Traveling with a menstrual cup in Bangladesh can be a practical and sustainable choice, especially for those navigating the country’s bustling cities, serene countryside, or remote hill tracts. The compact design and reusability of menstrual cups make them ideal for journeys through areas with limited access to sanitary facilities. To make traveling with a menstrual cup hygienic and stress-free, there are some techniques you can follow to enjoy your day to the fullest, without having to worry about the leaky situation down there.
Suffering from Success: How Menstrual Cups can Change the Period-Game
Menstrual cups are a game-changer for period care, offering unparalleled convenience and reliability. Once inserted, a menstrual cup can last up to 12 hours, depending on your flow, you have to select a cup size which will provide all-day protection without the need for frequent changes. Its flexible, medical-grade silicone design creates a secure seal against the vaginal walls, preventing leaks even during rigorous activities. The seal not only ensures leak-proof performance but also adapts naturally to your body’s movements, giving you the freedom to live life uninterrupted by your period.
Why a Menstrual Cup is Perfect for Any Day, Any Situation
When You Are on Vacation: Whether you’re exploring the scenic Bandarban hill tracts or relaxing on the beaches of Cox’s Bazar, a menstrual cup is the ultimate travel companion. Its long-lasting protection—up to 12 hours—lets you focus on enjoying your adventures without worrying about frequent changes or about carrying extra pads. Plus, its compact design takes up minimal luggage space, making it a hassle-free solution for vacations and daily life.
When You Are Living Your Busy Daily Life: In bustling cities like Dhaka or Chattogram, where long commutes and traffic jams can stretch your day, the menstrual cup provides reliable, all-day protection. You can go through your workday, attend classes, or manage household responsibilities without frequent interruptions to change your period product. Its leak-proof seal ensures comfort and confidence during meetings, gym sessions, or even crowded public transport rides.
When You Are in Remote Rural Areas: For those living in or visiting rural areas of Bangladesh, where access to disposable menstrual products can be limited or expensive, a menstrual cup offers a sustainable and convenient alternative. Unlike sanitary pads, which require regular disposal and depend on proper waste management systems—often lacking in rural regions—a menstrual cup is reusable and eco-friendly. Its ability to provide up to 12 hours of protection makes it ideal for long stretches without access to clean restrooms.
Packing Essentials for Menstrual Cup Users
The only drawback of using a menstrual cup on-the-go is to find the opportunity to rinse and clean your cup. This can be combatted easily if certain products are carried with yourself during your vacation. These essentials include –
- A Storage Pouch: When purchasing a menstrual cup, there are certain items that come with the cup. Usually, brands send a pouch for storing the cup when not in use. These pouches are usually made from cotton fabric which prevent the buildup of moisture in the pouch. Store your cup in the pouch when not in use.
- Travel Size Disinfectant: Carrying a disinfectant with you on-the-go is very important because sanitizing your cup is of topmost priority when you are using it. The water boiling method is the most effective way of sterilizing your cup. However, this method may not be plausible for you to do when you are travelling. Thus, carrying a disinfectant and disinfecting your cup with it the most convenient for you. There are travel option friendly disinfectants that you can use when traveling. Dettol Disinfectant Multipurpose Liquid (100mL) is priced at ৳58. ACI Savlon Antiseptic Liquid (56 mL) is priced at approximately ৳43. Mix these liquids with water, diluting them and wash your cup for an easy disinfecting!
- Travel Size Handwash: Washing hands thoroughly before inserting a menstrual cup while traveling is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing infections. Since menstrual cups are inserted directly into the body, unclean hands can transfer harmful bacteria or pathogens, increasing the risk of irritation or infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). There aren’t many options in the market for travel size friendly handwashes. What you can do is transfer some handwash liquid into travel sized bottles and keep it with you on the go. Famous, reliable and comparatively cheap handwashes include Dettol Handwash (200 mL) priced at ৳110, Lifebuoy Handwash (200 mL) priced at ৳104 and Sepnil Handwash (200 mL) priced at ৳105 etc.
- Travel Size Hand Sanitizers: Hand sanitizers can be a convenient substitute for handwashing when traveling, especially in situations where soap and clean water are not readily available. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are effective in killing most germs and bacteria, making them a practical solution for maintaining hand hygiene on the go. However, while sanitizers are excellent for most scenarios, they may not remove visible dirt or grease, making handwashing with soap the preferred option whenever possible. Available hand sanitizers popular in the market include: Sepnil Pocket Instant Hand Sanitizer (40 mL) priced at ৳58, Lifebuoy Total 10 Hand Sanitizer (50 mL) priced at ৳78, Dr. Rhazes Ultra Protect Gel (100 mL) priced at ৳117, Salvon Instant Hand Sanitizer (200) priced at ৳190 etc.
- Disinfecting Wet Wipes: Disinfecting wet wipes are essential for quick cleaning of a menstrual cup, especially when traveling or in situations where access to clean water is limited. These wipes are designed to eliminate bacteria and germs effectively, ensuring the cup remains safe for reuse while minimizing the risk of infections. They are compact, portable, and easy to use, making them a practical solution for maintaining hygiene on the go. However, it is important to use wipes specifically designed for menstrual cups to avoid residue or irritation, ensuring both cleanliness and comfort. Available products in the market are: Savlon Wet Wipes (20 Pcs) priced at ৳93 and Lifebuoy Antibacterial Wet Wipes (10 Pcs) priced at ৳70.
Why a Menstrual Cup is Perfect for Backpacking in Bangladesh
A menstrual cup is the perfect companion for backpacking in Bangladesh due to its convenience, compactness, and sustainability. In rural areas where pads and tampons might be hard to find, a menstrual cup eliminates the need to hunt for supplies, offering a reliable and reusable alternative. Its small size takes up minimal luggage space, making it ideal for travelers looking to pack light. Additionally, as environmental awareness grows in Bangladesh, using a menstrual cup aligns with eco-conscious travel practices by reducing waste, making it a practical and responsible choice for backpackers.
Traveling with a menstrual cup in Bangladesh offers freedom, sustainability, and convenience, whether you’re navigating urban chaos or trekking through picturesque landscapes. With careful planning and a few essential supplies, you can handle your menstrual needs hygienically, discreetly and in a hassle-free way!Written by –
Nafia Khanom Tanha
