Women’s health expert, Dr Susanna Unsworth, shares advice for travelling with confidence
Menstrual health is shaping travel decisions, with a third (33%) of UK adults admitting they have altered, postponed or cancelled holiday plans due to their own or their partner’s period.
While booking a holiday is often filled with excitement – from choosing sunny destinations and planning adventures to picking out outfits and mapping out days away – for many, there is also a quieter concern in the background: whether their period might arrive while they’re away, and how they can feel comfortable, prepared and in control if it does.
New research of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Intimina, the women’s intimate wellbeing brand, reveals that 15% have postponed or delayed their trip, one in 10 (11%) have changed their destination, dates or chosen activities, and more than one in 20 (7%) went so far as to cancel the holiday altogether.
To support people who menstruate in feeling confident and prepared this summer, Intimina’s dedicated women’s health expert, Dr Susanna Unsworth, shares expert insight into why cycles can feel different while travelling and offers practical tips to help people understand their bodies, plan with confidence and make the most of their time away.
WHY YOUR CYCLE CAN THROW A CURVEBALL WHEN TRAVELLING
Has your period arrived a little earlier or later than expected while travelling? Travel really can affect your cycle, and changes to your routine, disrupted sleep, crossing time zones, and the physical stress of travel can all affect the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle – so your period may arrive a little earlier or later than expected. This is usually temporary, and your cycle should settle back to normal once you’re home.
Travelling by plane? That can also affect your body. Flying can cause dehydration, and prolonged sitting and changes in cabin pressure can all contribute to bloating, while travelling can also make constipation more likely, so if you’re already prone to discomfort during your period, these factors can make it feel more noticeable.
TOP FIVE TIPS FOR PERIOD PACKING
Dr Unsworth says: “Feeling prepared can reduce stress. Travel can sometimes disrupt your routine, and occasionally the timing of your period, so having your preferred products with you means one less thing to worry about.”
- Pack smart, not heavy. Reusable period products such as menstrual cups and period underwear, such as Intimia’s Bloom pants, take up very little luggage space and reduce the need to pack lots of disposables. Even where period products are available abroad, the brands, absorbencies or applicator styles may be unfamiliar, so having your own with you removes the guesswork.
- Think about your plans, not just your dates. Long travel days, festivals and camping often mean limited access to toilets. Cups can be a good option for swimming and other water-based activities, while period underwear offer reassurance as back-up protection overnight or on long journeys.
- Stay hydrated in the air and on the ground. Stay well hydrated, and simple things like getting up to move around on longer flights, avoiding too much alcohol, and choosing fibre-rich foods where possible to help reduce constipation can have a huge effect.
- Keep your skincare simple. Heat, humidity, sunscreen and increased oil production can all contribute to holiday breakouts. Cleanse gently, particularly after sweating, and try to resist the urge to introduce lots of new products while you’re away.
- Pack your period kit in your hand luggage… just in case. With time zones and disrupted sleep sometimes shifting the timing of your cycle – keep your preferred products within easy reach so you are covered even if your period arrives early.Intimina’s Lily Cup Compact is designed for exactly this – it folds down small enough to fit in a handbag or hand luggage, so you’re covered without taking up precious packing space.
This summer, Intimina is encouraging women to embrace their body with confidence and knowledge – find out more about its range of menstrual cups, period pants and pelvic floor products at intimina.com.
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
