Being on your period in Europe. Gross topic, sorry!

It's not gross, just personal, and a pain in the neck. If you need heavy duty products, you'd better bring them with you. I didn't see any of the heavy-duty sizes in Paris this summer, and I looked. For peace of mind, go prepared. Sorry!

Jess,

I went on a university trip a few years back and I will tell you that your students would be utterly grateful to get a bathroom break hourly. We didn't even get a lunch break until 1pm by which time we had been up for hours and everyone was starving with sore feet.

I agree with you packing the items that you might need. Then if one of your students needs something and you don't, you still have it for her. Don't feel embarrased, of course you can't control the flow.

Will you be traveling by train a lot that may have bathrooms? Or in museums, etc. that would have one? If nothing else, just make jokes about belonging to the twbc (teeny weenie bladder club) or about the cup of coffee you had at breakfast and pop into the bathroom.

Oh, and wear dark pants/shorts to hide any break through.

We never had a problem finding bathrooms in Paris. If nothing else, we grabbed a cup of coffee at a cafe and used theirs.

I wish there was more advice I can offer. Good Luck!

"I am guessing comparable products are readily available." I checked with my source who would know the answer (my wife, who is Belgian): Yes, all shapes, sizes and absorbancies. And according to her, there are often tampon vending machines in public restrooms.

You've already done the most important step, which was consulting with your doctor.

As people have said, an equivalent for most products you're familiar with in the US will be available in Europe, from chemists and larger supermarkets. If you have problems, according to my French-speaking mother, the polite phrase to use to confide in shop assistants is "J'ai des regles" ("ZHAY DAY REGGler").

Also I've used the restrooms in McDonald's and they're usually clean and no one watches you walk in (ie you don't have to buy anything). ANd they're free!

If you are loyal to a product, bring them with you. But all brands seem to be available and easy to find -- for example "always" is still called "always" (not translated). And I never pass a washroom up whether I feel the need or not. Finding a washroom is not the problem some make it out to be.

I'm sure these products are available in Europe, however as you are on a 'tightly packed' tour, the issue is more likely going to be convenience. It can be hard - very hard - to take time out from a group to find large supermarkets or chemists that stock products you need. If it's likely to be difficult to access a bathroom every hour, the last thing you need is to be panicking about finding supplies as well.

Packing light is great and all, but if it means adds significantly to your stress levels it's not really worth it.

In addition to "supplies" you will want to take whatever pain/bloating/moodiness medication you normally use with you. That could be harder to find than the pads and tampons. HOWEVER, skipping the placebo week should work. At most you might have some light break-through spotting.

I feel your pain. I'd pack them. I often have trouble here finding the right "Big Momma" supplies, so I wouldn't chance it. Also, my dr told me recently that ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce flow. Makes sense as they are anti inflammatory drugs.

Jess--I have done the skip-the-placebo month and it worked great for me in 1993 but the couple of times I tried it since then--when the pill was a lower-dose, it worked but with slight breakthrough....It worked well for our daughter last month although she was exhausted on the flight home (that was day 1).

Do you have time to try back-to-back cycles before your trip to see how your body reacts? Of course there's no guarantee that it would be the same on your trip partly because of flying which often plays havoc with our bodies. Best of luck!

Thanks everyone. I am so glad to hear skipping the placebo week has helped some people. I am on a pretty high dose....similar to the three month shot they can give you....so I sure hope it works. But I should also pack midol and at least a few days of supplies so I don't get stuck in a position where I can't make it to a store due to our schedule. I can find a store I am sure over a day or two, but if I needed a store right that minute then that could be tricky logistically. And I will pack the heavy duty stuff, which can be difficult to even find here in the States....at least only one store in my home town carries the brand and absorbency that works for me.

Like the poster above, I never pass up an available bathroom when traveling, whether I "need" to go or not. (I've learned my lesson...) You can rely on MacDonalds and Starbucks and most restaurants/coffee shops/cafes to have bathrooms -- even if you have to buy a coke or a cup of coffee to go to feel okay about using them. Of course museums, etc., have bathrooms, but sometimes it's an inconvenient hike to get to one in the labyrinth of those old buildings. If you're with a group, someone else will likely need to go, too. (And by the way, many bathrooms I used in Europe this summer required coins either paid to an attendant or in the door itself. Can't remember specifically if this was true in Paris. Keep some coins handy, just in case.)

It was easy to find light to medium pads and tampons in Paris; it was the ultra absorbant/overnight ones that they didn't stock. Good luck and I hope you won't need them!

Jess,

First of all, don't let ANYONE let you feel bad for posting this. No one is forced to read it, only those who have an interest in answering your questions need click on the thread.

I also used to have heavy, irregular cycles and it was a pain. I have used the 'skip the placebo' method numerous times to avoid having a period on vacation. It has worked every time. Of course, be prepared just in case.

Another option you may want to look into at some point is uterine ablation. It is a procedure that can reduce or eliminate heavy cycles. I had it done in March and have been period-free since...hooray! However, this is not an option until you are done having children. Pregnancy is still possible, but dangerous.

