Apparently nicely sterile as well

With her trip only 2 months away, I hesitate to suggest any new methods for Birthdaygirl. As with clothes, shoes, prescription meds... I don't think it's smart to experiment with something new on a trip to Europe.

Your thread title is certain to make every man look in ;-)

My wife likes to use this supplement during her period:
http://store.yahoo.com/iherb/bloodbuilders.html

The B12 provides a nice energy boost and it has iron to replace what's lost by bleeding.

Okay, I'm leaving now...

I'm with Dallas....... aging DOES have its benefits. (And...OH!... the memories of those "toilets" in Morocco.)

Haven't tried this one myself, but my friend who didn't want her regular period on her honeymoon went to her Chinese accupuncturist a couple of weeks before the wedding; she got her period early, and everything was fine.

I haven't tried accupuncture myself (for any reason), but if you're into that anyway, it might be worth a try . . . ?

By the way, pineapple works wonders to reduce PMS grumpiness. I have used this for years and so have many friends. Pineapple juice will work as well.

willtravel- I agree with you, which is why when I do a change in public I do not wash it in a sink. . . I think any more details would go beyond my comfort level, so I will leave it at that.

However, FYI, most of the blood goes into the toilet. You pour it out before going to any sink.

The Insteads are disposable. You can't flush them, but you can empty them, wrap in tp and then throw away.

Oh, and if you have an IUD, you are not supposed to use Instead. I assume the same with the Keeper. Too much chance of dislodging things I guess.

Thanks, everyone for all of your advice!!

I think I will stick with what I have been using so far, but increase my exercise and eat healthy in the 2 months preceding my trip.

I have heard about Instead and other similar products before....but I am just not that ambitdextrious! I have a feeling it would be a bit uncomfortable for me. But thank you everyone for your suggestions!

I will hope that ms. flo will not try and travel with me, hopefully.

I live in the UK and assure you that you won't have a problem finding a toilet in any cafe, bar or restaurant. Public toilets are not quite so nice generally though, but if a girl's gotta go... Needs must, and all that.

Plenty of chemists/pharmacies and all supermarkets and lots of small newsagent/grocers stores will sell supplies. Tampax are the best known brand but pretty useless if you are 'cursed' with a heavy flow! In this case the best and IMO and E (for experience) it is Lil-lets in super plus you will need. Nothing else works so well. And a pantyliner for backup just in case you get caught short.

When travelling I always carry in my bag a travel pack of baby wipes, regardless of what time of the month, but they are especially useful then.

In the UK I have heard of a device called the Mooncup - www.mooncup.co.uk
which has good reviews. To me it sounds similar to a diaphragm/contraceptive cap, which if you have one, would surely serve the same purpose... Indeed, way back in my past I recall using mine for that very purpose on occasion!

And as others have said, be thankful you are in a big civilised city! On safari squatting behind a thorn bush or halfway up a mountain struggling with a ski suit... Not quite so easy to deal with!

Don't forget to take advantage of the nice clean restrooms guaranteed to be in any museum! I, ahem, time things to when I'm going to be near museum restrooms, personally.

And you know tampons have other convenient travel uses too. Anybody seen that commercial where a guy and gal are enjoying themselves in a rowboat and the boat springs a leak?? She takes out a tampon and no more leak! That commercial cracks me up.

I wonder how many men made it past the Keeper posts? ;-)

Traveling is no time for trying new things, in my opinion! I don't even wear brand new shoes, or carry a new pocketbook. Just do what you do at home. Been traveling for years, it's inconvenient but no big deal.

Call your gynocologist and tell him/her your predicament. If it were me, I'd get on birth control pills to insure a no problem vacation. If you are already on birth control pills, ask your doctor about taking them continuously to avoid a period. If he/she balks, ask another. My gyn allowed me to do the same thing for my vacation.

Who cares?

Honeygirlsugar- She said she can't take BC pills. They make her feel horrible. You replies will be more helpful if you actually read the questions asked.

I totally agree with bringing an adequate amount of your preferred "supplies".

Restrooms in the UK should be no problem whatsoever. In addition to a Starbucks or bookstore, any female employee in any restaurant or hotel will graciously direct you to the restroom.

Thank you everybody!! I am hoping that everything goes well!!

Good luck to you, and Rex, YOU ROCK!!!