When backpacking, it is important to be prepared and that includes having the right supplies and tools for managing your menstrual cycle. Because you don’t have access to a bathroom or running water, you need to find alternative ways to empty and clean your menstrual cup. This can be tricky but with the right knowledge, you can make sure that you stay comfortable and hygienic on your travels.
Steps To Empty and Clean Your Menstrual Cup When Backpacking
1.Find the Right Spot: The first step is finding a discreet spot away from people where you can empty and clean your menstrual cup. This might mean going off the trail for a few minutes or hiding behind a tree or bush – whichever option makes you feel most comfortable. Make sure you are away from water sources like rivers or lakes so that bacteria doesn’t end up in them.
2. Empty & Rinse: You can use water from your bottle or if there is running water available, then use that to rinse out your cup.
You can also use wipes to clean it if necessary but make sure they are biodegradable.
3. Dry & Reinsert: Once your cup is emptied and cleaned, dry it off with a cloth or paper towel before reinserting it. If possible, try to find some sunshine so that the cup dries completely before reinserting.
Tips For Keeping Your Menstrual Cup Clean While Backpacking
- Bring multiple menstrual cups with you so that you always have one ready while the other one is being cleaned.
- Bring extra wipes with you so that you can keep your menstrual cups clean even when there isn’t access to running water.
- Carry an extra bag for disposing of used wipes and paper towels when cleaning your menstrual cup.
Conclusion: Emptying and cleaning a menstrual cup when backpacking may seem daunting at first but with these tips in mind, it’s actually quite simple! With a little bit of planning ahead of time, such as bringing extra supplies with you and finding suitable spots away from people where you can empty and clean your cup in private, managing your period on the go will be easy as pie!