Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced menstrual cup or disc users. Some accidents, such as dropping your menstrual cup in the toilet or onto the floor, can happen to the best of us. If it happens in public this is a real conundrum.
Do you wash as well as you can and use it until you’re home?
Like a good scout it’s wise to have some back-up period products with you at all times. That’s why I’ll be sharing what to pack for the perfect Period Emergency Kit for cup users. You can never be too prepared.
- Tampons and/or Liners
Even if you’re a menstrual cup or disc wearer it’s wise to have at least one spare disposable option in your period emergency kit. Why? Sometimes the unthinkable happens – what if you drop your cup in the toilet in public? Or on the floor? You still have to go about your day and take care of your period needs. Until you can sterilize your cup it’s best to use something else. If you’re prepared with spare tampons or liners you will make it through the day until you can boil your cup at home or find a replacement. As a bonus, I find it’s considerate to have tampons or pads with you in case a friend or stranger is in need – being able to offer a period product is a nice feeling.
Or, if you have an extra menstrual cup this would also be good to include.
- Alcohol Wipes or Cup Wipes
A few spare single-use wipes can be handy when you’re on your period and out in public. As above, if you have sanitizing wipes and don’t have a way to clean your cup with water you will feel better about the cleanliness of your cup after wiping it down thoroughly. Use your discretion as to whether you find in your scenario, a sanitizing wipe is enough or if you’d rather wait until you’ve boiled/sanitized your cup at home. Alternatively, you can include a cup spray cleanser in the bag and spray the cup, then wipe it clean with toilet paper or paper towels. These take more space but are useful for daily public restroom needs beyond emergencies for less waste.
- A Spare Underwear
In the event of an unexpected menstrual cup leak or failure having underwear to change into will likely make things a lot better than not having a pair. While I’ve never personally had a catastrophic cup fail I know they can happen, either when the cup flips and empties (yes, this can happen!) or the disc slips and empties… both of which would happen to your underwear. Depending on what is left to do in your day, having a spare pair of underwear (regular or leakproof) in your period emergency kit could be a lifesaver and make you feel more comfortable.
- A sealable baggie
For your dropped cup or for your underwear… a small sealable baggie is always handy.
- Latex Glove
On our continued journey to be prepared for all worst case scenarios, a latex glove can be very handy. Dropping your cup into a public toilet is a pretty gross idea. I don’t want to stick my hand into a public toilet, and depending on the contents in the toilet, my own waste. Latex glove to the rescue!
What else would you suggest? Leave a comment with what you’d suggest to have in your period emergency kit!
I have an empty peri bottle in my kit! I fill it at the sink before I go into the stall, so I can rinse things if I want/need.