get? My body won't accept any inserts, so no cups or tampons for me...

[OakLeaf]

I'm years past it and no recommendations for Swan, but Zoom, have you tried The Keeper? It definitely fits differently than the Diva Cup (which is what I got after my dog ate my Keeper ) In my body, the Keeper worked a lot better than the Diva Cup.

[zoom-zoom]

Hmmm...it doesn't look all that different. How did it work differently for you?

[Crankin]

I'm also "past it," but what do you mean Swan, when you say that your body won't accept it?
I can't imagine cycling in any kind of "pad," but then, I started wearing tampons when I was 16 and didn't stop until my periods stopped at 48.

[OakLeaf]

Hmmm...it doesn't look all that different. How did it work differently for you?

The shape is just slightly different, but the latex conforms very differently than the silicone does. It's a little firmer, so for me it was easier to place and less likely to leak.