Preventing leaks…

[B4196]

Hi,

So I was diagnosed nearly a year ago with endometriosis (after 10 years of suffering and being ignored by doctors - I’m sure you can all relate!), I underwent laparoscopy surgery for the diagnosis and removal of the visible endo tissue, however my periods haven’t improved and are still extremely heavy.

I run a few times a week, and unfortunately when it’s that time of the month, even with period underwear & night pads, when I’m running, I find I’ve leaked through my leggings.

Does anyone have any advice or any products that hold a substantial amount of fluid?

Also I have tried a cup before, and it’s not for me…

Thanks in advance!

[RJane83]

hi

I find lilets super plus or ultra with a pad just in case works well for the gym or running

[B4196 in reply to RJane83]

thank you, although I forgot to mention, I can’t wear tampons 😩

[RJane83 in reply to B4196]

I’m sorry 😞 body form night pads are good, also have you tried period pants with pads? They might help with keeping leaks contained

Also might be interesting as you like running nike have brought out period proof leggings, I haven’t used them but saw them on the Nike website a few weeks ago.

[B4196 in reply to RJane83]

thank you, yes tried night pass with period pants and still somehow seem to manage to lead 😩 I will look into those leggings though, that’s a great idea!! Thank you

[Nica68]

Ive found the bodyform ultra + night pads works the best for me.

[B4196 in reply to Nica68]

thank you! I currently use night pads, as well as period pants - unfortunately I still leak.

But thank you

[Fuchsiafairy]

I can’t use tampons as the flow was so heavy they could not absorb quickly enough and would still flood. A large cup and period underwear was amazing , i would still leak as my cup had to be emptied multiple times a day due the heavy bleeding.

What was your issue with the cup? The menstrual disc looks promising and I’m thinking of trying this. Did you have the mirena inserted during surgery? It has been amazing for making my period so much lighter. Still very painful and I’ve now added in the mini pill + mirena to try and help, but the flow is 1/8 of what it used to be. I think this is what a normal period should be like! So maybe this would be an option?

Honestly if your period is as heavy as mine used to be I don’t think traditional period options can help, I was considering using Tena pants as I feel designed for a heavy and fast flow? Maybe worth considering.

Do you take any nsaids ? Apparently they do make your period lighter but I never found they made any difference.

Fingers crossed.

[B4196]

hi thank you for replying to me! I really appreciate it.

I tried the cup, but it filled too quickly and whilst I’m at work and during runs i find it extremely messy and very time consuming. I didn’t have the coil fitted during surgery, because at the moment I am trying to get get pregnant. I’ve had the mirena before and it didn’t suit me, I ended up being on my period for 18 months straight, and passing out, throwing up etc.. however if/when I do get pregnant I will consider it afterwards, as I’ve heard that many people have different reactions to it after having children. I did however find it affected my mental health quite badly, and I don’t suffer with any mental health issues, so it was quite a shock to me. I’ve tried several different pills, but before my surgery, me and my partner decided we were going to start trying to conceive, so at the moment contraceptive pills/coils aren’t an option for me, I’m just hoping I can find an alternative to 2 x night pads & period pants whilst running, as it isn’t the most comfortable situation & I still manage to leak through them.

I have started taking Maca Root in tablet form, I started this a few months ago, and I must say that my pain has eased slightly (if anyone finds that helpful 🤞🏼)

Thanks again for replying & your help!

[Endolemon in reply to B4196]

Tranexamic acid tablets help me massively. Prescribed by GP.

[B4196 in reply to Endolemon]

hi thanks for replying!!

I’ve just been prescribed these so will be testing them out on my next one

[Rainarosemary]

Hi!

I have the same issue as you. Period is far too heavy for tampons and I also wear period pants and an ultra ‘worry free’ pad! And when it’s heavy it’s just not enough. I don’t own a pair of jeans that arnt stained and it’s really getting me down. On a trip to london I resorted to the Tena lady pants with a night pad also. They don’t make you feel great but could be an option for running. I always get frustrated with the options for a really heavy flow, there’s literally nothing out there and so many women suffer from it. 🥹

[B4196 in reply to Rainarosemary]

hi thank you for replying!

Yes it’s extremely difficult, it also irritates me that pads claim “no leak” - because rest assured, i always leak 🤦🏽‍♀️ I’ve been prescribed some tablets now, so hoping these will work with my next period 🤞🏼 it really does get you down, I 100% relate to that, it’s extremely difficult with work and running, it’s embarrassing and awkward to have to leave the office to go home have a quick shower and get changed, it’s also stopped me from doing certain running events at that time of the month, due to me panicking that I’m going to cross the finish line with people stood there looking at me, and then I’ve leaked all over my running leggings. It’s crazy that there’s nothing that works 100% without any added extras, I will have a go with what you’ve suggested and hopefully this works, thanks again for replying!!