What to Wear When Cycling or Horse Riding
Your menstrual cycle doesn't have to get in the way of you're hobby or sport if you don't want it to!
Over time we've had increasing requests from female athletes for products suitable for cyclists or horse riders with many finding the traditional snap closure of cloth sanitary pads uncomfortable if you are planning on being on a saddle for any length of time meaning you can carry on with your regular daily life and your period doesn't have to stop you.
You have three main options for period protection and what you decide on is personal preference:
Cups
Period Underwear
Cloth Sanitary Products
Menstrual Cups
Cups are worn internally making them the perfect companion if you spend any time in a saddle. You will need to make sure that you find the right cup for you and you can find out the information we need in our article "How To Choose A Menstrual Cup." If you're going on a long ride then make sure to empty your cup just before you go.
If a menstrual cup isn't for you but you still want an internal product you can look at Menstrual Discs or Reusable Tampons (if you're going to use a tampon then a little handy tip is to tuck the tampon string inside you so it doesnt cause you irritation in your seat). An internal product meants you dont have to worry about anything showing through your trousers, even if you are in white breeches!
Period Underwear
Period Underwear offers great coverage and a variety of absorbency levels for you to choose from. They look just like your regular underwear but are designed to absorb menstrual blood and small incontinence leaks. You can wear any period pants however the Nixi Body Pants are specifically designed for sports. The sclaopped edging makes it a great VPL option meaning no annoying underwear lines under your tightest lycra or breeches. The Wuka stretch are also a great seamless pants and ar designed to fit over multiple sizes so its great if you suffer from period bloat or fluid retention.
Cloth Sanitary Pads
If you prefer reusable pads then you may find tht the snap closure causes you discomfort! We went on a hunt to a find products to combat this and we found them!
Bamboolik pads are unique to any others we sell as they fasten with hook and loop rather than a popper making them more more comfortable. We sell them in the panty liner and day pad version, they're made from layers of bamboo with a bamboo top, which is nice and breathable, and are backed with polyester fleece. Imse Vimse have just designed a fantastic SNAP FREE pad that is available in a pantyliner or a regular day pad. With the super natural organic cotton top and core these are a great option if you prefer the most natural products against your skin.
How Do I Know What Sanitary Products I want?
From the first day of your period to your last, we will have something to help you. You can find our what we recommend by completing our Period Products Recommendation Questionnaire.
If you want more advise then email us on hello@theperiodlady.co.uk