Being on the Rag at Burning Man

[silvergirl70]

I think the title says it all, so before the guys wander in here and act skeeved that they were somehow misled...tough shit kids. You were warned.

Now that it is about a month before the burn, and (TMI) I realize that, again, I will be on the rag during the event *sigh* I just wanted to post for other women who will be in the same predicament. I know this has been discussed in the past, but I found a thread from 2005.

It is bad juju to throw tampons etc into the portapotties, ladies. If you have enough funds to have your own private toilet, well, don't throw anything in there either..lest you like the backlash of your black water supply in your RV for the week.

I was going to make some suggestions, many of which may have been discussed, but this is one of those things that, like death and taxes...is not really avoidable.

This year, im making up a little bag of bathroom supplies to make this easier:

A headlamp is a MUST. You need two hands, dark or light.
A small water bottle with a squirt top (explained below)
Zip lock baggies
Tampons or....
Softcup (looks like a diaphragm, but disposable) or..
Diva cup or similar
Baby wipe packet
Small rubber suction cup with hook to hang things on portapotty wall (I haven't tried this, but I will this year) I swear..I wish those things had a shelf.

I am giving up tampons this year in lieu of the softcup, which I have used during travel, and even during sex, without any problems. It is plastic, rinsable with the small water bottle, and when placed in a baggie, won't be gross in a week's work of garbage. Concievably, you could reuse it, but they aren't expensive, and the manufacturer doesn't recommend it. I currently use a Diva cup or similar, and have decided that keeping that clean for reuse in the Burning man environment without running hot water is going to be too much.

The Softcup is sold in many drugstores, CVS etc. I am not pushing a particular brand, but this brand is the only one that I know of that makes this disposable product. You can wear it for up to 12 hrs (their recommendation, probably less if you have heavy bleeding) and there is no risk of Toxic Shock as it is not porous. (I've researched this, and I'm also a physician, not to say I speak with authority, but I really think the risk is insignificant. Besides, MD's are the best people to bring up body fluid discussions.)

Best to try out something like Softcup or diva cup pre-playa so you know what you're getting in to. I would not want to learn in a portapotty. Once you figure it out, it's quite quick and easy.

These are just my thoughts. I don't use hormonal birth control, but I know that some women skip the placebo week on the pill to put off their period. It really isn't that big a deal once in awhile.

I'm pissed about having to deal with this during the burn AGAIN, but thought I would share the love.

[C.f.M.]

I'm not looking forward to the uncontrollable crying and sadness the hormones throw on me two days before it starts, and the extreme fatigue I experience the first day or two (regardless of how much sleep and rest I've had. Just tired.)

Burning tampons (OB, can't vouch for other brands) and using reusable pads (if you're privy to a washing situation) can cut down on trash.

[silvergirl70]

Yah. The hormonal stuff. I cry at sad commercials (whereas the rest of the month I pass them off as clearly sappy marketing ploys). I also get hypomanic, which I have found comes in quite handy for getting. shit. done. For good or for bad, it only lasts for a few days. Milk it for all its worth.

Ibuprofen is the most fabulous drug. I put it up there with aspirin and penicillin as one of the successes of the 20th century.

[trilobyte]

I'm moving this over to the Q&A board, since that's a better fit for general discussions about event prep. I'm sorry to hear you've got to go through it, but thanks for taking the time to share some good information that can help other folks out.

[silvergirl70]

Dankeschoen.

[gaminwench]

Great post!

A different take; for tampon gals.

Prepare in advance.
Get the mega mix box, make single use travel packs:
snack size ziplock with folded paper towel and tampon.
Stash in your belt pouch, coat pocket, potty bag, bike basket, camelbak, backpack, travel bag, now.

Replenish the stash spots as needed, and share with your sisters.

[graidawg]

if you run out (or get caught short) hungry hungry hookers, 6.30 and f, has a cigerrete machine we have repurposed and has tampons and pads for ladies in need - though suplies aren't imfimite

[silvergirl70]

That's awesome! Great use of the machine, BTW!

[mariatherezama]

Thanks for bringing this up! I was on my period my first year and I was surprised with how easy it was to use a menstrual cup in a porta potty! I would just take it out, empty it in the potty, spray it with water and wipe it clean with a little bit of toilet paper, and put it back in. And the rest of the time I'd just forget I was on my period. And the big extra: 0 dirty tampons to have to deal with! Menstrual cups are amazing, I can't recommend them enough!

