Can you trek during your periods?

Summary

In this insightful episode, Swathi and Sandhya, a seasoned trekker and partner at Indiahikes, discuss the essential tips and advice for women trekking during their periods. They cover key concerns like hygiene, managing sanitary products, and how to deal with common issues like cramps and the risk of staining. Sandhya shares her personal experiences, recommending tampons for convenience, and emphasizes the importance of preparation with sufficient sanitary products. The discussion also touches on high-altitude effects, the safety of painkillers, and the myth of wild animals being attracted to menstrual blood. This episode is a must-watch for any woman planning a trek during her period.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trekking during periods is completely okay for most women, as long as they feel fine during their normal daily life.
• 😀 It's important to dispose of used pads responsibly on a trek by wrapping them in tissue paper and sealing them in a plastic cover or ziplock pouch.
• 😀 Women should change their sanitary products frequently to maintain hygiene and prevent infections during a trek.
• 😀 Changing sanitary products during a trek can be done discreetly behind a bush, tree, or rock, or inside a toilet tent at base camps.
• 😀 It is recommended to change your sanitary product about three times a day, depending on your flow.
• 😀 Carrying extra clothes specifically for periods is unnecessary, but ensuring an adequate supply of sanitary products is essential.
• 😀 Tampons are highly recommended for treks due to their small size, low weight, and reduced need for frequent changes.
• 😀 Women should familiarize themselves with using tampons before going on a trek, as trying them for the first time on a trek may cause discomfort.
• 😀 Always carry at least two or three pads for emergencies, and do not hesitate to ask trek leaders for sanitary supplies if needed.
• 😀 High altitudes generally don’t affect periods significantly, but women who experience heavy cramps or painful periods might find trekking more challenging.
• 😀 Painkillers can be used to alleviate cramps at high altitudes, but it's important to consult with your trek leader and inform them if you're taking any medication.

Q & A

Can women trek during their periods?

Yes, women can trek during their periods as long as they are comfortable with their period management. Periods are a natural part of life, and trekking should not pose any additional challenges for most women.

What should women do with used pads during a trek?

Used pads should be wrapped with tissue paper to cover them completely and then placed in a plastic or zip-lock bag. This helps contain odor and ensures they are disposed of hygienically once back at the city.

How often should women change their sanitary products while trekking?

It depends on your flow, but on average, women should change their pads or tampons at least three times a day during a trek to maintain hygiene and avoid discomfort.

Should women carry extra clothes for period-related issues during a trek?

It is not necessary to carry extra clothes specifically for periods. Instead, women should ensure they have enough sanitary products (pads, tampons) and change them frequently to avoid staining. Extra clothes could become a burden on the trek.

What type of menstrual products do you recommend for trekking?

Tampons are recommended because they are small, lightweight, and easy to carry. They also need to be changed less frequently and are more absorbent than pads. However, it's important to practice using them before going on a trek.

What should women do if they are not prepared for their period during a trek?

Women should always carry at least two to three pads or tampons as a backup. If unprepared, trek leaders on Indiahikes treks carry sanitary products in their first aid kits, and women should not hesitate to approach them.

Does high altitude affect a woman's period or cause more pain?

Moderate exertion while trekking can help reduce cramps, and for most women, high altitude should not significantly affect their period. However, women who experience very painful periods may find the trek more challenging.

Is it okay to take painkillers for menstrual cramps while trekking at high altitudes?

It is generally safe to take painkillers, but high altitude can affect how the body responds to medications. It is important to inform your trek leader before taking any medication, as painkillers may mask other symptoms, such as headaches due to altitude sickness.

Is it advisable to take pills to postpone periods for a trek?

It is not recommended to take pills solely to postpone your period for convenience. Only consider postponing periods with medical advice, particularly if your periods are painful and might interfere with your ability to trek.

Can wild animals be attracted to the smell of menstrual blood during a trek?

There is no need to worry about attracting wild animals to the trek due to menstrual blood. However, it is important not to bury used pads or tampons as animals may be attracted to the smell. Always pack out used menstrual products.