Summer is just around the corner. You might be prepping to go on vacation or book a weekend getaway before the warm months come to an end. If your period just so happens to land on your vacation time, read below for tips on how to manage symptoms or move your bleeding to a more convenient date or time. You’ll be hula-ing all your stress away in no time!
TURN OFF YOUR PERIOD WITH THE PILL OR A RING
Did you know you can avoid getting your period during your vacation? There’s really no need for you to have a period every single month — or at all, actually. If you’re on the birth control pill, just skip the sugar pills/placebo week after you’ve finished the three lines of active pills and go straight into the next pack. If you’re on the ring, change it after 28-30 days (four weeks to a month) instead of taking it out at 21 days (three weeks), with one week without it and a week of bleeding.
If you want to skip your period indefinitely, just keep taking the active pills until you have breakthrough bleeding. When you get heavy spotting, come off the active pills or ring for five days to have a withdrawal bleed and pick up active pills again (or replace the ring) on the sixth day whether or not you’re still bleeding. You might have to do this at three months, then six months, then nine months, until the spotting stops, but it’ll be worth it. Each woman is different: some stop bleeding completely immediately.
Some people’s bodies have really strong internal hormones and may take awhile to get used to not having monthly bleeds or might need a stronger pill to take over their system to allow them to not bleed each month.
STOCK UP ON TRAVEL-SIZED TAMPONS
If you’ve ever been in the uncomfortable position of trying to be discreet on your way to the bathroom to change your tampon (though let’s face it, who has the patience or the need for that anymore?) you might have noticed that traditional tampons, which are 4 to 5 inches long, are just the opposite of that. The good news is some brands make pocket-sized, retractable tampons, like U by Kotex’s click tampons or Lola’s 100% organic compact tampons. And because they take up less space, you’ll be able to pack a larger quantity into your travel suitcase or your beach tote and not have to worry about running out.
PERIOD-FRIENDLY PANTIES
For a longer stay, especially if you’ll have access to a washer machine, you might want to consider bringing along a couple pairs of period-friendly underwear, consider brands like Thinx, Dear Kate, Modi Bodi, or Panty Prop. These brands make underwear that can absorb as much as two tampons can and are made out of thin, breathable fabric that actually feel and look good. No obnoxious, visible panty lines or thick pads that bunch up this time — only pure vacation bliss.
SKIP THE BLOAT
We’re big proponents of redefining the term “bikini body” to mean healthy and happy. However, bloating is a common PMS symptom that can be very uncomfortable. This can put a damper on even the most self-confident among us.
Period-related bloating is caused by changes in your estrogen and progesterone which cause your body to retain more water and salt. For this reason, there’s no getting rid of it, but there are certain steps you can take to minimize other contributing factors. Mainly, avoid salty foods such as chips and canned soups, and if you eat out, ask the restaurant to lay low on the salt or soy sauce.
INDULGE
It may sound like we’re giving you a long list to check off before you can even begin to enjoy your vacation, but ultimately, this is a time to unwind and indulge. After all your preparing, you deserve to make the most of your vacation and treat yo self.
Go ahead and have a cocktail, if that’s what your heart desires. Ultimately, try to cut yourself and your body some slack. There’s no such thing as a perfect vacation, but with just a little planning, you won’t have to ride that crimson wave into your vacation.
What would a period-free summer look like to you? Sound off in the comments!
If all else fails, sometimes the classic movie and ice cream with your vinas is the move. Find your squad on Hey! VINA today!
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Pandia Health, and are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
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