The goal of this article is to normalize the experience of menstruation during a planting season and make related health, safety, and wellness information more available.

This information was gathered as a joint effort by members of Radical Silviculture, a facebook group dedicated to policy and social reform, upholding equity for systematically marginalized folks, and advocating for human and worker rights within the silviculture sector. Thank you to those who shared their knowledge and experience to help create this resource!

Menstrual Products in the Bush

Tampons & Pads

Using tampons and pads in the bush is a great option if this works best for you, but there are ways to make it safer and more hygienic. An excellent way to do this is to prepare a period kit with tampons and pads, baby wipes, latex gloves, and hand sanitizer. When you’re on the block, your hands will be dirty, not only with dirt (obviously) but pesticides and herbicides too (oh no). When changing your tampon on the block, you’ll want to ensure your hands are clean. Some people prefer to put on latex gloves. Alternatively, you can use hand sanitizer. A good option is to use compostable baby wipes and no applicator or cardboard applicator tampons; this way, you can change your tampon at the back of your piece with more privacy and then bury the minimal compostable garbage. You can also carry a spare water bottle and soap for washing your hands before and after. Baby wipes, and hand sanitizer are more user-friendly. If using plastic applicators, a leave-no-trace option is to carry a ziploc or plastic bag to put the applicators into and then dispose of the bag back at camp. Menstrual Cups

Some planters use menstrual cups and find them more manageable. Depending on the flow level, cups can last up to 12 hours, meaning you don’t have to worry about changing tampons or pads during the day. Here is a Radical Silviculture member sharing their experience: "I loved using it while planting. I would insert it in the morning while at camp, then change it after returning. I cleaned it with baby wipes or potable water from camp. I would take both with me to the porta-potty, rinse the cup with water, then sanitize it with a baby wipe." If you have to empty your cup during the day, use the same practices for changing a tampon and pad. You can use diva wash (a gentle fragrance-free soap) or other mild soap to clean your cup properly. Another cleaning option is to submerge the cup in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, carefully remove it, rinse it with cool water and allow the cup to air dry. To get boiling water, use camp-provided kettles or ask the cook(s). Doing this more thorough cleaning once or twice during your period helps reduce the chance of infection. If the menstrual cup sounds like something you’d like to try but don’t already use, it’s a good idea to start using it at least one month before the season begins to get used to it. It takes practice and can be tricky to get the hang of. It also doesn’t work for everyone, and finding out if it works for you before the season starts will be more comfortable than giving it a go while you’re out there. You can pair your menstrual cup with period underwear, providing extra leak protection. Although we've been discussing menstrual cups here, there are also menstrual discs. Menstrual discs are similar to cups in that they are inserted into the vagina to collect period blood. However, they sit higher in the vaginal canal, right under the cervix. Removing them can be more comfortable for people who find the suction of the cups challenging to navigate. Do your research to see which one may be better for you. Brand options:

• DivaCup

• Nixit (Disc)

• LunaCup

Period Underwear Period underwear absorbs blood during menstruation. Pairing them with tampons or cups or using them alone is becoming popular. They can be a great option to support you during your period while planting. There are different brands and absorption levels to remember when buying period underwear. Like the cup, it’s a good idea to figure out what works well for you before planting starts. A benefit to period underwear is that you don’t have to change them throughout the day or clean them intensely when finished with them, just put them in the laundry pile and pop on a fresh pair. Like all menstruation products, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution, they may not work for everyone, but it’s worth considering as an option for those interested. Brand options:

• Thinx

• Knix

• Revol Cares

• ModiBodi

Reusable Pads Reusable pads are a sustainable alternative to disposable pads for managing menstruation. They come in various sizes and absorbencies to meet different menstrual needs. A benefit of using reusable pads, like period underwear, is reducing waste. Many people find them more comfortable than disposable pads. To clean reusable pads, rinse them in cold water as soon as possible, then wash them in a machine with a gentle detergent. They can be air-dried or tumble-dry on low heat. Though not a super popular option while tree planting, they are an option nonetheless. Some planters like to use reusable pads. Keeping them clean can be challenging, but if reusable pads work for you, great!

