A Question For The Uterine-Americans[*]

[serinde]

That question being, how do you feel about exercising when your crimson tide is at high flow?

I have, most months, 24-30 hours when I'm bleeding at a staggering rate--we are talking changing a super-plus tampon roughly every ninety minutes--and, though by then the cramps are over and I'm otherwise okay to exercise, I am endlessly paranoid that I'm bleeding through my Feminine Protection[tm]. (Because it has happened.) Even when I have a second layer of shielding in place, I'm still worried about it because, well, you know how things shift around when you're moving a lot.

Now, on the one hand, yoga (for instance) is a form of exercise especially helpful when you're wound up in knots from, oh, say, travelling on buses and being away from home and running around frantically for holiday stuff AND your period is here. On the other, how relaxing is it and how much good is it doing if you're spending the whole class tense and worried that you're leaving a blood trail?
[*] or other nationalities' representatives, don't step on my jokes

Comments

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

Back when the missus had a uterus, she also had very heavy flow at times, which turned out to be related to fibroid cysts (which is why the thing's gone now). I hope that you've gotten checked out for this.

As for exercising, i think she never did have an accident during exercise, but it's been so long that my notoriously iffy memory is even less reliable.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

*blink* I don't think any of my GYNs have mentioned cysts as a possibility. (I should note that I taper off pretty quickly, so I don't think I'm necessarily losing more blood than the average female. If that matters.)

[missionista.livejournal.com]

Even on those days, I still do yoga. I definitely recommend 2 layers of protection. Also, some poses (like inversions) are not advised for those days. Sitting/Standing poses don't have you moving so much that you will leak blood, ime.

[nancaurelia.livejournal.com]

I worry too, especially in belly dance class. (My teacher actually warned us about one particular move.) But honestly, I've never had a problem after I've made all possible preparations, so mine is mostly paranoia. Yours isn't.

Maybe you could promise yourself to take a break half-way through class to check and not worry the rest of the time?

I have also heard rave reviews about the new cervical cups but have never tried them.

[must-sew-faster.livejournal.com]

Depending on what you're wearing, can you do a tampon and pad at the same time?
I generally do that on days 2-4 anyway.

[must-sew-faster.livejournal.com]

The cervical cups I tried, Instead brand, were OK...except they are a pain to remove if you're in a bathroom stall with your pants around your ankles and no access to a sink.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's what I was alluding to, but particularly if I"m moving around and going upside down and stuff the pad can get out of position.

[lillilah]

I recommend the Diva Cup. I wrote a longer response, but shitty Portland Airport connectivity ate it. Anyway, they work well and are generally recommended by women who do lots of exercise. I'd be happy to provide more info if you wish.

[must-sew-faster.livejournal.com]

Huh. I've never experienced that much of a maxi pad shift, but I don't do much yoga. Are you wearing knit cotton undies, or something slippery? Cuz a pair made of knit cotton with some stretchy spandex (I like Jockey brand) might keep it in place better.

[erinfinnegan.livejournal.com]

I wear black workout pants.

I find that ab work makes the tidal flow feel a bit better. I want to work out less on my period, but feel much better when I do.

[briony530.livejournal.com]

I use the extra long maxi-thins, they cover more area, so I'm less worried about shifting...if that helps.

[caelfinn.livejournal.com]

I agree that extra long pads help with shifting. Also, the ones with "wings" so they wrap around underneath and stick to your undies.

I think someone else mentioned this but you shouldn't do any "inverted" poses in yoga when you have your period. Just do an alternative like downward facing dog or something instead.

[must-sew-faster.livejournal.com]

Ooh...I just went to www.always.com to request a sample of their newest maxi pad...the Infinity. If the animation is to be believed, it's like a cyclone in your underwear....because that'd be useful. I hope it doesn't destroy any trailer parks though.