Traveling on an airplane can be stressful enough without having to worry about your period. But if you use a menstrual cup, you might wonder if it’s an option to use while flying high in the sky. Before we rev up into this conversation, let me throw a bit on what a menstrual cup is at all.
A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of silicone or rubber that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect menstrual fluid. These cups hold more liquid compared to other products, which means you won’t have to change it often.
And this might sound perfect for long-haul flights where bathroom breaks might be less frequent. So, it brings up our topic, “Can you really wear a menstrual cup on a plane?”
Can you wear a menstrual cup in an airplane?
Of course, you can wear a menstrual cup on a plane! Menstrual cups are a fantastic choice for flying anytime, any day, and under any weather conditions. Personally, I like using them on long flights.
Because they can hold more than pads and tampons, you don’t need to change them as often, which is super handy on any travel at all, whether by train, bus, or flight, especially if you don’t want to use the bathrooms more than necessary.
Plus, they create a seal inside you, which means they’re really good at preventing leaks, even when you feel a bit pressured during the flight.
So, whether you’ll be in the air for just a short time or are on a long-haul flight across the globe, a menstrual cup can be that reliable and comfortable option.
Do menstrual cups show up on airport scanners?
It varies. But generally, they might be seen. There are cases, evidences I’ve witnessed that suggests that menstrual cups can set off alarms during body scans at the airport, leading to a hand swab or additional checks.
But it’s worth drawing your attention to the fact that body scanners are intended to detect items on the surface of the body and do not provide images of items inside the body.
If you’re travelling with one, there isn’t any specific or convincing need to remove it before going through security. In fact, It’s both safe and common to travel wearing one, though you might want to be prepared for potential additional screening if the scanner alerts to it.
Can You Wear A Menstrual Cup On A Plane? Things to consider:
Using menstrual cup on an airplace sounds perfect, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure everything goes smoothly. I made these tips for you!
Practice before you go:
Using menstrual cups as your go-to period care for the first time on a long trip might lead to some awkward moments. Unlike pads or tampons, these cups need a lil bit of finesse to put in and take out. They are made to be folded in a certain way, inserted, and unfolded to form a seal that prevents leaks.
All of this can feel new and more challenging at first. By practising before your trip, you give yourself time to get comfortable with them. Being in the cramped quarters of an airplane bathroom trying to figure this out for the first time could be stressful.
Another big plus of getting familiar with your cup before you head to the airport is peace of mind. With gobs of stuff to think of, like catching flights, dealing with luggage, making connections, it’s nice to know that managing your period is something you’ve got under control.
You’ll know exactly what to do when it’s time to head to the bathroom, and you can do it quickly and easily, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your flight.
Empty it before your flight
Airplane bathrooms can be quite small and not the most convenient places for handling your menstrual care. By emptying your menstrual cup right before boarding, you can potentially avoid having to do so in the tight space of the airplane bathroom, especially during a shorter flight.
This step makes you worry just less about needing to navigate the bathroom spaces when it might be turbulent or when there are long queues of people waiting to use the restrooms.
Also, it helps you avoid the tricky situation of trying to clean the cup with limited resources available in the aeroplane lavatory. Overall, heeding this step gives you more time to rest and enjoy your trip without interruptions.
Bring a small bottle of water to the bathroom
It might sound a bit surprising at first, but this is really practical, FR. Now, when you’re up in the skies and need to clean your cup, you probably going to realize there’s very limited space and resources. Having a small water bottle with you can be super handy for these moments.
Airplane bathrooms are pretty tiny, and although there’s a sink, it might not always be the most convenient or sanitary place to rinse out your menstrual cup.
You can use that to rinse your cup over the toilet without maneuvering around to use the sink, making it easier and faster to clean your cup. Come to think of it, it makes you more discreet about it.
Another reason this tip is so useful is hygiene. Airplane water isn’t always the cleanest for washing something that’s going back into your body. Thus, by bringing your own bottled water, you know exactly what you’re using to rinse your cup, making it a safer option.
pack sanitizer
Lots of people use aeroplane bathrooms, and they might not always be the cleanest, which is something to consider when using your menstrual-friendly. To help this, you should carry a hand sanitizer along and use it before and after you handle your cup.
This ensures you don’t bring germs from the airplane into contact with it. Wipes are great, too. You can use them to clean your menstrual friendly if you’re unable to rinse it with water, or sometimes you’d even feel better using a wipe for extra cleanliness. Also, if you drop your cup (it happens!), a wipe can clean it off so it’s safe to use again.
Carry a backup!
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. You might be on a long flight, or your menstrual cup could get full quicker than expected, maybe because your period is heavier on some days. Or, you might find that you’re not comfortable dealing with your menstrual cup in the tiny airplane bathroom.
And that’s where the backup comes in. A backup can be a pad, a tampon or even another clean menstrual cup. If you think you can’t empty and clean your menstrual cup as per the situation, you can simply use the backup ASAP. It can be that quick fix, and it makes you ready for any surprise that comes up.
Relax and Breathe
It can sometimes feel a bit tricky. You might be worried about spills, leaks, or just handling the cup in such a tight and inconvenient space. If you’re feeling nervous, you’re going to be tensed up, and this can actually make it harder to remove or insert the cup comfortably.
Relax and take a few deep breaths. When you get calmer, your body gets more relaxed, which can make it easier to manage everything, including your menstrual cup.
Here’s a quick way to do it: Before you go to the restroom, close your eyes for a few seconds, maybe 30 to 60. Now, inhale some big air through your nose and release it out through your mouth. Retry a few more times. This makes you comfortable and confident overall.
When should you not use a menstrual cup?
Even though menstrual cups are great for many people, there are times you’re better off not using one. Let’s talk about these a few times;
- If you have an infection or irritation: If you notice something doesn’t feel right down there, like if you have a yeast infection or kind of irritation, it’s better to give it a break. Going ahead and using the cups will mess up the healing process.
- Right after childbirth: If you’ve just had a baby, your body needs time to heal. It is recommended to put anything down there for a while. And it includes menstrual cups. You avoid infections by adhering to this, and you tend to heal a bit faster, too.
- If you have an IUD: Well, there are some people who can use the cups just fine with an intrauterine device(IUD), but for many women, there’s a chance the cup could mess with the IUD. It might pull on the strings or even cause the IUD to move. So, it’s advisable to stay off menstrual cups while on IUD.
- If you’ve never had a period before: If this is familiar to you, then you certainly want to get used to how your cycle works first before trying a cup, which can be a bit tricky. Perhaps you’d want to even start with pads and tampons, as those could be a bit easier to handle.
Also Read: Why Is There Urine In My Menstrual Cup?
Can You Wear A Menstrual Cup On A Plane? -Final Say
Flying with a menstrual cup is definitely doable and can make handling your period a lot easier while travelling. Always try to pack hand sanitizer, wipes, and maybe a backup option like a pad or an additional cup, just in case.
And don’t forget the last and most important tip: relax and breathe. Being calm can build that confidence, which would make things easier.
