Are you someone who menstruates, or do you know someone who does? If so, this guide is for you! Whether you’re a scientist, hiker, camper, or explorer, managing menstruation in remote areas with limited facilities can be challenging. This article provides practical advice and solutions based on the experiences of seasoned researchers, ensuring you’re prepared for any situation.
Before embarking on your adventure, consider how long you’ll be away from basic amenities like flush toilets and pharmacies. Whether you’re searching for fossils in Wyoming or frogs in Borneo, restroom facilities might be scarce. It’s wise to ask your expedition leader or tour guide about the available accommodations.
The menstrual products you choose to bring will depend on your comfort level, access to clean water, and the duration of your trip. Always pack what you think you’ll need, as finding suitable products in another country can be challenging. Remember, factors like poor nutrition or health issues can affect your menstrual cycle, causing it to skip or extend.
When it comes to tampons, you can choose between applicator or digital insertion types. Regardless of your choice, remember the “leave no trace” principle. Packing out used menstrual products is crucial, especially when burning trash isn’t an option. Tampons are compact, and applicator-less ones create less waste. Bring extra ziplock bags and paper sacks for discreet disposal, and store them away from your sleeping area to avoid attracting wildlife.
Some people prefer heavy-duty nighttime pads for fieldwork due to their extended wear time. However, pads can create more waste and may be uncomfortable during active outdoor activities.
Menstrual cups are highly recommended for fieldwork due to their minimal waste, comfort, and discreetness. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, requiring only two changes per day. Practice using a menstrual cup before your trip to ensure comfort. Clean it with unscented soap and water, or just water if resources are limited. Boil the cup at the end of your period to sanitize it.
While not medical advice, some researchers opt to alter their birth control to avoid menstruation during fieldwork. Skipping placebo pills or using intrauterine devices (IUDs) can reduce or stop periods. Consult your doctor to determine the best option for you.
Cramps can impact your fieldwork experience, so be prepared with medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Air-activated heat wraps or a hot water bottle wrapped in cloth can provide warmth and relief. These small items can make a significant difference in comfort.
Staying clean is essential for your health, even if you can’t maintain the same level of hygiene as at home. In humid environments, yeast infections can occur, so consult your doctor about preventive measures. Hand sanitizer can be useful when soap and water aren’t available, and unscented bathroom wipes can help when showers are scarce.
Consider investing in quick-drying camping underwear, which is easy to wash and dries quickly. While they may feel different from cotton underwear, they are practical for humid conditions where cotton may develop mold.
Remember, mishaps are normal. Be open with your expedition leader about your needs. In remote areas, your situation may become common knowledge, and a little leakage is minor compared to other unexpected challenges.
Happy exploring!
In honor of the millions of individuals experiencing menstruation, let’s celebrate by embracing these practical solutions for managing periods in the field. With the right preparation and mindset, you can focus on enjoying your adventure without worry.
Engage in a field simulation exercise where you pack a backpack with essential menstrual management supplies for a week-long expedition. Consider factors like duration, climate, and available facilities. Discuss your choices with peers and justify your selection of products.
Participate in a workshop where you compare different menstrual products, such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups. Evaluate their pros and cons in terms of environmental impact, comfort, and practicality for fieldwork. Share your findings in a group presentation.
Engage in role-playing scenarios where you encounter unexpected challenges related to menstrual management in the field. Work in teams to develop solutions and present your strategies to the class. This activity will help you think on your feet and prepare for real-life situations.
Attend a session with a guest speaker who has experience managing menstruation during fieldwork. Prepare questions in advance and engage in a Q&A session to gain insights and practical tips from their experiences.
Participate in a design challenge where you create a compact and efficient hygiene kit for managing menstruation in remote areas. Consider factors like weight, space, and sustainability. Present your design to the class and explain your choices.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
(intro jingle)
Do you menstruate? Do you know someone who menstruates? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then we have the video for you!
Fieldwork is a major part of natural history research and exploration, and it’s an opportunity that many scientists and students will have throughout their studies and careers. But what if you’re going to a remote place with unpredictable bathroom situations or limited access to basic sanitary conditions? As a scientist, hiker, camper, or amateur explorer, you may be unprepared for dealing with these scenarios, especially regarding your menstrual cycle. That’s why we’re sharing well-researched solutions based on the experiences of seasoned researchers and our own insights. We learned the hard way so you don’t have to.
Voiceover Emily: Planning and Preparation!
First, consider how long you’ll be away from basic amenities like flush toilets, pharmacies, and privacy. Whether you’re prospecting for fossils in Wyoming or searching for frogs in Borneo, you might be lucky to find a Porta-Potty. Chances are, you may need to use a hole in the ground, so I encourage you to ask your expedition leader or tour guide about the restroom accommodations before you go.
The menstrual items you decide to bring will depend on factors like your comfort level with various products, access to clean water, and the duration of your time in the field. Are you going to be gone for two weeks or six months? Whatever you decide, it’s always a good idea to pack what you think you’ll need before you go. Don’t rely on finding what you want once you arrive in another country, as your only option might be oversized pads.
