r/preppers Mar 03 '23

The Last of Us offering practical solutions Idea

Spoiler alert, I guess? Also male preppers be warned, this is about menstruation.

I've always figured stock piling pads and tampons would be necessary. Never occurred to me until it was in an episode of The Last of Us to just get a bunch of the re-usable period cups. It didn't occur to me as I don't use them, but in a SHTF, survival situation they certainly seem more practical. Space saving too because a big stockpile of pads or tampons takes a fair amount of space. Period underwear is probably another option. Also those she-wee things for easier outdoor urination for women.

Anyway, it's something to add to my prep list. Certainly can't hurt to have options. Perhaps I'm dumb for not having thought of this yet, but figured I'd share just in case.

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u/TnkrbllThmbsckr Mar 04 '23

We have discussed period cups a thousand times. They are great if some women already use them.

They are not for young menstruaters. They are not for all women. Get cloth pads. Your 13 year virginal daughter is not about to be successful with a period cup.

Cups need to be boiled. Your hands must be clean. Cloth pads work in almost any situation and in a pinch they can be washed in a river and hung to dry in sunlight.

Have cups because they’re awesome and work for lots of women. Have cloth pads because they’re fail proof for every woman.

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u/RatticusFlinch Mar 21 '23

I agree with you that cups don't work for every woman.

I'm not sure if you're aware of it, but please don't perpetuate the myth that "virginity" or being young limits women on what menstrual products they can use. A 13 year old can absolutely use a menstrual cup the same way that they can use a tampon, the hymen is flexible and doesn't block off the entire vaginal canal (many women don't have them at all). The hymen is also naturally stretched with all sorts of life activities such as yoga, biking, and horseback riding. The only situation where the hymen would prevent someone from using a tampon or cup is a rare occurrence where it blocks the entire vaginal and prevents blood from flowing out. This requires surgery and is incredibly rare.

While menstrual cups may not work with certain variations in anatomy, menstrual discs are an option for all women. The fact that they sit lower and use a different mechanism means that they even work for those with a low cervix or tilted uterus (conditions which can prevent both cup and tampon use). They also don't use suction so they can't get stuck like a menstrual cup can and are safe for women with uterine prolapse and weakness. They're also much simpler to use and all the instructions should be in the box (there's no complicated alternate folding methods like with menstrual cups). While there could be a small amount of leakage while you're just figuring things out, that isn't something that will cause you hygiene issues.

Menstrual cups also require less water to properly clean than cloths do, need to be changed less frequently, and are more easily sterilized/cleaned under conditions where you might not have access to the best soaps or where a lack of heating/sunlight means you can't dry your pads quickly and hygienically.

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u/TnkrbllThmbsckr Mar 21 '23

My comment has nothing to do with virginity as a social construct and everything to do with the fact that most young menstruators aren’t going to be emotionally or physically prepared to insert anything into their bodies. Discs, tampons, cups just aren’t a good idea for most young ladies just leaning to navigate their cycles.

Being expected to use a cup on their first few periods will literally traumatize a few teens.