The Best Period Protection For Exercise—How To Find What Works for You
You want reliable period protection and probably dread the “uh oh” moments that can derail a workout or ruin your favorite pair of stretchy pants. But which products are right for you and your lifestyle? From menstrual cups and discs to period underwear, I’m sharing my favorite reusable period hygiene products that may help reduce cramps and improve the quality of your flow.
For me, the switch to the menstrual cup was a very simple choice that I could make in service to the planet (and my period.)
Upgrade Your Period Protection
When it comes to working out on your period, the last thing you want to worry about is faulty protection, discomfort, and leaks. While tampons may still be the go-to for many menstruators, it might be time to jump on the trend toward a more sustainable option.
Consider making the switch to reusable period hygiene products that can reduce cramping and improve the quality of your flow while providing greater comfort during exercise.
Menstrual Cups and Discs
If you’ve been using tampons as your primary period protection, a silicone menstrual cup or disc makes for an easy transition. The application process is very similar and the flexible material moves with your body with very little sensation. Leave the soggy strings behind and forget that not-so-fresh feeling after sweating or going to the bathroom.
The menstrual cup and disc are ideal for exercise because they occupy the same space as a tampon without absorbing blood and drawing moisture away from your vaginal canal which can lead to residual dryness, itchiness, and even pain. In practice, I have also found that once inserted, these devices stay in place whereas tampons have a tendency to work their way out during exercise and create discomfort.
The menstrual cup and disc can also provide greater insight around the quality of your flow because the color, texture, volume, smell, etc. of your menstrual blood can be key indicators of hormonal health. With the use of a collection device, you can observe the physical attributes of your period with each removal and note any causes for concern like clots or aged blood. Normalize the process of menstruation by becoming intimately familiar with your own flow.
The disc is preferred by some athletes because it does not rest in the vaginal canal, but instead creates a capture plane around the cervix which can minimize leaks during movement.
Why Do I Love My Menstrual Cup?
- REUSABLE. When I went back to buying tampons after 3 years without a period, the sheer amount of waste was hard to ignore. The environmental cost of production, distribution, and disposal is staggering and the switch to the menstrual cup was a very simple choice that I could make in service to the planet (and my period.)
- COMFORTABLE. For me, the cup provides far superior comfort with very little sensation as it moves with my body which is why I favor the cup for exercise. This switch has also significantly reduced my period pain.
- RELIABLE. I actually get to see my menstrual blood and gather information.
- PRACTICAL. The menstrual cup is a very affordable alternative to tampons. It costs at most $40 and pays for itself in just a few cycles. There’s no panic when my period hits a day or two earlier than expected or when the timing coincides with vacation. Switching to the menstrual cup means less hassle and more freedom.
Period Underwear
Another alternative with wide-ranging options is period underwear. With innovative fabrics and comfort-driven fit, this might be the next best thing to going commando during workouts. Without the potential for irritation or contraction around an inserted device, period underwear can help signal relaxation in the pelvic floor and ease pain from uterine cramps. You can enjoy uninhibited movement with body-contoured protection.
A Hybrid Approach
For your heaviest flow days, you might consider a combination of the above to provide worry-free protection during even vigorous exercise. Use a cup or disc to capture blood—and information—with period underwear as a backup. I recently switched to this approach for a period solution that is not only environmentally friendly, but feels more aligned with my body and values.
Cyclical Trial and Error
You may not find the perfect fit right away. It took me several cycles of trial and error to find my perfect protection solution. But now that I have, my menstrual phase workouts are mine again. I’m not worried about leaks or discomfort. I don’t dread the post-sweat-session trip to the bathroom or struggle with vaginal discomfort when I’m moving on my mat. Plus, I get to feel better about what I’m putting into my body and what I’m not putting into the landfill.
Working out during your bleed doesn’t have to be uncomfortable and with these planet- and cycle-friendly protection options you might find that menstrual phase exercise becomes a regular part of your happy period.
