Periods And Travelling

Discussing periods was considered taboo in the past decade but now the time has changed. On average only 35% of females prefer to travel during their menstruation. There are multiple reasons for this.

They not only encounter dysmenorrhea and PMS but also face the issue of sudden changes in their menstrual cycle, lack of availability of sanitary napkins in public places, and not enough facilities to dispose of used pads.

Certain hormonal imbalances can also cause mood disturbances and physical changes like increased weight and bloating. So, it is quite challenging for a woman to manage periods when they are traveling.

Dysmenorrhea

Cramps or moderate to severe pain in the lower abdomen, thighs, and back every time during periods is called dysmenorrhea. Other than this, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can also happen. Primary and secondary are the two types of dysmenorrhea.

Primary dysmenorrhea

It is the most common type and lasts for initial two to three days during periods.

Secondary dysmenorrhea

This type of dysmenorrhea is uncommon. It starts a few days before menstruation and can last during all days of periods. It is due to abnormality or infection in other reproductive organs.

PMS(Pre Menstrual Syndrome)

30–40% of women have sudden physical and, psychological behavioral changes before the onset of periods like breast heaviness, fatigue, body aches, headache, nervousness, mood swings, and depression. It is called PMS. Right after ovulation, the luteal phase begins and PMS takes place at this stage.

Pads, Tampons, And Menstrual cup

Pads are cotton rolls used during periods and are one of the most common and old methods. Tampons on the other hand are small cotton rolls to insert inside the vagina during mentsruation. It absorbs the blood but can cause infection and even septicemia if forgotten inside. The next trend and latest way is menstrual cups which are an inert plastic material to be inserted inside the vagina and pour the blood out manually after 4–6 hours and insert back. It is considered the most hygienic and eco-friendly.

Periods During Driving

800 million women across the world experience menstruation every day. Studies show females are more likely to have motion sickness either by traveling by road, sea, or air. The cause is still unknown and is idiopathic. Nausea and vomiting are common during dysmenorrhea and driving triggers it.

Eat moderately and preferably 2 hours before driving. Keep a check on your menstrual cycle date and have relevant medicines like analgesics like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, mefenamic acid, and, antispasmodics if you experience primary dysmenorrhea after consulting your physician and gynecologist.

Sanitary napkins have leakage problems so always have a sanitary napkins bundle, additional menstrual cups, disposal bags, and a small hand sanitizer in your travel kit if you are planning to travel for many days. Menstrual cups are considered safe and affordable in certain demographics of the world as compared to conventional sanitary napkins and tampons.

Research says enjoy a piece of good music while driving to distract and relax your mind. Look for leakage and stop at stay areas during long routes to change pads/menstrual cups.

Air Travel During Periods

Each year 2 billion people prefer to travel by air and flying with periods can be troublesome due to several reasons.

Erratic periods

Some women experience irregularity in their cycles during overseas flights. Either they catch early bleeding or turbulence in the flow. It is due to a disturbed biological clock and different time zones in different places.

There are only one or two cubical washrooms inside the plane and it is tedious to change and keep yourself calm during the long journey. Wash your hands before changing and throw waste in the trash bin.

Drink a moderate quantity of water and listen to good music or watch a TV show or movie.

Essentials to carry in your hand luggage

1- Extra pants

2- Extra menstrual cup, pads bundle, and, tampon

3- Soothing gel to relieve menstrual cramps

4- Relevant medicine for air sickness

5- Hand sanitizer

Women On Holy Pilgrimage

Muslim women planning to go for Hajj or Umrah has to postpone their periods because prayers and pilgrimage are not accepted during menstruation. Consult a physician, pharmacist, or gynecologist to stop or delay periods. Noresthierstone tablets are most commonly prescribed in this case.

Rail Travel In Periods

Traveling by train is relatively convenient because lesser people suffer motion sickness. Also, the spacious seating area and the speed of the train are the trump card. However, always wear comfortable clothes and a period kit yourself in a hand-carry bag.

What Astronaut Women Do In Space With Their Periods

NASA women on a mission to explore other planets and galaxies delay their periods for a year. There is no other way than to take plenty of pills to stop periods before going on a mission.

FAQs

Q1- Does your menstrual cycle affected by air travel?

Ans: Yes, flying by air affects your periods’ rhythm. Some women experience lesser flow others had heavy bleeding. Along with this, some faced an overall irregular period.

Q2- How can a woman postpone periods naturally?

Ans: There are certain Ayurvedic methods below:

• Avoid stress
• Eat raspberry leaves
• Suck lemon
• Eat Shepherd’s Purse herb powder
• Exercise, gymnastics, and yoga

Q3- Is delaying your periods safe?

Ans: It is safe as long as your gynecologist has advised. Delaying purposely for a prolonged time can cause profuse bleeding and fertility issues. So, always consult your general physician and gynecologist before planning to postpone periods.