Feminine hygiene on DofE: what to do if you get your period
This post was written by Alice, a long-time passionate hiker. Having dealt with periods on hikes herself, Alice has learned the dos and don’ts of feminine hygiene out on the trail, and kindly agreed to write this post for DofE Hero.
Is your period due over an upcoming DofE expedition? This is the thing all people who get periods dread. Yes, it’s not ideal, but as you’ll find out in this article, it’s not a disaster — and the advice and product recommendations below will help you get through it.
Having your period over a DofE expedition isn’t favourable, but it’s not a disaster. If you bring the right products for you, and some extra home comforts, it will be manageable — and is a strong testament to your strength.
The key issues
There are three key challenges that getting your period over a DofE expedition poses:
very few bins
the lack of showers
the pain of hiking with cramps
The way you would prefer to deal with each of these challenges will determine the best method for you in effectively tackling your period on a DofE expedition.
Dealing with very few bins
Due to the disposable nature of most period products, the lack of bins you pass over the course of a DofE expedition necessitates a change from your usual routine. Either you carry used products with you until you find a bin, or you use a single reusable item over the course of the expedition. I have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of both options below.
Carrying used products with you
Opting to carry your used products with you means getting your period over the expedition won’t require a change from the pads or tampons you usually use. This is great — every woman has their period routine that works for them, and it can be irritating or nerve-racking to try something new.
The problem with this method is the whole holding-onto-your-sanitary-waste-until-you-pass-a-bin thing. On many expeditions you won’t find a bin until you reach the campsite at the end of the day, and on Gold expeditions (when you might be wild camping) this could be longer.
Bringing a few sanitary disposal bags will help to reduce the negative effects of carrying used products with you as they allow you to keep every product sealed in a leakproof and odourless bag, preventing potential mess or smell. I love these ones by Fab Little Bag as they are both great quality and environmentally friendly, but this budget alternative would also do the job.
Single reusable sanitary products
Alternatively, you could use a single reusable sanitary product for the whole expedition. For example, a menstrual cup, which is a very subtle and reliable sanitary product that requires changing infrequently compared to pads and tampons.
The great advantage of the cup on multi-day hikes is that you can empty it onto the grass (away from a water source), clean it, then reuse it — and no waste to carry with you. I’ve used and loved this menstrual cup by Saalt as its a truly high quality product from an ethical company (make sure to check the size before you buy).
Menstrual cups do, however, pose a hygiene challenge. It’s super important to ensure that both your hands and the cup itself are completely clean when inserting, so I would definitely bring some hand sanitiser with you (if you aren’t already). As well as this, boil water and pour it over your cup before each insertion to reduce the chance of infection.
If you haven’t used a menstrual cup before, I would practice a few times before your expedition. They are a very dependable period product, but definitely take some getting used too.
I would advise against reusable pads for DofE as these would have to be stored in the same way a used disposable pad would, somewhat defeating their purpose. You may also have to bring several with you. Whilst being wonderfully environmentally friendly, I would use something else just for the days of the expedition.
No showers
The lack of showers on a DofE expedition can be a challenge for some, never mind when facing your period. Some campsites may have shower facilities, and if your expedition provider permits it, then you may be able get in a shower or two — but don’t count on it.
To keep yourself feeling clean and less susceptible to infection, femfresh wipes are an absolute life saver. I swear by these wipes whether I’m hiking, at a festival, or travelling. Unfortunately, the lack-of-bins problem resurfaces here, so carry some sanitary disposable bags (mentioned above) with you too.
Hiking with cramps
I would classify hiking with cramps as an extreme sport. It definitely requires all your mental and physical strength and, sadly, there isn’t a quick fix to prevent you having to do this.
That being said, having your preferred period painkiller with you will ease this challenge slightly. As well as this, I would choose to bring some mood-lifting comfort foods with me — and remember to bring more food in general, as you burn more calories when menstruating. Comfort food is a very personal thing, but for me Oreos and Ombars are absolute favourites.
Wearing the right clothes can also massively boost your mood and reduce your cramp level whilst hiking on your period. I would recommend dark-coloured clothes to prevent awkward stains, and would advise you not to wear anything you like too much, as being away from a washing machine for a while will mean bloodstains will likely cause irreversible damage. Also, avoid anything with too tight of a wasteband, as this can worsen stomach pain.
Can I move my DofE expedition?
I firmly believe that with proper preparation everyone can undertake a DofE expedition on their period. However, if this is an option you’d rather avoid if at all possible, you may be wondering if you can move your expedition.
The short answer is no. It’s highly unlikely your school, or independent organisation, will agree to reschedule an expedition. Instead of rescheduling an expedition, though, you could simply join a different expedition group who are have different dates that work better for you.
This does throw up other issues though: you may be leaving a group of friends, and there is still the potential chance you may get your period unexpectedly. Ultimately, it is your choice, and one only you are qualified to make.