If you can’t avoid your Aunt Flo, here’s how you can keep her on the down low.
Just a note that I personally prefer not using tampons, but I know they’re helpful and easier for others. This list will discuss things that are non-invasive, yet all tips and comments are welcome so please post them below!
- Puppy Pads are Your Friend
That may sound weird, but seriously it works. Over the years I’ve learned to put a puppy pad on my seat because I’ve had heavy periods that’ll seep through my depends and clothes but the pad will save your cushion from a cleaning.
Not to mention, they’re good to have on the floor for when you need to be transferred and you’re hanging in the air from your hoyer. Saves time and effort for your caregivers, which they’ll greatly appreciate!
Another problem I’ve had is because of my curved back, blood will trail up, missing my depends, and seep into my poor night shirt instead. We found out that by cutting a quarter section of the puppy pad and sticking it to my rear will help catch the blood, effectively protecting my clothes. Don’t ask me how it works, I don’t understand the physics of it, but I can say that it’s successful. By doing this I can turn and sleep on my sides without worrying about destroying my bed and sheets.
- Double Padding Works
Perhaps this is obvious to most, but I’ll say it anyway. Going in a depends with another attached pad does help. On the first few days of my cycle, this technique works and will keep things mess free.
There’s also period underwear, which works similar to depends but they’re environmentally friendly since they can be reused. Only thing is it might get a bit tricky if you also pass a lot of clots as materials can’t absorb them well generally. At least you can snip the sides of depends open and you or a caregiver can pull it off, then wrap it before it makes even more of a mess.
- Nighttime Pads: Also a Strong Companion to Have
Even if your periods aren’t heavy, nighttime pads are great for covering all your bases. By that I mean that since I’m always sitting down, it’s sometimes hard to gauge where the blood will go so it completely misses or catches the edge of the small pad or liner. It’s not easy to adjust myself hence why I’ll use the large pads until I slow down enough. Instead of desperately finding that near impossible sweet spot, it’s best to just cover it all completely.
- Use the Bathroom as Much as You Can
I know this isn’t always feasible, but it’s an important reminder. It sucks that we can’t always choose when to go nor do have the ease and capability to do so ourselves sometimes. Trust me I’ve been there many times myself and it’s not fun.
But going to the bathroom can at least help reduce pain because emptying your bladder and whatnot will remove the heavy weight being shoved up against your uterus. Not to mention the movement will allow you to push out any excess blood clots. It’s a basic necessity we’re all entitled to yet it’s also crucial during our monthly cycle. Seriously, period poop sucks!
- Self-Care
This is good practice in general but relieving yourself from pain and discomfort can at least provide a temporary solution until your period is over. These specific things will vary for each person, but some broad options include:
- Using a heating pad
- Light stretching if you’re able to, even lying down flat can help with the cramps
- Taking pain relievers
- Eating sweets or food that makes you happy
- Drinking warm tea also has health benefits as stated in this Healthline article
- Although do note that tea with higher amounts of caffeine isn’t always the best option. I still enjoy drinking greet tea on my period regardless!
- Staying hydrated is a must, drink that water!
When in doubt, talk to your OB/GYN about possible options on what you can do to make things easier. Birth control takes the form of pills and IUDs (intrauterine devices), amongst other things. If you want something to lessen the heavy bleeding or reduce the large clotting, then there might be something that works best for you.
Hopefully this short list has provided you with ideas that can help you through your menstrual cycle. As always, feel free to comment your thoughts down below. Let me know what tips and tricks you might’ve found that work well too!
Periods are an absolute pain, but we’re not letting them keep us down for long! ~So Says The Disabled Dryad~
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