It’s not uncommon for various factors to affect your menstrual cycle. You might skip your period entirely due to poor nutrition or other health issues, or you could experience an extended period.
Voiceover Emily: Tampons!
Applicator or digital insertion? Whatever you choose, remember: leave no trace. This mantra, used by backpackers and hikers, applies to everything we discuss today. Packing out used menstrual products is just as important as packing out used toilet paper, especially in situations where burning trash isn’t feasible.
Tampons are great because they don’t take up much space in your bag. Applicator-less or digital insertion tampons create even less waste. For packing out, I recommend bringing extra ziplock bags and paper sacks or an opaque plastic bag if you’re concerned about privacy. Store your used product bag away from your tent or sleeping area to avoid attracting wildlife.
Speaking of wildlife, don’t believe the myths about bears being attracted to menstrual cycles. They’re more interested in food sources like peanut butter.
Voiceover Emily: Pads!
I spoke with one person who recommended using heavy-duty nighttime pads for fieldwork because they couldn’t change products frequently and needed to ensure cleanliness. However, pads create a lot of extra waste and can be uncomfortable if you’re active outdoors.
Voiceover Emily: Menstrual Cups!
Menstrual cups are highly recommended for many in the field and hikers for several reasons. They create no extra waste, are comfortable and discreet if you’re familiar with them, and take up very little space in your bag. You can wear a cup for up to 12 hours and only need to empty it twice a day. If it’s your first time using a menstrual cup, practice with it ahead of your trip to ensure comfort.
To keep it clean, remove your cup with clean hands and rinse it with unscented soap and water if available. If water is limited, just use water, but if you’re concerned about water purity, this might not be the best option for you. To sanitize your menstrual cup, boil it at the end of your period. You can use utensils to suspend it in boiling water to avoid damaging the silicone.
Voiceover Emily: Birth Control!
While I’m not a medical professional, another option is to consider starting or altering your birth control before the trip. Some researchers skip placebo pills to avoid their period during fieldwork. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can also be a good option as they may reduce the severity or stop your period altogether. Consult your doctor to ensure this is a healthy and safe choice for you.
Voiceover Emily: Cramps and Discomfort
Cramps and menstrual discomfort can affect your fieldwork experience, so preparedness is key. Bring ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate discomfort. If you enjoy using a heated blanket or pad at home, consider air-activated heat wraps for your trip. They’re small and can make a significant difference. Alternatively, fill a plastic water bottle with hot water, wrap it in a cloth, and use it for warmth.
Voiceover Emily: “But what if I feel unclean all the time?”
While you may not feel as clean as at home, maintaining hygiene is essential for your health. Yeast infections can occur in humid environments, so consult your doctor about preventive options. While I typically don’t recommend it over soap and water, hand sanitizer can be useful in the field. Always ensure your hands are clean when handling menstrual products. Unscented bathroom wipes can also be helpful when you lack access to a shower.
If you have the budget, quick-drying camping underwear can be beneficial. They’re made of materials that dry quickly and can be washed easily. However, they may feel different than cotton underwear, which can take longer to dry and may develop mold in humid conditions.
Voiceover Emily: And whatever happens, happens.
Lastly, remember that mishaps are normal. Be honest with your expedition leader about your situation. If you’re in a remote area for long enough, your needs may become common knowledge. As one researcher said, a little leakage is nothing compared to other unexpected situations.
Happy Exploring!
(cheery string quartet music plays)
Anna from Gross Science: In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate by answering three surprising questions about periods, recognizing the millions of women who will experience theirs that day.
(cheery string quartet music plays)
—
This version maintains the informative content while removing any explicit or inappropriate language.
Menstruation – The monthly process of shedding the uterine lining in females, which is a natural part of the reproductive cycle. – During menstruation, it is important to maintain a balanced diet to support overall health and well-being.
Hygiene – Practices and conditions that help to maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases, especially through cleanliness. – Proper hygiene is crucial in preventing infections, particularly in healthcare settings.
Cramps – Involuntary and often painful muscle contractions, commonly experienced in the abdomen during menstruation. – Many individuals find relief from menstrual cramps through exercise and hydration.
Products – Items or substances created for use or consumption, often referring to those used for personal care or health purposes. – The market offers a variety of menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, to suit different preferences and needs.
Health – The state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. – Regular exercise and a balanced diet are fundamental components of maintaining good health.
Comfort – A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint, often sought in healthcare settings. – Providing comfort to patients is a key aspect of nursing care, especially in palliative settings.
Control – The power to influence or direct behavior or the course of events, often related to managing health conditions. – Effective control of diabetes requires regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and adherence to medication.
Preparation – The action or process of making ready or being made ready for use or consideration, often in the context of medical procedures. – Proper preparation for surgery includes fasting and following specific pre-operative instructions.
Waste – Unwanted or unusable materials, substances, or by-products, often requiring proper disposal to prevent health hazards. – Biomedical waste must be disposed of carefully to prevent contamination and the spread of infections.
Infections – The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body. – Handwashing is a simple yet effective way to reduce the risk of infections in healthcare environments.