I have a 14 y.o. daughter and I am constantly amazed at how comfortable she and her friends are talking about stuff like this. And yes, we have had to take steps to make sure she is prepared for every possibility in this area while on our trips. So this topic is relevent to us. We middle-age folks might get squeemish about these topics, but I suspect the younger generation will benefit in the long run for being so open about natural bodily functions. It's a brave new world.

Yes, you may buy "product" in Europe, but there are a few concerns. 1) If you don't walk past a pharmacy, how much time is it going to take to find what you need and how many strangers will you need to speak with. 2) On Sundays some pharmacies may be closed. You will not find Walmart and Kmart on every corner like we have in the states. 3) What if the only pharmacy/store you find does not have the heavy duty items? 4) In a small rural area, you may not find the items you need. 5) What if you can not translate/understand the info. on the package relating to lite, regular, and jumbo and the store clerk does not speak English?

I suggest you bring what you need from home. Super jumbo tampons and over night pads. Peace of Mind. Karen, if you are still following, don't read the next two sentences. You may use 2 tampons together on problem days. A few times I used disposable baby diapers on flights or long road trips along with the other products. Bring lots of wet wipes because not every bathroom you find will be extremely private and some may not have soap and water. (Personal experience)

Use the bathroom in every musuem, restaurant, or store you go into. Carry a large purse and stuff it full of "product" to avoid running out during the day. If necessary go into a restaurant and ask to use the bathroom but ask your group to wait outside.

I am sure this issue touches many women who miss out on opportunities. As one who totally relates to your issue, this thread may be of help to many people. Others don't need to read it.

Jess, as long as your doctor has approved it (which seems clearly that he/she did), I would think that manipulating the pill like that should work. That said, I, too, would advise bringing the supplies from home and having a couple of items on you in your daybag. Yes, the stuff is available, maybe even the exact same brand/item, but just for peace of mind, you might want to at least pack enough for day or two until you can more conveniently get to a store, if you need it. that could be a good compromise between say, taking everything you'd need for the whole time and nothing at all.

Good luck!

Jess,

I was in your predicament at various times, now I am thankful for menopause. Pack the items that you use, and over estimate. Don't rely on them being at the particular local store, as most people can make due with anything, people like us can not. We learn which ones work best and rely on them. Wear dark skirts or pants as they can be spot cleaned without obviously being wet afterwards. Put an extra panty and more items than you need each day in your purse. If you plan for the worst, you are ready as best you can be. Ignore those who look askance at you for heading to the bathroom every hour or more. I would always go in when passing, even if premature, incase a bathroom was not available when needed. I always feel guilty just using a bathroom at a restaurant, so I would have more drinks than I needed as I would buy something; ie, coke, orange juice to go, just to not feel guilty. lol. However, police stations, hospitals and hotels have handy restrooms without guilt. AND you will have plenty of souvenir room in your luggage on you return home. I wish more people spoke about these issues when I was younger, it has only been recently that I've heard about other people being in similar situations. This is hardly a topic of which to be embarrassed. Those who don't experience this severe bleeding have no clue. (And I don't understand why the men are even in this post.)

I too agree that this is a valid question and the advice you've been given to bring what you need is a good one. Are you going to Paris first? If so, you can bring what you need for Paris and then stock up on what you need for the Athens leg. I do recall seeing a good selection of feminine products at the pharmacy when we went to purchase toothpaste.

Good advice here for a perfectly normal part of a woman's life. The only thing I would add is to also carry a supply of tissues. Bathrooms in Paris and Athens may not have a supply of toilet paper, so it is always good to have some in your pocket or purse.

Charmaine,

This is so true. An excellent suggestion as I forgot about clean up.

Charmaine is spot on. Take some tissue. In Greece you do not flush paper down the toilet, so prepare accordingly for disposal of said tissues in the waste basket.

What a great topic, I think, and all the super advice will be helpful for others in the future, too! Anyone offended, well, don't read. The topic and a warning is in THE TITLE.

I would also prepare for light spotting by having some items for light flow. You might end up being prepared for super heavy flow (which I have one day a cycle) and then end up with really light spotting and just need products for that. And yes, then at the end, you will have space in your suitcase for souvenirs! (We had that with diapers for my little one on the last trip.)

If you end up with no bleeding problems, you can either bring everything home with you or pay-it-forward and leave them where you are staying for someone else's emergency.

Thanks to all who have posted. You have eased my mind on so many levels. Like several posters have suggested, this is a true logistical issue when you have severe periods. I now have a plan of action that I think will work just fine, and many thought of things I couldn't have anticipated since this is my first time going abroad.

I also so much appreciate how many came to my defense....honestly I was not trying to be offensive and it seems that was understood. It makes me feel good to know that so many people are willing to help me when I am just an unknown in cyberspace. Thank you so much!

I was supposed to be getting an ablation but the dr needed to fix my thyroid first....and we simply ran out of time to get the procedure done before I left.

