Having your period when travelling - advice needed

**lozza09** · 01-04-2012 05:34 AM

Hi everyone

I have been on the pill consistently for over 12 years now. I will be coming off the pill in the next month or so but because i have been on it for so long, i am so used to being able to skip the sugar tablets or 'plan' when to have my period around holidays or special events etc so i can have it when i dont have anything special on. I am one of the girls (like most of you im guessing) that cant stand having my period & i skip it as much as possible, on advice from the doctor this is apparently OK.

I am dreading the thought of coming off the pill and having my period every month. How have you girls coped with having your period on holidays?? Especially beach/pool holidays? We are planning a 2 month holiday at the end of this year and i wont be on the pill then so i am already stressing and worrying about having my period at least once or twice during the time we are away. I hope it doesnt sound silly because i know its a part of life but for the last 12 years i have just gotten so used to being able to skip the sugar tablets and plan it to come at a more convenient time! We will be spending alot of time by the pool and beach on our holiday and im dreading the thought of having it at that time. We are planning to go to a few waterparks as well with lots of waterslides, i would hate to miss out on this because of my period!

Have any of you travelled or been on beach/pool holidays and had your period while travelling?? Do you have any tips or advice??

Sorry if this sounds silly but i would love any advice you can give!

**Beautiful Disaster** · 01-04-2012 07:45 AM

I was on the pill for 10+ years when I finally decided it was wreaking havoc on my body and my life. I tried the whole skipping periods thing once or twice if I was going on a 4 wheeling or camping trip, but it always ended up making me feel bad or the next month I'd spot for 2 weeks before my next period.

Since going off the pill, I have felt SO much better that having my period every month is actually something I welcome. Now days with tampons and such, there is nothing you can't do while on your period. Lay by the pool, play in the ocean, ride horses, etc etc. Things like exercise and proper nutrition will help you to avoid severe PMS symptoms. Be sure to have something like midol or ibuprofen along to relieve any cramps you may have. It's really not a big deal.

I think at one point in history we were taught that we were sort of "shut down" during our periods. But not anymore....there's no reason you can't enjoy your trip, have a normal period, etc. By the time you take your trip, you'll have been off the pill long enough to adjust to your normal monthly cycle.

I would recommend charting (taking your basal body temp each morning) to track your cycles (when you ovulate, luteal phase, when to expect your period, etc). It does not always work to count a certain number of days. I chart, and I love knowing pretty much exactly when to expect my period and also when I'm the most fertile.

Good luck.

**brunettebabe** · 01-05-2012 10:33 PM

No big deal to be swimming in the ocean or going on water slides while on your period. use tampons.

**lozza09** · 01-08-2012 12:12 AM

Thanks for that everyone. I thought the answer would be tampons, I was just hoping there would be an alternative as I have never used tampons before! The thought makes me sick lol. Does any ever leak out or anything? I cant imagine it being able to absorb enough without having a pad there to ‘catch’ it? Also, are they uncomfortable to wear?

**brunettebabe** · 01-11-2012 11:39 PM

no leakage and no not uncomfortable. i usually get the super absorbant pads and tampons. it is a little uncomfortable to insert it at first, but other than no biggie

**lozza09** · 02-04-2012 04:00 AM

Thanks everyone for ur advice! what brand or sort of tampons do you recommend?? I have never used them before so no idea which would be best!

also, beautiful disaster - thanks for the advice about charting. what exactly is it and how do u do it??