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Menstrual cups while camping and climbing

Original Post
Annelise Allen · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 1

I hope this isn't TMI for many. I use a menstrual cup regularly for my cycle (divacup 1). I've pretty much gotten the hang of it and love not dealing with the waste and cost of other products, and I would love to also have this in the outdoors when I'm backpacking/camping and climbing. 

My issue is that I'm worried about handling the mess/hygiene of emptying my cup in the outdoors. Does anyone use a water bottle or portable bidet and find that works? And any other cleanup tips or tricks? 

I do still have issues with leakage when exerting myself through jogging, climbing, etc, and am wondering if it is due to the material of the cup being to soft or something. Anyone have a cup that holds out through physical activity?

After years of using mine I actually just perfected using it completely one-handedly! Lol, so I'm hoping I can use the cup 100% of the time under all conditions and activities.

Emily Smith · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 0

If there's clear running water like a stream or river nearby, that's usually my go-to to wash it out, then rinse with some clean water from my water bottle. Hand sani for my hands before/afterwards. Works fine for me. If there's no stream or river or the water is gross, then I just use water from a bottle. I'm not squeamish so I can use a little water, scrub with my fingers, and rinse without using a ton of water. Worst case scenario, I've just dumped and then put it back in as is with clean hands, timing with a bathroom break if possible so that the waste went in the cat hole and would use TP to help clean up. I used the Luna cup until I got an IUD and I can't remember ever having any leaking issues with it personally. It seems like it's maybe on the stiffer side and comes in different sizes. I actually think the hardest/scariest thing I have encountered when using a cup in the outdoors is trying not to drop it into pit toilets or porta-potties at trailheads or campgrounds!

Kate Sedrowski · · Golden, CO · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 0

I have used mine camping and climbing so many times, and I love it! My favorite thing is that I can just throw it in my pack on every trip, just in case, instead of worrying about having to have tampons around. And I honestly don't even use water most of the time, just wipe it with toilet paper then reinsert (and pack out the TP, of course). I definitely prefer to camp near a pit toilet, if possible, so I don't have to deal with digging a hole every time, but I have done it when necessary. I also always bring baby wipes of some kind to clean my hands.

As for leaking, once I figured out how to insert it properly, I've never had an issue, except when it's full. Are you sure yours is suctioning properly? I had to learn the difference between it just being inserted and actually suctioned. If it is suctioning and is still a problem, you might just need to find one that's a better fit for you. I currently use the Pixie Cup Luxe, but until recently, I was using a random brand off Amazon, and it didn't leak either. I don't think either are particularly stiff, but your personal anatomy can definitely make a difference.

Nathan E · · Innsbruck · Joined Oct 2005 · Points: 105
Emily Smith wrote:

If there's clear running water like a stream or river nearby, that's usually my go-to to wash it out, then rinse with some clean water from my water bottle. 

Just showed my wife this thread as these just came up in conversation. I realize I am 100% out of my element here, but please don't wash anything directly in streams (dirty pots/pans, Diva cups, t-shirts, socks, etc.). Fill up water and wash onto soil where degradation from microbes can occur.

Emily Smith · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 0
Nathan E wrote:

Just showed my wife this thread as these just came up in conversation. I realize I am 100% out of my element here, but please don't wash anything directly in streams (dirty pots/pans, Diva cups, t-shirts, socks, etc.). Fill up water and wash onto soil where degradation from microbes can occur.

I hadn't considered blood to be a problem in waterways. When I said washing, I'm talking about rinsing, not with soap. But I suppose it makes sense to keep it away from water sources just as you would any other human waste.

Kate Michelle · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Apr 2017 · Points: 16

I used a diva cup for years before getting an IUD and absolutely loved it. I always just emptied it into the cat hole I dug and then used a water bottle with potable water to rinse it and would wash my hands before removing and re-inserting.

It is also possible to boil clean it if you happen to drop it, so even a worst case scenario where it falls into dirt or a cat hole isn’t the end of the world.

Annelise Allen · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 1
Emily Smith wrote:

If there's clear running water like a stream or river nearby, that's usually my go-to to wash it out, then rinse with some clean water from my water bottle. Hand sani for my hands before/afterwards. Works fine for me. If there's no stream or river or the water is gross, then I just use water from a bottle. I'm not squeamish so I can use a little water, scrub with my fingers, and rinse without using a ton of water. Worst case scenario, I've just dumped and then put it back in as is with clean hands, timing with a bathroom break if possible so that the waste went in the cat hole and would use TP to help clean up. I used the Luna cup until I got an IUD and I can't remember ever having any leaking issues with it personally. It seems like it's maybe on the stiffer side and comes in different sizes. I actually think the hardest/scariest thing I have encountered when using a cup in the outdoors is trying not to drop it into pit toilets or porta-potties at trailheads or campgrounds!

