Caving And Your Period

Tips for caving while on your period

Remember to eat enough - your body is hungry for fuel and caving is a very high intensity activity.
Take painkillers as soon as you start experiencing cramps - don't wait until it becomes too much!
Be aware of your mood and keep a healthy mentality about it. Be aware of potential mood swings and how they may affect you. If everything is suddenly terrible you may have fallen in the streamway or you could just have the grumps.
Cater trips towards your own individual needs. Avoid water if you are wearing pads and period pads. and consider how long the trip will be if you are wearing a tampon. This can be done if you unsure by asking the trip leader or the welfare officer about your concerns.
You don't have to cave if you aren't feeling it - or the trip can change if you aren't feeling it as well. There is no need to push on. Most hts are located in beautiful area so there is plenty of chances for an above ground walk!
Have a hot water bottle if you are cramping for use in the hut.

If you have further concerns about this and how it may affect you and your trips please talk to the welfare officer / trip leader. They will be happy to help!

Pro and cons of different period products

Pads

Pro

Less invasive then tampons and cups

Cons

Do not perform well in water - will distingergate and fall off

Tampons

Pro

Better suited to wet environments

Cons

Risk of toxic shock syndrome
For longer trips need to be changed underground

Menstrual cups

Pro

Perform well in wet caves
Less likely to be dislodged
Significantly less likely to cause toxic shock syndrome

Cons

Can leak when overfilled

Period pants

Pro

Do not risk being dislodged as much
not a risk factor for toxic shock syndrome

Cons

Can leak when full
external and absorbent so not great for wet caves

Toxic Shock Symptoms

Toxic shock can occur when caving with a tampon . The faster it is treated the better and it can be treated quickly.

Symptoms

a high temperature
flu-like symptoms, such as a headache, feeling cold, feeling tired or exhausted, an aching body, sore throat and a cough
feeling and being sick
diarrhoeaa
widespread sunburn-like rash
lips, tongue and the whites of the eyes turning a bright red
dizziness or fainting
difficulty breathing
confusion

If you are feeling these symptoms and have been using a tampon while caving please alert your trip leader/ the welfare officer

Toxic shock syndrome Find out what toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is, what the symptoms are, how it happens and how to reduce your chances of getting it.

Thank you to Aila Talyor for the talks given and information provided on this subject

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