How do you deal with inconsistent flow when menstruating?

8 comments

1. I can never seem to get it right. I wear a light flow tampon and that was a regular flow day. Then I try a regular flow tampon the next day and it is a light flow day or a heavy day. I am not sure if I am over thinking this or if I just abandon tampons all together.

2. My first few days are the heaviest so I start with a super plus and then move to super for days 3-4. I also just keep a mix of tampons with me in case my flow changes

3. Err on the side of more tampon than you need. Just be more gentle when removing it. Or always wear light flow ones and change it every two hours or so.

4. This is the exact reason I switched to the menstrual cup. Flow doesn’t matter.

5. I prefer pads after years of tampons. Though I am interested in using a cup for my girlish needs.

6. Menstrual cup and period underwear. Flow doesn’t matter on period days due to the cup and the underwear handle unexpected spotting.

7. Period underwear. Pad. Picking up on other indications as well, such as increase in pain can signal a heavier flow for me.

8. I vaginimus and a super super heavy flow, an annoying irregular cycle on top of an inconsistent flow so I feel your pain.

   I’ve found it easiest to stick with pads. I generally err on the side of caution and mostly use night time pads that are specifically created for someone with a heavy flow and even opt for post partum/incontinence pads for the first 2-3 days when my period is the most heaviest.

   I stick to black sheets, towels and underwear (and even sleep tees) just to make my life easier since I’m prone to leaking despite all the precautions I take. Almost every time I walk past an M&S I basically pick up 5 pack of black cotton briefs so that I always have enough underwear (I probably have at least 50 pairs now).

   I was advised by my doctor that by starting taking a NSAID like Ibuprofen a day or two before your period is due to start 3x a day can help reduce your period flow. However, you do a have to be careful as it can increase your chances of getting stomach ulcers. I would not recommend doing this without consulting your doctor first.