Please suggest: menses period on diving?

[Hoya97]

Okay, I'll add my comments to the dialog...

I'm reading about this condition a lot as I have a lot of students (various ages) who ask about 'that time of the month' and want to give them accurate information.

First, if you otherwise feel well during menses there is no reason for you to curtail any activities. However, you feel moody and not altogether up to par so my next observation applies...

Second, you can skip the onset of menses if you do what was previously suggested - skip the seven day 'bridge period' between pill sets. A lot of studies have been conducted about skipping periods for up to three months. None, to date, has found any adverse effects. In light of this, if you were to skip once, it is very doubtful that you would have any problems.

Third, yes, there is a slight risk of DCS. But if you dive smart, you shouldn't have to worry about it. Besides, if you take option two (above) this concern may be eliminated.

In short, engage in some forthought, decide on a course of action and have a blast!

P.S. Want someone to carry your bags? Would love to go to Thailand again!

 

[divebunnie]

It sounds like much of the information I have on this subject has already been covered.
Just thought I would add that having just been on a 6 week trip, I did the natural thing and didn't avoid the period at all (in fact diving did seem to make it all a bit lighter and short-lived which was cool) and had no problems. Tho I did have to plan ahead a little as we did not have a head on the boat, so had to use a little foresight on the 2 dive trips.
My roomie did the continual pill option which also worked well. However if you choose this one, do be prepared to take some tampons with you just in case, as my poor roomie discovered, you get a bit of breakthrough bleeding.
As far as sharks go, well I didn't encounter any, and I believe they don't go for "dead" blood.
I too have read that there have been reports of slight increases in the risk of dci in menstruating women who are on the pill, though as has also been mentioned above, if you dive well within your limits, that should not be an issue either.
As everyone else has said too, I would go with what you feel most comfortable, it may be that the last thing you want on holiday (regardless of diving) is a period anyway.
Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Firediver]

I know no one likes dealing with mestral flow during a trip... I have many times and have just come to the conclusion I am a woman it happens. I used tampons, never had an issue.. But as for the winter diving this year I am now on birth control needle Depoprovera so no more heavy cycles and soon no more cycles at all..

 

[Blackeye]

:mermaid: Thank you so much for all the suggestions and view. I am now taking the pills( is pink). Before that, I thought one or few pills can do the work. Oh, my God, is each day a pill till I finish the diving trip. Just hope it works on me. I am not so much concern about the sharks, but myself. I use to have heavy flow for the first few days and, have heard some bad experiences using tempon. e.g: difficult to pull out after soaking underwater for an hour ( the cotton expand).
This will be my 2nd dive trip to Phuket. This time to take the advance course, hope is safe and wonderful. My left little finger bones was broken during last visit. The boat head wooden thick door slam on my fingers while the boat rock to a side. It's been 3 months, not yet fully recover. Well, wish me good luck!!!

 

[Firediver]

GOOD LUCK

No need to worrie about sharks

 

[Foo]

Hi,
I have not taken oral contraceptives for many years, so when I realized that my upcoming cruise would be starting exactly when my period was supposed to, I researched it a bit. Then I asked my Dr. to prescribe Aygestin (Primolut N) http://www.kapalselam.org/articles4.html for me. I had read about it on the internet and it had proven fairly safe for women divers to take to postpone menstruation, for up to 10 days. I don't have any of the risk factors for taking hormones (smoking, high b.p., etc.), so I felt like it would be worth trying the meds if it would mean that I wouldn't have to hassle with tampons, no bathroom, etc. It worked like a dream, I would highly recommend it for anyone not on the pill (since you don't have easy access to a spare pack of pills). Hope this helps someone!
Foo

 

[justleesa]

I tried taking the pills that postpone your period and got unlucky...got diarrhea and the pills didn't work.

I found out a couple of years ago that I have endometriosis and to get rid of the pain the doctor has me take the pill straight thru and can limit my period to 4 times a year....makes planning very easy.

 

[IowaDiver]

:dazzler1: I purchased a new product called INSTEAD. It is basically inserted much like you do a tampon but it is a plastic O which stops the flow while you are swimming/diving/snorkeling. It gave me the most confidence during my period that I've ever had. Depending on the flow you can wear it for several hours with no problem. :dazzler1: :dazzler1: :dazzler1:

 

[diver_paula]

:dazzler1: I purchased a new product called INSTEAD. It is basically inserted much like you do a tampon but it is a plastic O which stops the flow while you are swimming/diving/snorkeling. It gave me the most confidence during my period that I've ever had. Depending on the flow you can wear it for several hours with no problem. :dazzler1: :dazzler1: :dazzler1:

IowaDiver,

Sounds interesting. Was this by prescription? In a specialty store? Or in a typcial drug store. Also, if you can remember what company makes it?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Paula

 

[Pedge]

I've used Instead and love them! Target, Walgreens, Wal-Mart are the stores around here that carry them. They're just on the shelf with the tampons, etc.