Period as a Mermaid?

[Mermaid_Mari]

This is kind of a “taboo” topic but I really want to get some input and ideas from other mers who deal with the monthly waterfall of doom.

I am striving to become professional as a mer but I’m unable to use tampons or diva cups meaning when that time of the month comes around, I have to steer clear of swimming. Not only is this frustrating for me, but if im going to start my business I can’t exactly tell people I can’t work for x amount of days while I’m bleeding.

Has anyone dealt with this sorta thing? Any input on good contraceptives to look into that will definitely stop my period? Or any crazy tricks to help learn tampons better (honestly I think my body just hates them)?

I don’t want to let this stop me from following my passion but it gives me so much anxiety and anger knowing that it can and will if I don’t do something about it.

The best thing would be if I could stop it permanently but of course doctors won’t let me as I’m only 17

Any help would be so gratefully appreciated!


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[Mermaid Salty]

Mari, I use Implanon - a really small plastic contraceptive rod that is inserted in your upper arm, just under the skin. It is effective for three years and it has almost completely stopped my period. I might get spotting once every 6 months? Sometimes less. I once went 2 years without any bleeding. I'm on my second rod, and have used this kind of contraceptive for about 5 years.

My GP basically told me that Implanon is a type of contraceptive that you either love or hate - it either works effectively for you with little to no side effects, or it doesn't. There isn't much grey area like with a lot of other chemical contraceptives. The only drawback is that if it isn't working for you, they will need to make a very small incision in your arm to remove it (this is also how they replace it - I scar easily and my 'scarring' is two tiny little white spots on the inside of my left arm - barely noticeable).

Alternatively, you can safely and effectively use oral contraceptive pills to skip your periods. People with heavy or painful periods commonly use the contraceptive pill to manage this. Go and talk to your GP about your options, or seek out a women's health clinic.

[mermaidchirp]

Hello,

I'm 16, and I can really reccomend Implanon as above, I haven't had my periods of over 6 months now. Sometimes I still get them of course, when I do they last about 2 weeks but then go away for a very long time!

However, it is very hit and miss.. Some bodies react well, and some don't. I've had a great experience on Implanon with not complications besides the emotional side effect in the first few months.

You should definitely consult with you GP regarding this, I didn't consult with mine... but I got mine for free via a government program, since you're in Australia like me... you might be able to as well. You don't need to be on any support systems, and even though you're under 18 if they deem you mature enough, you do not need parental consent.. I was assessed beforehand so it's similar.

Works a dream :)

[Khaleesi Daenerys]

So you two are freaking lucky lol. When I had the nexplanon I bled for almost the entire two years I had it in, log story short I had to go through hell to switch doctors because despite all the bleeding all the freaking time my first doctor told me, "it's rare but normal," the nurse was upset about it and my new doctor was pissed she said it was dangerous and irresponsible of the former doctor. Some of these military doctors are the absolute worst.

[Mermaid Salty]

Woah, Khaleesi, that doctor sounds like a real quack. I'm so sorry you were put through that.

And yeah, I have had friends who have had the Implanon in and it did not suit them - it either severely affected their mood or their body. But then I also know more people who have had it with no downside at all. All of the people I know who like the implant have had their periods stop, or greatly reduce (my sis-in-law had extremely long, painful periods her whole life. After Implanon, only occasional 'breakthrough' bleeding, and little to no pain anymore)

I couldn't use the oral contraceptive. Over 4 years I tried close more than half a dozen different brands. Each one would give me some kind of horrible side effect and each time I'd complain they'd swap me to another one. I am so glad I was recommeded Implanon by a friend. I named him "Rod Stewart" and he changed my life.

[moomer]

Hey!
So I'm 27 (28 next month) and now am pregnant. So I've had my fair share of bleeding.

If you definitely can't use a cup, Implanon would be your best bet, then the oral pill. I used the pill for many years, and often simply skipped my period. I had no long term side effects (as in, I fell pregnant easily enough) and found it very convenient.
I could schedule my period for when I wanted it. It was bliss.
My sister in law used the Implanon with varied success but as the others say, it totally depends on how your body takes it.

I can't recommend a cup enough though. I've been swimming many many times, and had zero leaking.
I have a retroverted uterus, so it took a while for me to find the right 'fit' so to speak. But man, the persistence paid off. I can wear that thing for hours and not have to worry about any bleed through. Also, it's heaps cheaper!

It's certainly something to chat to your doctor about. And if you have any other questions, ask away!! [emoji1]

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[MermaidLiara]

Mermaid Mari, have you tried these? https://www.amazon.com/Tampons-Beppy-Feminine-Care/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A3779601%2Cp_4%3ABeppy

Beppy tampons are VERY soft and spongy, which makes them super comfortable and easy to use. You can even have intercourse while wearing these and your partner won't even notice.

[MermaidAuquita]

Hi I use a shot called Depo Shot but I’m not a professional mermaid 🧜*♀️ yet. But you take the shot every 3 months and it’s completely stopped my bleeding it is a birth control shot. But just thought that might help


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~~~Mermaid Auquita~~~

[Mermaid Salty]

Just a PSA regarding the Depo-Provera injection - with this type of contraceptive, if it isn't working for you or causes negative side effects, too bad. You've had an injection and you have to live with it for 3 months. With oral, implanted or inter-uterine devices, if it isn't working you can stop taking them or have them removed and you side effects clear up fairly quickly.

I don't usually post this much, but I have had A LOT of experience with different contraceptives. The first oral contraceptive I ever took, when I was 17, made me fantasise about driving my car off a bridge. I felt like I was losing my mind. It severely affected my mental health. I had never had those kinds of issues before then. My doctor didn't think it was the pill but my godmother did and she made me stop taking it. Literally 3 days after stopping all those symptoms lifted. My doctor STILL didn't believe it was the pill (Teenage mood swings, he called it. I had had mood swings before. I had never wanted to kill myself though) and I trusted him until years later when I read an article about someone whose story mirrored mine, except she didn't stop taking the pill and ended up institutionalised. I began researching and found a ton of anecdotes about that particular type of oral contraceptive causing these negative side effects. It was a triphasic pill. There are mono and biphasic pills as well. I never took a triphasic pill again and never had those symptoms again.

Mari, it might take you a while to find the contraceptive that works for you and helps control your periods. It can be a matter of trial and error, but if you talk to a medical professional and ensure that both you and someone who knows you well monitors your mental and physical health for the first few weeks, you will be fine (someone else should help monitor you because we can't always been objective about our own state of mind).

[Mermaid_Mari]

Thank you so much everyone :) I had an appointment with a professional today and she recommended I start on the pill and see how it affects me. She said that if it isn’t working, or I want something longer term that I should get an IUD
Thank you everyone for your stories and help! It’s made me feel better that I’m not the only one whose trying to figure this out :)


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[AniaR]

there's actually a few older threads on this with a LOT of great info if you feel like searching through! I have endometriosis and due to the medication I take for it, I don't get one, so it's easy for me ;)