Aunt Flo on the Road

By Courtney S. Ries

Chances are, if you're of the age to be doing some solo travel throughout the world, you're of the age where you have to deal with your period every month. There are a couple of things you can do to ease this burden, starting with before you leave.

If you want to stop your period:

The most common way of stopping your period is through birth control medication. There are a few ways to go about this, all of which require a visit to the doctor. Generally, women skip their placebo pills or week without medication and continue on with the next month's prescription. Because these medicines may take a few months to stop your period, it's best to see the doctor as soon as you know you're going to be away for a long time.

There are a varying side affects associated with the use of these drugs- read up! Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions if you don't understand something. Above all, listen to your body. What may have worked for your best friend won't necessarily work for you. Please note that the side affects of these medications are not listed. If you would like to read more about these medications, go here.

Depo-Provera is progestin-only birth control. Commonly referred to as 'the shot." Shots are given every three months in either the arm or the buttocks. Women who will be gone longer than three months can ask for a prescription and visit a clinic to have a nurse or doctor administer the shot.

Advantages for the traveler: No pill to remember to take every day. Can be used by women who cannot take estrogen.

Disadvantages for the traveler: Period is not guaranteed to stop. Treatment should be started well in advance of traveling to see how your body reacts the shot.

The Pill is a commonly used form of birth control. Women generally get their period during the week that they take placebo pills. Periods can be skipped by not taking these placebo pills, and starting the next month's pack.

Advantages for the traveler: Many women are already comfortable with the pill and know how their body reacts to it.

Disadvantages for the traveler: Pills must be taken at the same time every day.

The Patch functions similarly to the pill. A patch is placed on your body and chemicals are released into your bloodstream. The patch is changed once a week, and can be worn while swimming, exercising, etc. Periods can be skipped by changing the patch every week.

Advantages for the traveler: Only has to be remembered once a week.

Disadvantages for the traveler: Patches should be kept at room temperature. May present problems for those traveling through warm climates. The patch will also be noticeable if placed in an area uncovered by a tank top, swimsuit or other revealing piece of clothing.

Vaginal rings function similarly to the patch. A ring is placed inside your vagina and chemicals are released into your bloodstream. The ring, such as the one produced by NuvaRing, is removed every three weeks and can be worn while exercising and during sex. Periods can be skipped by replacing the ring without taking a week break.

Advantages for the traveler: Only has to be remembered once a month. Uses less hormones than birth control pills.

Disadvantages for the traveler: Although rare, the ring can fall out. If this occurs, it must be rinsed with sanitary water. Approximately 20% of men whose partners use NuvaRing can feel the ring during intercourse.

If you want to continue to have your period while on the road:

Most women continue to have their period while traveling, even to remote destinations. Tampons and pads can be found in any major city throughout the world, although finding supplies in a remote village can be impossible. Because of this, and other reasons, you may want to explore other options for managing your monthly curse.

Tampons and Pads are commonly used throughout the Western world to deal with Aunt Flo. Tampons are usually made of cotton and rayon and are worn internally. Pads are generally made of cotton, rayon and plastic and are worn externally.

Advantages for the traveler: Most women are familiar and comfortable with tampons and pads. They can be found in most major cities throughout the world.

Disadvantages for the traveler: You may not be able to find your favorite brands overseas. For example, it can be difficult to find tampons with applicators. Tampons and pads can be expensive compared to the prices you are used to paying. If you decide to bring your own supplies, it takes up unnecessary room in your backpack. Also, rural areas do not necessarily have good septic systems, so you are not able to flush any used tampons. You may be required to burn them, or carry them in a bag until you are able to dispose of them. If you need to carry used tampons or pads, put them in a zip lock plastic bag with baking soda to reduce the odor.

Cervical Cups such as The Diva Cup or The Keeper provide an alternative to tampons and pads. Cervical cups are inserted into the vagina and, unlike pads or tampons, are non-absorbent. After removal, contents are dumped into the toilet and the cup is washed in hot, soapy water and re-inserted. If you are in a public restroom, Diva Cup advises wiping the cup with a dry or damp clothing and cleaning it then next time you are able.

Advantages for the traveler: Makers claim there is no leakage with cervical cups, unlike pads and tampons. Cups can be worn overnight and are reusable.

Disadvantages for the traveler: Many women are not familiar with the product and can be uncomfortable with the idea of inserting the plastic object. Travelers may not have access to a private bathroom for awhile and would need to rise the cup in public space. If hot, clean water is not available, the cup could become unsanitary for use.

Sea Sponges are another alternative to tampons and pads. Jade and Pearl are the largest producers of sea sponges. Sea sponges are natural plant-like creatures that grow on the ocean floor and are harvested and used for a variety of products.

Advantages for the traveler: A natural alternative to tampons. Unlike tampons, TSS is not associated with sea sponges. Sea sponge tampons can be used for 6-8 cycles.

Disadvantages for the traveler: It can be difficult to figure out how to use sea sponges. They should be removed and rinsed out every three hours in a sink. While traveling, they may be difficult to keep sanitary.

If you have used any of these products, please share your experiences on our boards.

Article added on March 01, 2005

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