Here's to happy traveling!

I'll always remember when my room mate in Germany when I was a student opened her suitcase and tampons just erupted all over the room. I immediately knew I 'd forgotten something! I made it through the six months, but would have preferred having my own supplies. So, don't worry it's an issue that all women face to a certain extent until you reach menopause. I too think you've gotten some great advice here. Pam

i have successfully manipulated my cycle with pills for years. and for the last three years have taken pill packs back to back for three months at a time on advice from my doctor. works really well. i do occasionally have breakthrough near the end of the 90 days but very light. as someone suggested if you have time i would give it a practice run. oh, and not just tissues, wet wipes. good luck!

Reading over the posts gave me an idea- someone mentioned using diapers--- why not use adult "diapers" (the panties style) paired with a overnite pad and tampon- that should cover any possibility of leakage and give you time to make it to a restroom when needed. Take one or two with you just in case. I used to have similar problems after the birth of my second child. I had always had heavy periods with bad cramps, but then my periods were irregular and went from 2 days of spotting to 9-12 days of very heavy flow. Sometimes I'd have a period every 2-3 weeks, then I'd go 3 months without. Hormones were crazy too. And the hormones they gave me to try and re-regulate things made my moods worse! I was grateful to go through early menopause (age 32). One other thing you should be careful of is annemia. Be sure to talk to your Dr. about taking iron pills or vitamins with extra iron.

Three words: Charmin-to-Go! You can buy it in the sample/travel sections at Walmart or Target. I carry it with me always while traveling.

Adult diapers are great for emergencies- I used them for post-partum heavy bleeding. They do make you a bit sweaty, though! It seems there are also some that are less like diapers and more like panties. See if you can find those, and maybe try a couple different types out.

"In Greece you do not flush paper down the toilet, so prepare accordingly for disposal of said tissues in the waste basket."

Hmmmmmm, if this is true it might move Greece a few notches lower on my prioritized Bucket List of places to visit before I die.

Sandy its hit and miss, I have experienced the "put all toilet paper in bucket " places, but I have also stayed at places where you can flush it,, I wouldn't avoid Greece for that reason.. LOL

Jess,

I understand your issue here perfectly, I have PCOS and I am not able to go on HRT or the pill so I had to make my own methods for dealing with this..I am speaking from 6 years of experience as a scout leader(think year round camping in the wild bush...dig a hole to use facilities ect) as well as travel to see family overseas(Poland and Turkey) so I have came up with some tricks...number one: investigate the use of the DIVA CUP..it is a reusable little thing worn like a tampon with minimized TSS risks , but stay smart and make sure to use an alternative at night..and here is my alternative nuber two: I made my own washable super absorbency overnight pad from the original packtowel(make sure its the viscose one not the microfibre)! Nothing beats it so far!..its light, not too bulky and absorbts up to 10 times the fluid of cotton and dries in less than an hour! plus you have the convinence of making it shaped to your body! call it your girlie project for the saturday morning.Here is the last method for always having a backup in the form of TENA pads for bladder control..they look,feel and pack as always ultrathins overnight but absorb 3 times as much and are longer as well so more protection! and most travel stores carry these days a 2 pack of disposable undies that you can tuck inside a lipstick case for privacy in your purse. Also carry washcloths(baby wipes! are bigger..more absorbent and have no fragrances or additives ect)and about 4-6 fit nicely in a simple sandwich ziplock bag in the bottom of my purse, also charmin travel rolls or packet of tissues. The last item is not so easily bought but any medical or disability/homecare merchant has them ...its a 2 pair pack of waterproof undies...it is indispensable for sleeping along with my home made pads!.The undies are regular cotton on the inside but also have a thin,noiseless layer of waterproof material where it counts so no worries of leaks!Hope this helps

Rose

I think people who think this is not a big deal ("of course they have tampons in Europe") have not experienced truly heavy periods and the difficulties they bring. Good luck with this, and thanks for bringing it up.

I have traveled with a friend in Europe who has some physical disabilities and he has to find a restroom about every hour. He has had no trouble going into cafes or restaurants and asking if they have a bathroom. If someone says no, he'll go into a place next door or down the street. (This strategy works well when we're on vacation in the U.S. too.)

I would highly recommend you take what you need. They will have tampons and pads, but for some reason they don't have all the variety of shapes/sizes/absorbency that we do. I have found the same with almost all personal care products and baby products like diapers and wipes. Americans really do have at least twice the selection of anyone else. I would highly recommend that you check out Tampax Compak--they are awesome because you "assemble" the applicator out the package, making them half the length of others. Also, if you like pads/liners that are ultrathin and extra absorbent, take them. Just make sure you remove tampons from the box--it takes up a lot of extra space! Since this is a consumable thing, just think if it as extra space for your souvenirs on the way back!

Reading this thread made me very happy to be on birth control. Not only does it keep things super light, but I know exactly the days it's coming. I just checked the calendar and thank goodness my trip falls smack in between periods!