hassle-free periods · menstrual hygiene · periods while travelling · women's health ·Jun 23, 2022

Does Traveling Affect Your Period ? All Updates

Periods are annoying on their own without having the added discomfort of getting them while travelling. It may seem unfair that only one sex has to deal with this added hassle while planning a trip, but women have been menstruating since the beginning of time and with a little preparation and planning ahead, you don’t have to worry about changing your travel dates or cancelling a trip altogether just because it’s “that time of the month”!

Menstrual products you should pack

The most important thing to pack when travelling is your go-to period product. Whatever your preference is, make sure you have it in abundance (or just remember to pack your menstrual cup if you are a cup user), so you don’t have to run around last moment in another location hunting for period products.

Pads - Sanitary pads are the most commonly used period product in India. But, if you use synthetic pads, you will be harming the environment more by disposing of them. And when you’re travelling, you may not always have access to proper disposal options, which can increase the burden on the environment. Try opting for natural pads like our Eco-Conscious Sanitary Pads for an almost completely biodegradable option.

Also, you will be moving around more often on a trip, which, if you are prone to rashes during periods, can aggravate them further due to added friction. Try our Sensitive Sanitary Pads which are specially designed for sensitive skin to safeguard against rashes, and are also more biodegradable than conventional pads.

And, if you are worried about disposal, our pads come wrapped inside resealable disposal bags that make it safe and convenient to discard the used pads, ensuring protection for both the environment and the trash pickers who would otherwise be exposed to your menstrual waste.

Tampons - If you prefer insertion-based period products due to the added comfort they provide, and if your travel itinerary includes activities like hiking, swimming, and the likes, then tampons are a great option. They not only provide more flexibility and movement but also make you feel dry and comfortable. But make sure to change them after 8 hours maximum (or depending on your flow) to avoid leakage and a more rare but dangerous toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

Similarly, for tampons, try opting for a totally organic option like the Carmesi Tampons which are made of 100% organic cotton, ensuring utmost comfort and safety to both the user and the environment as it’s totally biodegradable.

Menstrual Cups - These are by far the most comfortable travel option where bleeding on your trip is concerned due to their maximum hours of wear (12 hours), comfort level once it’s inserted correctly and the fact that there is absolutely no disposal requirement for cups. Moreover, you can do any activity freely while wearing the cup (including sleeping in it, which is risky with a tampon due to the chance of TSS if you wear it over 8 hours).

If you are looking for a great cup to try, consider the Carmesi Menstrual Cup which is the softest and the most comfortable cup you will ever experience. Both insertion and removal are super easy and all you need is a restroom with a water supply. Carry a soap with you if you need to wash and reinsert it during travel but do not have access to soap inside the toilet.

Other must-have products when travelling

Apart from your period essentials, there are a couple of other products that you should consider carrying while travelling to ensure absolute comfort.

Panty liners - For the last day or so of your period, when your flow is extremely light or erratic, you can opt for panty liners. They also work great against the discharge you get around your period. A great option for comfortable panty liners is the Carmesi Panty Liner. They are so thin and light that you will never feel like you are wearing anything. Moreover, they are completely safe and made of natural ingredients. So, hello Nature!

Cramp relief patches - If there is one thing more annoying than a constant stream of flowing blood through your vagina, it’s the cramps that come along with it. Carrying hot water bottles is very inconvenient and electric heating patches don’t work unless there is a power source. So, what’s the alternative? The Carmesi Cramp Relief Patches are super travel-friendly and comfortable and keep you warm and pain-free for about 8 hours! Just stick it on and embrace relief on the go.

Disposal options - If you are using disposable period products like tampons and pads that do not come with disposal bags, it becomes quite a hassle to hunt for disposal options, especially while travelling. Make sure to keep newspapers or other options handy to safely get rid of your period products.

Painkillers - If your cramps are extremely bad, or you suffer from conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), endometriosis or other conditions that can give rise to excruciating cramps, keep some painkillers at hand to make your journey easier to endure.

What kind of clothes should you pack?

Of course, you want to look your best when you are travelling and thanks to ever-evolving fashion trends, there are so many style options to choose from. When on your period, it’s best to wear loose and comfortable clothing so they are easier to manage if you need to change your period wear while you are outside.

Also, pack more bottoms and panties because you may leak and it’s no fun wearing soiled clothes or underwear, and not to mention the discomfort you may face.

Should you consider delaying your periods?

While not always advisable, if you absolutely feel the need to opt for it, if you feel your periods will seriously affect your travel, only then, go for it. If you are on birth control, maybe don’t skip them for 5 days or opt for continuous birth control pills available in the market that do not require you to undergo a placebo period.

There are also hormonal medications available that work specifically to delay your periods, but they may have certain side effects. Always speak to your doctor before opting for such medication.

Lastly, you can opt for some natural ways to delay your periods and see if they work for you.

Does Traveling Affect Your Period?

Travelling can come with a lot of anxiety or stress, which affect the hormones in your body. This can lead to delayed periods. Moreover, fluctuating air pressure while flying can cause changes in your flow. Also, significant time-zone and diet changes can affect your cycle. So keep these in mind when planning your trip, and try to take as little stress as possible.

Tips to manage your period better while travelling

Vacations can seriously disrupt your normal routine and wreak havoc on your system if you are not mindful of your activities. Here are a few tips that can help you manage your period better and make it as hassle-free as possible.

Watch your diet a bit - It can be tempting to give in to your cravings, especially when there is so much new food to try in a different location. Of course, it’s not possible to completely give up on trying anything that’s remotely unhealthy, but you can keep a check on that to an extent to avoid unpleasant symptoms like cramps, bloating and mood swings. Try to opt for fresh food in whatever you eat and keep away from processed foods.

Make sure to exercise - You may feel that travelling in itself is enough exercise, but it’s still important to catch up at least on a few yoga poses if you want to keep your flow at a healthy level and maintain your energy and reduce cramps.

Try sex or masturbation - Orgasms are a great way to minimize cramps and headaches. Try masturbating to alleviate the pain, or if it’s an option, have period sex, which has a lot of benefits. Just make sure to use protection if you don’t plan on conceiving because it’s still possible to get pregnant even if you are bleeding.

Get adequate rest - It’s very important to rest your body appropriately, especially when you are simultaneously losing blood. It also helps to manage your symptoms and keep you feeling better.

Moderate your alcohol intake - While drinking may be a part of your travel itinerary, try to do it in moderation because alcohol is known to increase both estrogen and testosterone levels in the body, leading to worsened PMS symptoms that you may also be experiencing while bleeding.

Conclusion

While bleeding during a vacation may not be on your bucket list, it’s not impossible to manage it and ensure a hassle-free period. Just stick to some sort of discipline and pack your essentials and you are good to go!