Dropping it terrifies me at any time! Lol. That would be a disaster if I didn't have other stuff for my period. I'll look into the Luna. I'm thinking I may need something firmer (or softer?).

Annelise Allen · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 1
Kate Michelle wrote:

I used a diva cup for years before getting an IUD and absolutely loved it. I always just emptied it into the cat hole I dug and then used a water bottle with potable water to rinse it and would wash my hands before removing and re-inserting.

It is also possible to boil clean it if you happen to drop it, so even a worst case scenario where it falls into dirt or a cat hole isn’t the end of the world.

I boil mine after each cycle but didn't think of that for some reason outdoors. Thanks for the tip!

Annelise Allen · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Feb 2020 · Points: 1
tater tot wrote:

Due to some unfortunate bc side effects, I bled for ~2 months continuously on the PCT and used my diva cup the entire time - I'd dump in a cathole, splash it with water from a sport-top water bottle, then wipe it with tp and reinsert (with clean hands)... once you practice a couple times it only takes a few seconds. When I got back to town, I'd wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Regarding leaks.... I prefer the divacup over softer ones on the market. A good way to ensure it's fully sealed/popped fully open is to run your finger around the rim after you've inserted it. Once I figured that out I never had any leakage issues.

That sounds terrible! I'm glad the divacup worked well. Can I ask how the softer cups worked differently for you?

I think going through the routine would make it feel more natural. I'll probably plan a short solo camp to be able to practice and feel comfortable and see how it goes.  

Kate Sedrowski · · Golden, CO · Joined Jun 2016 · Points: 0
Annelise Allen wrote:

Dropping it terrifies me at any time! Lol. That would be a disaster if I didn't have other stuff for my period. I'll look into the Luna. I'm thinking I may need something firmer (or softer?).

Maybe check out Pixie Cup! I just switched to them, and got a set of two sizes which means I have a back up if I drop one, haha! They also have both stiffer and softer options, and plus they offer a guarantee – basically, if you get one that doesn't work for you, they'll help you figure out the right one and send you a new one for free! I promise I don't work for them, haha, I just really like the cups, as well as their philosophy and policies! :)

Aerili · · Los Alamos, NM · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 1,875

Not a menstrual cup, but if you want something similar that you don't have to worry about washing out, try the Flex Disc. Love these things. You can buy them at Target. I usually use a panty liner as back up just to keep my clothes clean - especially with physical activities.

Kurt Owens · · Bay Area · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 15
Nathan E wrote:

Just showed my wife this thread as these just came up in conversation. I realize I am 100% out of my element here, but please don't wash anything directly in streams (dirty pots/pans, Diva cups, t-shirts, socks, etc.). Fill up water and wash onto soil where degradation from microbes can occur.

Logically, if you're gonna say we can't wash our clothes in a stream, you would have to say we can't swim in a stream with our clothes on. Like, some dirt and sweat is gonna pollute a stream that's already full of dirt and microbes and animals? No one should go to the bathroom near a stream, or dump food leftovers in it, but I think you're kinda taking it too far with some of it. Also, would you be concerned if someone cut their finger and washed it in a stream, or is menstrual blood residue grosser for some reason? Or no blood of any kind should be in a stream? Imo, I wouldn't dump a full menstrual cup in a stream but I don't see an environmental problem with rinsing it. I probably still wouldn't, just because of the personal safety issue with getting potentially contaminated stream water on the cup.

Nathan E · · Innsbruck · Joined Oct 2005 · Points: 105
Kurt Owens wrote:

Logically, if you're gonna say we can't wash our clothes in a stream, you would have to say we can't swim in a stream with our clothes on. Like, some dirt and sweat is gonna pollute a stream that's already full of dirt and microbes and animals? No one should go to the bathroom near a stream, or dump food leftovers in it, but I think you're kinda taking it too far with some of it. Also, would you be concerned if someone cut their finger and washed it in a stream, or is menstrual blood residue grosser for some reason? Or no blood of any kind should be in a stream? Imo, I wouldn't dump a full menstrual cup in a stream but I don't see an environmental problem with rinsing it. I probably still wouldn't, just because of the personal safety issue with getting potentially contaminated stream water on the cup.

Well, there are places in the mountains that swimming is not allowed given their increased use for drinking water. May Lake and Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite are two backcountry and semi-front country examples. To answer your question, I would prefer to not drink water downstream of a clothing/cut finger washer.

