Just when I thought I'd seen everything here, then there's the Keeper.

OY!

esm- I thought she was crazy, too, but to each her own when it comes to managing the monthly.

As for the Keeper, I bought it back in college and have since then sold many on the idea. In fact, I worked as a counselor on issues related to sex and reproductive health and we sold Keepers in the office. We had a return policy (obviously, we destroyed the returns!) and got less than 20% back.

I called the office the other day to get another one and was told "we are out! We can't keep them on the shelves."

Okay, I know this is supposed to be no guys, but...

I'm surprised that no on has answered with this...

www.seasonale.com

Best wishes,

Rex

Rex, maybe because the original poster said she wasn't interested in hormonal birth control. But it's still good to keep in mind.

Oh dear, enjoy, while you can, the regular cycles!

When you reach "the certain age" and become irregular the Murphy's law will start: doesn't matter how often you go on vacation, it will come to spoil it!!

don't sweat the bathrooms in the UK...there is a starbucks on every corner in London....try using a tree on the plains of Africa while on safari with 5 men - not the most pleasant visit from Aunt Flo....but hey, I managed, and have something more than just wild animals to remember that trip by!

Or try managing on a ski mountaineering trip with all guys (except me). That's when you learn anything is possible. It was the "Insteads" that saved me. Also concur on the ibuprofen. It works best if you start taking it the day before---helps with the flow as well as the cramps.

Yes, I supposed that it's not an (the?) answer for the OP, from the assertion that "[they]... make me feel horrible", but I thought that there would still be a reference to Seasonale as a solution to others who might be on "conventional" OC's - - but might have never thought of switching, for travel benefits.

OK, Rex, you're allowed but only because you're an MD. ;)

Wow, this has been the most informative thread!

<... only because you're an MD... >>

Of course, I have never prescribed Seasonale, nor any oral contraceptive, and none of my patients has ever sought my advice on a menstrual problem, nor much of anything like it.

(I have, rarely, answered a travel question, though)... just last week, got asked when "my patient" could safely fly to the Caribbean (where the rest of the mother's family lived)...

... my answer, by the way, was immediately.

You know, there really are a few perks to being older!!!

Just pack enough of your own supplies to make it easier. Sure it will be a slight hassle since you're out and about every day, but if you don't want hormones I don't see what you can do to stop it. Even unprepared it can be dealt with, or else why would I know the etiquette for purchasing tampons in both Venice and Paris (hint look for the green neon cross in the window).

For the Keeper recommendation above, it seems to me that would not be very good in any instance where one has to use public bathrooms, which is quite often when traveling. You'd want a private bathroom to be washing the thing out - I hope!

willtravel- that is what I thought until I actually started using it. You would be amazed at how it does not get in the way. I know that logistically that seems impossible, but I guarentee you, it is not.

I had such a bad time with things on my last trip to Europe, I asked my doctor about it when I got home. He suggested an endometrial ablation.
http://www.novasure.com

I didn't even know this was possible. Well..Things are just great since I had this done. Would recommend it to all. It might be kind of tight trying to get it done before your trip, but I was back to my ususal self the next day. Oh, forgot to mention, only available to those of you who are finished having children.

I agree, very informative thread!
H

Hmmm... can it be used on a plane instead of going to the lavatory when the buckle up sign is on all the time?

Also... is there something like this for men to use in the same situation?

I've found that my periods are lighter when I exercise a lot in the months preceding the period. (i.e. if I exercised a lot in March and April, my period would be lighter in May.) So, if you're not already doing some cardio a few days a week, start now and you should have a lighter, less crampy period on your vacation in May. I think there's science to back it up, or I may have just read it in a Glamour or Cosmo article. Also, calcium is supposed to help! I'd read that before and never remembered to try it, and then this past period I was on a plain yogurt with fresh fruit and granola for breakfast kick and I had no PMS irritability!!! Which is amazing for me, just ask my husband.

By the way, what is the story behind your Fodor's name?

Laclaire, I hope you don't mind me saying this (although the squeamish have likely left the thread), but it just seems objectionable to wash out something that personal in a sink, when other women are watching (like in a department store bathroom). Plus the hygiene issues of getting blood scattered around without having Lysol or something to clean up afterwards.

Website indicates that it can wiped with toilet tissue or cleaned with urine

Wow, I've never thought of cleaning anything with urine before! I guess it'll do in an extreme pinch though.