Written By: Colleen McElroy, RN, FNP-BC

There’s no better time than Valentine’s Day to discuss bleeding and I think you’ll agree with me when I say:

Having your period can be a real buzzkill.

But does it have to be all that bad? Here we will discuss ways that we can remain comfortable, dry, and as clean as possible while on our periods in the outdoors. We have so many ways to remain sustainable and kind to Mama Earth while we’re bleeding including menstrual cups, period underwear, washable pads, and even birth control options. 

That being said, these options are by no means the end-all-be-all for sustainable options and nobody has to be perfect in caring for the environment…we are all just trying to do our best, right? :) 

Ok, did you say menstrual cups?

A menstrual cup is a sustainable option for bleeding - it’s a silicone (or plastic) cup that is inserted into the vagina and works as a little “catch all” for the menses in the vaginal canal. Menstrual cups are used much like a tampon in the sense that you put them there using your fingers and forget about them for a while. There is an extension from the cup that you pull to get the menstrual cup out, which takes some practice, but once it is pulled, it removes the seal of the cup from the side of the vagina so the cup can be removed! 

With a menstrual cup, you do have to be conscious in the outdoors and to do some extra preparation when it comes to where and how you’re going to dispose of the collected menses. I would recommend when the time comes, to dig a cathole (yeah, like for pooping) and having some hand sanitizer for your hands and clean, drinking water ready to clean off your cup so it can be reinserted. This part is not overly essential, although it may help avoid any future infections or just avoid generally feeling “icky”. The cups need to be emptied at the same interval as tampons, so if you can’t take breaks on your adventure that’s lasting more than 8 hours, I would avoid this option.

The cups come in different sizes and depths, but generally hold as much as a super tampon or maxi pad, depending on the brand/size. A very common brand is Diva Cup which offers many sizes. Another brand that I’ve used is Saalt which offers another model called a “disc” that might be a nicer fit for some cervixes. 

You should talk to your trusted health professional when using a menstrual cup if you have an IUD, because this option could dislodge the IUD depending on your familiarity and comfort with the device. 

What about period underwear or reusable pads?

Period underwear is just as it sounds, it’s a great option for those who want to be sustainable while bleeding, but don’t want to insert a menstrual cup and are okay with the idea of using a pad. Most period underwear companies use “moisture wicking technology” in the underwear which looks like microfiber, cotton, wool, or bamboo; however, I’d research specifically for the company you’re buying from as some of them have limits on how many times you can wash the undies. In the past, I’ve used Thinx and have loved them. They’re a great option instead of a panty liner to catch “overflow” from a menstrual cup or tampon, or if you just have a lighter flow. I personally have never bled through period underwear, and they come in different absorbances. They might be a nice option for incontinence as well. 

Reusable pads are also a sustainable option and can be cleaned in cold water and some can even be thrown into the washing machine. From my experience, they have a snap on the wing portion of the pad which helps keep the pad around the underwear once it’s placed in the proper spot. These are also a nice moisture wicking option for those who may experience irritation with traditional pads or panty liners given the tendency for these to hold in moisture with the plastic backing of the product. They should be changed at a regular interval, based on your comfort level regarding moisture or flow that day. These can be purchased at small shops, online, or even Target! 

If you’re on a long trip where you will not have the option to clean off or store your reusable underwear or pads sufficiently, I would not recommend these products. However, they can easily be stored in a plastic sealable bag and wait until you get back home to be cleaned.  

Want to avoid an unexpected period?

There are some contraception options that can help offer you some control over your periods. Some womxn do have predictable bleeds with options including combination oral birth control pills, hormonal IUD, copper (non-hormonal) IUD, implants, vaginal rings, intramuscular injections, or birth control patches. These options do have to be prescribed by a trusted health professional and you may not qualify based on health history or risks, and they may cause side effects or require some “tweaking” in dosages based on how your body is responding. These options not only prevent unexpected periods, but also help avoid unplanned pregnancies if used as directed!

No matter our adventures, environmentally-friendly bleeds should all Leave No Trace, and what might work for me might not work for you. I encourage you to branch out of your comfort zone and even if you decide you want to continue your current regimen including tampons or disposable pads, do some research into what company you’re buying from. Many companies are making the transition to more eco-friendly options (including organic cotton), or are doing some great work making period supplies and education available to menstruators! Happy bleeding!