Issues That Come Up

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Yeast Infections, and Bacterial Vaginosis Urinary Tract Infections are common for a lot of people. If you know you are prone to getting them, you can do some things while planting to help prevent them.

Some causes for UTIs while planting includes:

• dehydration

• damp clothing

• not having TP on the block

• not having access to a bathroom all the time

• irregular showers

• not showering before sex or urinating afterward

• using harsh soaps in sensitive areas.

Many planters will bring an extra pair of dry underwear to the block so they can change on rainy days if they’re uncomfortable. Consider avoiding cotton underwear as much as possible during the workday since they don’t dry as quickly and hold moisture from rain and sweat longer than moisture-wicking synthetic underwear. However, changing into clean, dry, and looser-fitting cotton underwear or loose cotton pyjamas after your end-of-day shower is a good idea since they will be more breathable than synthetic. Another way to help prevent UTIs is to always have toilet paper on the block (TP). Since you won't have access to a bathroom for the entire day, it's important to bring TP with you. That way, you can pee whenever and don't have to wait to ask someone else. I’ve also known planters prone to UTIs who take cranberry pills/D-Mannose to help prevent them (and they say it's quite effective).

All these measures are also helpful in avoiding yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

If you get yeast infections regularly, a preemptive action would be to bring something like Canesten (Clotrimazole) with you into the bush. This way, you can soothe symptoms and hopefully not miss a day of work due to discomfort.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relief medication like:

Ibuprofen, Advil, Midol, etc.

Hot water bottle

This is better than a rice heatie bag because not all bush camps will have a microwave. There should always be access to boiling water in bush camps. A bonus with using these is they also keep your sleeping bag warm on those cold spring nights!

Topical creams

With pain relief ingredients like THC, CBD, peppermint, cloves, and camphor (this is not an exhaustive list), these creams can also help support pain management. A quick important note: while dealing with pain is quite common for most menstruating folks, if you experience intense pain during your cycle, this could indicate that something else is going on. If pain is hard to manage, consider seeing a doctor who may refer you to a specialist. Advocating for yourself can be challenging but it is a crucial step in your health journey.

A message for new planters

Planting will have a physical effect on your body. Intense physical exercise can result in altered flow schedules and lighter periods. Some people have experienced their period stopping altogether due to strenuous physical activity. It’s also common for planters’ cycles to sync up from living in a close community. New planters shouldn’t necessarily be worried if they see changes in their cycle. However, if you are concerned about things not feeling normal during planting, you can always visit the local clinic or chat with your family doctor.

Camp First Aid attendants will be available for any medical issues and drive you to the hospital for UTI treatment or other serious concerns. When medical concerns are not related to workplace injuries or illness and do not require evaluation from a first aid attendant (they are neither doctors nor gynecologists), you don’t need to report or disclose information. You can request a ride to the local clinic.

A message for management, first aiders, and senior leadership

A great way to support people who menstruate within the company is to:

• Buy menstrual products and keep them in camps and trucks.

• Provide buckets and water near the portapotties so folks can clean menstrual cups and discs.

• Prioritize getting garbages set up near portapotties during camp set up for folks who are menstruating.

• Make an emergency period kit available, including nitrile gloves, travel-size hand sanitizer, tampons (various sizes), over-the-counter pain medication, and baby wipes. If putting this in every truck is not an option, consider having at least one in camp.

• Talk about menstrual safety during orientation.

• Normalize the menstrual experience by sharing resources and information.

• Normalize supporting employees who need to take a day off for pain management.

People who menstruate while working in remote areas face unique challenges, from discomfort and stigma to health concerns and limited resources. These challenges require attention and compassion. To create safety and foster inclusion companies can provide access to menstrual products, and adequate hygiene facilities, create supportive policies that recognize different needs, and normalize discussion and advocacy around menstruation.

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**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The information in this article is intended to provide general information and support for individuals who menstruate while tree planting or doing other forestry work. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding your specific health and well-being. Suggestions and recommendations in this article should not replace professional advice or treatment. Always consider your own circumstances before implementing suggestions from others.