I absolutely see your point, but if we consider LNT as a spectrum from extreme LNT (I have friends that swallow toothpaste and drink their dish water) to shitting in a stream, the blanket "no direct washing" backcounty guideline seems pretty moderate, especially considering the ever-growing use of our national parks and Wilderness areas.

Tom B · · Santa Cruz, Ca · Joined May 2016 · Points: 0
Nathan E wrote:

Well, there are places in the mountains that swimming is not allowed given their increased use for drinking water. May Lake and Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite are two backcountry and semi-front country examples. To answer your question, I would prefer to not drink water downstream of a clothing/cut finger washer.

I absolutely see your point, but if we consider LNT as a spectrum from extreme LNT (I have friends that swallow toothpaste and drink their dish water) to shitting in a stream, the blanket "no direct washing" backcounty guideline seems pretty moderate, especially considering the ever-growing use of our national parks and Wilderness areas.

There are plenty of lakes, reservoirs and rivers that people swim in and that are used for drinking water. Tahoe, Lake Mead, Folsom,
other countless smaller reservoirs and lakes come to mind. Businesses and governmental impact on water quality among so much more has definitely not been LNT. An example of a pollutant in waterways and body's of water is methylmercury in aquatic life. Another is agriculture's total disregard of pesticides being dumped into waterways, ecosystems etc is so much more concerning then some minuscule amount of blood and sweat from commoners. Clothing/cut finger washing/ period blood/ swimming while bleeding are not environmental impacts that scare me.

Nathan E · · Innsbruck · Joined Oct 2005 · Points: 105
Tom B wrote:

There are plenty of lakes, reservoirs and rivers that people swim in and that are used for drinking water. Tahoe, Lake Mead, Folsom,
other countless smaller reservoirs and lakes come to mind. Businesses and governmental impact on water quality among so much more has definitely not been LNT. An example of a pollutant in waterways and body's of water is methylmercury in aquatic life. Another is agriculture's total disregard of pesticides being dumped into waterways, ecosystems etc is so much more concerning then some minuscule amount of blood and sweat from commoners. Clothing/cut finger washing/ period blood/ swimming while bleeding are not environmental impacts that scare me.

Not sure I follow your impact comparison between industry/agriculture within developed areas and LNT principles intended for visiting Wilderness. Should we also not be concerned with camping on vegetation while backpacking, since far more vegetation is destroyed by construction from urban sprawl?

I'll note that Hetchy water amazingly receives zero filtration en route to SF faucets, only a minimal amount of UV.. hence their regulations. 

Kurt Owens · · Bay Area · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 15
Nathan E wrote:

Not sure I follow your impact comparison between industry/agriculture within developed areas and LNT principles intended for visiting Wilderness. Should we also not be concerned with camping on vegetation while backpacking, since far more vegetation is destroyed by construction from urban sprawl?

I'll note that Hetchy water amazingly receives zero filtration en route to SF faucets, only a minimal amount of UV.. hence their regulations. 

 I'd like to point out also that recycled water from sewage is used for nonpotable uses including agriculture in many places, including CA. So to be logically consistent about your opinions on the environmental impact and filtration system, you would have to either oppose the recycling of that water, or stop going to the bathroom, washing off blood in the sink, or taking a shower.

 In my opinion, leave no trace is a way to feel like you're protecting the earth by obsessing over tiny things, while in fact humans already have and will continue to leave a massive trace on the planet. That can't be avoided. We're part of the planet too. What we can do is run our industry and society in a sustainable way, but that requires fundamental changes like an overhaul of production methods, not worrying about whether you left a trace of blood in the water. 

"But we should change what we can in the meantime" But that's not beneficial when those things become so tiny and neurotic that you're pretty much just lying to yourself. Also, it very much works as a distraction from the real issues at play. It feels like a kind of fake elitism sometimes. How the working class enjoys nature will never be a driving force in climate change. I probably got a little too harsh and I'm sorry about that but it seems like leave no trace has a lot of contradictions. 

It's also pretty defeatist at its core. You're saying that since humans cannot coexist sustainably with the rest of nature, we should try to make as little an impact as possible. If you're against crushing vegetation for rent sites, you've gotta be pretty mad about hiking trails and bike trails and the like. Whereas what many parks departments and agencies have discovered is that a small amount of development allows the use of nature by humans while preserving the rest of nature. Human impact in itself is not a bad thing, but it must be done right and supported with the most sustainable technologies.

Astrid Rey · · Lake Elsinore, CA · Joined Jun 2020 · Points: 0
Kurt Owens wrote:

 I'd like to point out also that recycled water from sewage is used for nonpotable uses including agriculture in many places, including CA. So to be logically consistent about your opinions on the environmental impact and filtration system, you would have to either oppose the recycling of that water, or stop going to the bathroom, washing off blood in the sink, or taking a shower.

