Period protection and camping

[TheClaifeCrier]

I'm going camping next week. Am a seasoned camper. However, my period is due on the day I go.

I'm currently waiting on a referral for a gynaecologist. My GP thinks I could have endometriosis.

My periods are horrific. During the day I can manage it but I'm worried about night times, as I tend to wake up in a bit of a mess. Obviously this isn't so much of an issue at home as I can just change sheets, pyjamas etc and the bathroom is a few metres away.

At the moment I use night time pads doubled up but I'm wondering if there is a better, more leak proof solution. Are period pants any good?

I don't want to try a mooncup this week as I'm camping, though I'd be open to trying it in the future.

Could you delay it using norethisterone?

Thanks. Unfortunately I get migraine with aura so I can't take that drug.

What about using a bed wetting type pad in your sleeping bag?
Also are you able to take tranexmic acid (I don't think you spell it like that) that helped me enormously.

id postpone the camping if possible if you cant delay your period

Thanks, we have a few of those mats for my toddler so that could work.

Just googled that Tranexamic acid. Looks interesting. I'm unlikely to get an appointment with the GP between now and when we're go but I certainly look at that in the future.

Branleuse that would be ideal but it's one of those big family get together jobs so I can't postpone for everyone and I don't want to disappoint the kids by cancelling.

Have you tried taking naproxen or even just ibuprofen? It stems the bleeding and helps with cramps when taken with paracetamol. I have suspected endo too and naproxen has helped at night a lot.

Always make these amazing pants for after you give birth which are basically nappies, would that be worth a try? Not very glamorous but they are comfy. I recommend the large size even if you're not large.

Say you're not feeling well and sleep in a b and b but meet the group at brekkie and stay the day until the evening

Maybe try a tampon like Lillets super plus extra at night as well as pads.

delilahbucket thanks. I haven't tried naproxen but it looks like it's available over the counter so I'll give it a whirl.

BertieBotts that's probably the kind of thing I need, thank you.

Tena pants as well as usual protection ?

I've heard that ibuprofen reduces flow too. I know that when I have a lot of cramps before my period and take a lot of ibuprofen to deal with that, my actual period seems to be a fair bit lighter than usual.

What about maternity pads? What about control underwear over normal knickers to hold things closer to you?

Could you sleep in leggings then joggers so if you flood you have a layer on over?

Thanks everyone. Lots of lovely people making suggestions here.

It's so frustrating that I've reached the point where my period is putting me off going away somewhere and doing things I love.

How about those period pants for sleeping in? Doubled up with your usual protect and a disposable changing mat underneath, I reckon it could work.

You can get tranexamic acid form Boots without a prescription. They sell it as 'Cyklo-F - heavy period relief'. You have to ask for it at the pharmacy counter.

www.modibodi.co.uk/shop/classic/classic-bikini-heavy/

You can get Tranexamic Acid over the counter at Boots (if you can get there before your trip)
www.boots.com/boots-pharmaceuticals-cyklo-f-heavy-period-relief-500mg-tablets-tranexamic-acid-18-tablets-10120808

X posted

Brolly sheets do a sleeping bag liner that is really properly waterproof. We use one for our bedwetter when camping. Not instead of these other suggestions, but as a last line of defence so you have a clean sleeping bag for the rest of the night. However if you have any spare sleeping bags that would be cheaper.

Also I'm a fan of cloth pads. In your position I'd be thinking of layers of muslin,cotton, old towel, held in place with knickers/ cycling shorts. Doesn't need to look presentable. With period pants, cloth pads etc they're just layers of fabric. You really don't need to spend £20 a night for products that are designed to be discreet when you're only going to wear them in a sleeping bag.

I agree that regular ibuprofen will reduce the flow.

Tena pants. That what I used after birth when the bleeding is horrendous - no leaks or mess whatsoever with those.

Period pants do work.

I’ve used them for a couple of years now, and I have bad periods. I used a mooncup before, and had to empty every hour during first three days of period. Before that, I used pads (post birth) and againwas changing night time pads every hour. With period pants, if I use them on their own, I can last four hours minimum. If used with other protection (eg if on a full day out when I can’t run to the loo every hour) then they are absolutely leak proof.

Currently, I use Thinx pants on their own overnight, and since starting using them I have not had any leaks at all.

Tranxamic acid made my extreme periods manageable and I found night time tena pads and other incontinence whopping big pads rather than the pants with a superplus tampon with control pants to hold all in place made a night time ok.