For some of us, having our period signals a time when we retreat to heating pads, ibuprofen, and enough chocolate to kill Cathy. For others, it's derby as usual. Personally, when I'm grouchy and on painkillers anyway, it's a time when I like to go skating. Beyond sheer preference, having your period while at practice or bouting presents some practical concerns, namely regarding what to wear (and I don't mean fishnets or knee socks). Here's a brief overview of some of the menstrual products available to us and the pros and cons of wearing them while skating.
1) Disposable pads: pads aren't a popular choice. Derby is a prime producer of bum-sweat and by the end of practice, chances are you'll feel like you're wearing a soggy daiper. Pads can shift around as you skate, sweat and get bumped on the track, lessening their effectiveness. Add in that if you're wearing a pad with wings, things could get seriously chafed. Pads, in my experience, are poor for morale, though they'd provide some protection against a skate to the cooch. With that said, I can't recommend pads. Rating: one skate out of four.
1a) Reusable cloth pads: pads like the Lunapad are reusable and made out of cloth (duh). They score points for being more comfortable and eco-friendly than regular pads. Off-skate, they're cheaper than disposable pads, but they're more time consuming because they're meant to be washed. On-skate, they're less likely to chafe, though they're still not perfect. However, if menstrual products that are a bit more internal aren't to your liking, go for this option. Two skates out of four.
2) Tampons: far and away the most popular choice, tampons are relatively comfortable, unlikely to get jostled or moved during play, and require little effort on your part. There is the general downside of risking toxic shock syndrome if you leave the tampon in for too long, of course. For a short bout or practice, however, they're a pretty solid choice. Other concerns include cost and personal discomfort regarding the fact that when it comes down to it, the tampon is a plug and what it plugs is you. Tampons aren't for everyone, but they're easily accessible and easy to use. Three skates out of four.
3) Menstrual cups: an upcomer on the track, menstrual cups like the DivaCup are fan-frigging-tastic in my opinion. A menstrual cup is usually made out of medical-grade silicone and does not share the tampon's risk of TSS. They can be in for up to twelve hours and they do not shift around, no matter how hard you've just landed on your bum. They're also an environmentally and financially friendly choice ($40, replaced once a year), leaving you with more money in your pocket for merch and derby socks. Downsides include the learning curve - you'll need to get used to using one, but once you do, you're pretty much golden. If you're a tampon user, consider switching over. Four skates out of four.
Given that derby is a sport largely practiced by ladies, we don't often discuss our periods and how they relate to derby. Often derby culture has a sexy tough-girl attitude that doesn't leave much space for the unsexiness of having your period. While sexiness and toughness are certainly two of the things I enjoy about derby, I think it's important we not pretend that's all to which derby players amount. Famously, a South Park character once said "I don't trust anything that bleeds for a week and doesn't die." There are different kinds of tough and derby culture shouldn't ignore the kinds that don't look good in fishnets. More on that later.
In the mean time, ladies, bleed on!
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