 In my opinion, leave no trace is a way to feel like you're protecting the earth by obsessing over tiny things, while in fact humans already have and will continue to leave a massive trace on the planet. That can't be avoided. We're part of the planet too. What we can do is run our industry and society in a sustainable way, but that requires fundamental changes like an overhaul of production methods, not worrying about whether you left a trace of blood in the water. 

"But we should change what we can in the meantime" But that's not beneficial when those things become so tiny and neurotic that you're pretty much just lying to yourself. Also, it very much works as a distraction from the real issues at play. It feels like a kind of fake elitism sometimes. How the working class enjoys nature will never be a driving force in climate change. I probably got a little too harsh and I'm sorry about that but it seems like leave no trace has a lot of contradictions. 

It's also pretty defeatist at its core. You're saying that since humans cannot coexist sustainably with the rest of nature, we should try to make as little an impact as possible. If you're against crushing vegetation for rent sites, you've gotta be pretty mad about hiking trails and bike trails and the like. Whereas what many parks departments and agencies have discovered is that a small amount of development allows the use of nature by humans while preserving the rest of nature. Human impact in itself is not a bad thing, but it must be done right and supported with the most sustainable technologies.

Thank you Katarina for the thoughtful and logical explanation. I always knew it was ok to poop in a stream or lake but was never able to convince other people that it was not a problem. If it's ok with you, I'd like to share your post with all the naysayers out there.

Kurt Owens · · Bay Area · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 15
Astrid Rey wrote:

Thank you Katarina for the thoughtful and logical explanation. I always knew it was ok to poop in a stream or lake but was never able to convince other people that it was not a problem. If it's ok with you, I'd like to share your post with all the naysayers out there.

In my first post, I said that people should not poop in a river. Very humorous though. Overall, what I'm saying is that LNT cannot be applied as a principle. There are standards that many people follow, and which I agree with, like "don't poop in a stream," but trying to make LNT a principle leads to some unnecessary and contradictory rules like don't swim in a river, or don't crush any brush for a campsite. Leave no trace is an impossible ideal that masquerades as a real solution to environmental problems.

Old lady H · · Boise, ID · Joined Aug 2015 · Points: 1,375

Geez. 

"It" (whatever "it" we're talking about) may not be a big deal....for that one time.

But what if 10,000 people a year visit that place?

Rules need to anticipate future usage, not just what we wanna do right at the moment, or what we can (sorta) let slide. Or what we used to get away with. Or used to not give a damn about. 

Fortunately, a great deal has changed for the better, in my lifetime. Yay.

Yeah, pack everything out, if you can do so, as a general thing, and be aware that it is a requirement in some places. For me, there's no excuse when it's an easy thing to do, like your local crag, or places with some infrastructure. Or, those places that take real effort, plan ahead for the trash just like the rest of the trip.

No, you don't have to be anal about it, but it is a practice that helps everyone go toward something that's workable for the future. If you have an oops, well, do your best. That might mean washing in a stream, or picking up broken glass, or hiding/burying the shit the best you can. It happens.

My post way upstream wasn't meant to advocate washing in a stream, just that menstrual blood from a cup, diluted greatly .....is not the hill I'd choose to battle over. Poop, yes, pack it out. Cat holes aren't the 10,000 people answer. Ditto things that could inadvertently grow where they don't belong (fruit seeds/pits) or take forever to break down (those infamous banana peels). 

It's simply less mental work to just lump it all in as trash, come prepared....and haul it out.

Best, Helen

JackWeaver · · Salt Lake City · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 185
Kurt Owens wrote:

In my first post, I said that people should not poop in a river. Very humorous though. Overall, what I'm saying is that LNT cannot be applied as a principle. There are standards that many people follow, and which I agree with, like "don't poop in a stream," but trying to make LNT a principle leads to some unnecessary and contradictory rules like don't swim in a river, or don't crush any brush for a campsite. Leave no trace is an impossible ideal that masquerades as a real solution to environmental problems.

I don't think Nathan is saying you have to apply LNT as a sacred principle. He mentioned it being a spectrum. And that no direct washing seems like a reasonable place to be on the spectrum.

You seem to be the one who is saying that LNT is all or nothing by saying if you don't want people to wash their clothes in the river then they can't swim either. 

Bill Lawry · · Albuquerque, NM · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 1,812
Old lady H wrote:

Geez. 

...

It's simply less mental work to just lump it all in as trash, come prepared....and haul it out.

Yep - I've been hauling out my TP for years.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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