Period protection in advance?

[olympicsrock]

A strange question… I recently read a book about ADHD where the husband helped his wife remember to use San pro in advance of her period because she would not remember this herself.
I have never in my 45 years done this and my period always comes as a surprise ( even when it was fairly regular in my 20s) leading me to wash underwear etc

Have I being doing it wrong all these years? I have ADHD and wonder if this is one of those things that exemplifies how different I am.

My husband was surprised to hear that I never prepare for my period as other girlfriends did.

I can’t say I’ve ever actively planned either. I don’t track my periods and underwear is washable so it’s not really a big deal. From the number of times friends have asked if anyone has spare tampons when out / at someone else’s house, they don’t seem to be planners, either.

I track mine on an app so should know
But every month I wonder why I'm crying in rage and craving chocolate, then the cramps start and I'm.. "oh yeah.."

I have used a menstrual cup for 15 years and I'm prepared for periods as I just wear it all through the month. I empty and wash it out morning and evening and I only realise my period has arrived when I go to clean it out. I like that it stops discharge going on my underwear between periods, which is the main reason I use it between periods.

But I track my periods as well with an app, and it is roughly accurate in predicting my periods within a few days. Before I used a menstrual cup, I used to carry tampons in my handbag as one of the things I'd always carry around all through the month, like tissues or lip balm.

I have ADHD. I find using the health app on my phone to track my periods is good because it warns me a week before. I can increase my meds (as prescribed) for my PMS and stick some period pants/my mooncup in in advance. Not fail safe, it was a week early last month (I blame the Covid vaccine!) but yes anything that prompts you is good.

I can’t track mine as I’m too irregular, so just keep sanitary protection in every bag I own.

I do actually have ADHD but don’t think that has much to do with my inability to plan for this particular thing.

I've never heard of this either. I always carry a few pads in my bag. Sometimes my period catches me unawares - I know roughly when it will start, but not strictly the day.

Why fuss? I find that the blood washes out fine.

I use an app, but again it's not 100% accurate; mine came on suddenly this month a day early. I do carry pads & tampons with me in my bag so I'm prepared for myself & anyone else! (for anyone who's seen Sarah Millican's latest show - Late Bloomer).
But I don't wear anything pre emptively unless I know I won't be somewhere with easy access to a toilet etc so if I'm due or overdue might put a pad in or wear period pants just in case.

I also have ADHD and have been managing mine well since I got a fitbit, but its broken and this months took me by surprise. DP normally prompts me when I'm all 'oh I don't know why I'm so emotional today' by pointing out my period is due. He's better with dates than I am

Mine are really regular - I track them using an app and get reminders a week in advance so I know to stock up.

Thanks all - glad to know that other women do not manage this that differently!

I wear liners every day anyway for discharge/freshness/personal preference but yeah, I know my period is due kinda around the end of the month but no idea exactly when

Only time I've ever tracked it to the day was TTC

I think this is just a weird ‘mansplaining’ interpretation of how women deal with periods. Like they walk around all month ready to gush blood at any moment. But obviously that isn’t how it is. No, never worn anything in anticipation. Use cloth pads and they are always in the house. I usually have one is a bag or I’d just go to the shop if needed.

I’m 😂 though at wearing a menstrual cup every day. Why would you do that?!

I also have adhd. My boobs always let me know about 4-5 days before I start as the hurt like hell. Then I'm like oh is it really that time already? Urgh.

Does everyone's DH really know the dates of your period? I honestly do not tell anyone when it is my period except if it is relevant e.g. DH wants sex. I would find it really intrusive to think someone knew my body in that way. Although I have been on the pill forever and often ran packs together so it was kind of hard to keep tabs on.

I’m not sure it is healthy to wear a menstrual cup all the time. Wouldn’t you be increasing your risk of prolapse or toxic shock?

I do sometimes put my cup in before mine starts if I am going to be away from easy toilet access but I’m talking maybe when I expect to come on that day.

period pants are fab for wearing just in case. I have a horror of coming on unexpectedly so I prefer to wear those or a cloth pad in the days leading up to periods which can be a bit irregular.

Yes menstrual cups have been associated with TSS and you shouldn’t wear them for prolonged periods of time! But wearing period pants might be helpful, for me even having something with me helps. I turned up at DPs (an hour from home) and AF arrived as I was driving over. I had nothing with me and I have Endo and I need prescription pain killers. I usually use a menstrual cup and period pants, I find tampons uncomfortable. I had to go to the shops and get what I can but it was far from ideal. Having a warning on my phone helps!