(Just please be careful not to drop yours in the potty )

[danibel]

I've been on the rag four of my seven burns so far, and oh lucky me, the calendar is predicting another burn with auntie flo. I have used a diva cup and I do love the thing but this year I am going to bring tampons and zip locs. I always carry wipes and extra zip locs. +100 for headlamp recommendation. hands free lighting is crucial. I also like the idea of the suction cup hook. Not sure how well that work on a dusty wall, but it's worth a shot!

I always bring supplies for me and my sisters. One year a campmate didn't ask and roughed it with TP! I was shocked!

[silvergirl70]

Gaaa. TP. I can't even imagine the holy mess. Thanks ladies for chiming in. Driving to Reno in a few hrs. Pretending to sleep. Cannot believe the amount of dust on my de- dusted stuff from last year. Extra baggies this year!!

[silvergirl70]

Aaaand....another year approaches where I am on the rag. Dammit! I was hoping that things would shift. But no.....probably will hit just while I am in Gate Rd line.

So last year used combo of tampons and the (disposable) softcup, one time use each. I use a diva cup or similar in the default world, and I would love to use it at the Burn, but I honestly don't think that I could rinse it out well enough without a good squirt bottle or running water. The top lip of the cup has 4 small air flow channels which are only like 2mm wide, and without water, they are hard to clear of material.

I did a trial run at home attempting to clean diva cup without running water, and I didn't feel satisfied. Hands were soiled during cleaning attempt. Multiply that by dust, dark, intoxication, wig adjustment, clothing constraints, party-use portapotty, and I think I'm going to forgo it. But *sigh* it is so convenient. 12 hr intervals of forgetfulness....

The softcup is not permeable, and given the shallow angle (think satellite dish shape instead of teacup shape) it may be easier to clean with standard water bottle and TP, and reuse a few times. Will probable do that this year. Because of the plastic, and barring any punctures, I think it would be totally safe from a TSS perspective. The company does not give a time constraint to use (e.g. suggested max use time) but does state that risk of TSS is nil from use (risk stems from absorbant material like cotton tampons mixed with blood causing petri dish). I think the company used to make a reusable model, and I've read reviews online where reviewers didn't notice a difference in reusable model from disposable model.

Of course, tampons are the gold standard, and the backup, I just kinda skeeve at the idea of carrying around used ones for the day till I get back to camp. Probably stems from working around medical waste at work...

Anyway,...blah for the fucking rag.

[Savannah]

Bring your supplies every year, even if you're not supposed to get your period at the event, as stress or other factors can bring your period on unexpectedly.

You might not end up needing 'em, but if you do, boy will you be glad you did.

There's also the possibility you'll save someone else who didn't get the memo, which is always fun.

[spacetime]

Cheers to you goddesses of the burn.

[AntiM]

I think 2010 or so was my last period on the playa. Whoot, menopause!

Farewell, libido.

[tahiti_treat]

This MIGHT MAYBE be the first year I avoid it!!!! Trying not to get too excited.

[Savannah]

This MIGHT MAYBE be the first year I avoid it!!!! Trying not to get too excited.

Good luck!!

[AfricanFire]

Love love love love my Mirena IUD. Haven't had the monthly visitor in years.

[linsbot]

Thank you SO MUCH for this thread.

I'm thinking tampons+doggy poo bags, so I don't have to witness the abomination after a day of heat and mushiness. The poo bags also have a slight scent to them so I think it will work well. Would love to hear if anyone else tried this and went back to Ziplocs...

[Savannah]

That's creative! . . . You could also bring a can of Lysol (multi-purpose!) and mist your kitchen/tent trash if you want to.

Forgot to say that a "peri bottle" is a great additional spritz cleanser. (It's a small squeeze bottle with 4 small outlets instead of one central one). Fill it with water, add a little body wash . . .

[silvergirl70]

All great ideas ladies! I look forward to that shower at the end of the week

[linsbot]

That's creative! . . . You could also bring a can of Lysol (multi-purpose!) and mist your kitchen/tent trash if you want to.

Forgot to say that a "peri bottle" is a great additional spritz cleanser. (It's a small squeeze bottle with 4 small outlets instead of one central one). Fill it with water, add a little body wash . . .

Love these ideas. Thank you!

[tahiti_treat]

PERIOD COMPLETE. Now stay on schedule, body, and we'll be golden.

[Savannah]

[silvergirl70]

Tahiti...rub it in why don't you...haha.

[Ratty]

I bit my tongue so hard it's bleeding.

[Savannah]

[silvergirl70]

Yes, I thought about the double entendre. No tongue biting here. Haha.

[tahiti_treat]

Tahiti...rub it in why don't you...haha.

Hey, after 3 years with Aunt Flo as a close camp mate I feel like I've paid my dues... lol.

[silvergirl70]

Aaaand.....got my period ON GATE ROAD on the way in. I can only laugh.