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Fun, Sun, and Periods: Tips for a Flow-Friendly Summer
 "Fun, Sun, and Periods: Tips for a Flow-Friendly Summer")
“I want to swim with my friends at the beach, but I don’t like tampons.”
“My kid is going to summer camp for two weeks – what if she gets her first period while she’s there?”
“I just got my period while camping and I don’t have any products!”
Periods are a natural part of life. Nobody deserves to have their summer fun ruined by their flow!
For bleeders with big plans and parents looking out for their kids, these are our tips for a flow-friendly summer.
Swimming
Some use tampons, menstrual cups, or menstrual discs for swimming.
But, we ought to acknowledge and respect that many aren’t comfortable using insertable period products.
For some, this is a matter of preference. Period care is personal and no one should have to use a product they don’t want to use.
But for others, this is a matter of education – or more accurately, a lack thereof.
More than half (51%) of Canadian menstruators feel the period education they received was insufficient. 27% did not receive any period education at all.
Tampons and menstrual cups aren’t exactly intuitive for a first-timer who hasn’t been taught how to use them.
That’s why, in addition to our menstrual education program, The Period Purse has free resources on…
TLDR: Periods don’t have to ruin your swim day!
If insertable period products are a no-go, you can also consider leakproof swimwear.
Camping & Travelling
Do your summer plans include camping, road tripping, or spending time in an unfamiliar place?
Whatever they are, you deserve to enjoy yourself!
Let’s make sure you aren’t negatively affected by your period in the meantime.
Some tips to keep in mind for period-friendly summer adventures:
Track your cycle to avoid being surprised by your flow. For an informative cycle tracking app that collects no personal data, check out Menstruation Nation.
Plan ahead. Pack enough supplies for one cycle if you can, especially if you think you’ll get your period while away. Look up where the bathrooms are on your hiking trail, campsite, or long drive (if applicable).
Know your period product options. If you’ll be swimming, consider bringing tampons, a menstrual cup, a menstrual disc, or period swimwear. If you won’t have easy access to clean water, consider something other than cups or discs.
The Summer Camp Debacle: Advice for Parents
1 in 3 young menstruators don’t feel prepared for their first period. 83% of them feel shame around their cycle.
By talking to your kids (boys included!) about periods in a factual and positive way, you’re making a real difference in the dismantling of period stigma and the lowering of those numbers.
Talking to your kid(s) about this before their first period will make the thought of it happening at summer camp much less stressful.
For extra peace of mind, you can show them how to use a pad before leaving and send them off to camp with enough supplies for one cycle.
Not sure how to start this conversation with your young ones? Check out our blog on how to talk to kids about periods.
Finding Free Period Products
We love to see an increasing number of schools and workplaces providing free period products.
But what happens in the summer, when folks living in period poverty who benefit from these free products are away from school or work?
The Period Purse will continue to advocate and educate until period products are free and accessible year-round.
Until then, the Period Pin has developed a comprehensive map of where to find free menstrual products in Canada – check it out!
ICYMI: Menstrual Equity Matters Every Season.
Talking openly about periods builds confidence and reduces stigma. Education is essential for creating menstrual equity.
Help us turn our vision into our shared reality by booking a FREE education session for your classroom, community or workplace.
And, for the equivalent of two double-scoops of gelato per month, you can provide a menstruator in need with the supplies to have a healthy period.
Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and period-friendly summer!
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