Oh, It's TOM so You Can't Exercise? BS!

porcelain_doll

They really are so much better!

And since so many ladies are reading this, here's a related PSA: toxic shock is very rare but very real. A fabulous woman I knew is no longer alive because of it. Seriously. Consider switching from tampons to a cup. Once you, uh, get the hang of it, they're more comfortable, convenient, cost-effective, and much less deadly. Never going back.

I used a cup for a couple of years. Still have it, as a matter of fact. I used the Diva cup. I had to go up to size 2 after turning 30 (they called that one, lol), but after a while it hurt to use it, so I stopped about a year ago or so. It did take some getting used to, but it did end up being very convenient.

zoom2

Either way, who bikes on their period? That is the last thing I would want to do... tampon or not!

Heh, I did yesterday...100 miles. Thank jeebuz for menstrual cups! 10 years ago my monthlies kept me from leaving the house, much less riding a bike or running at all.

They really are so much better!

And since so many ladies are reading this, here's a related PSA: toxic shock is very rare but very real. A fabulous woman I knew is no longer alive because of it. Seriously. Consider switching from tampons to a cup. Once you, uh, get the hang of it, they're more comfortable, convenient, cost-effective, and much less deadly. Never going back.

Word to the wise: it can take trying a few to find a good fit. I tried 2 reusable models ($40 a pop. One was too big and the other leaked...I suspect my tipped uterus is a factor, too...and that's likely a factor in my endo issues, if retrograde bleeding is the cause of that) before deciding to stick with the disposable Instead ones for long bike rides and tampons the rest of the time. Kinda nice to not have to think about things for 12 hours and not deal with mad chafing from a string.

zoom2

Also it's estimated that as many as 20% of all women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis,

I personally believe it's probably higher than 20% because so many women go undiagnosed.

I had Stage IV disease. It had spread to both ovaries, bladder, appendix, and was starting to grow around my colon. I ended up at an endo specialist in Maine for my last surgery in '08. Things have been under control ever since. But the scarring from all of it could hinder my ability to become pregnant (so I'm told). I used to joke and call it "built-in birth control."

My OB-gyn was amazed when she did my tubal. At my follow-up she asked if I'd had trouble conceiving and was surprised that we hadn't. She said I was really scarred (and I was only stage 2 upon diagnosis, with one pretty destroyed ovary). I did have scary bleeding episodes during my pregnancy that had me on modified bedrest until we were sure my rugrat was staying put. Endo is a leading cause of infertility. It's misery on so many levels. I actually really look forward to menopause and hope it's early. That's kind of sad.

porcelain_doll

Word to the wise: it can take trying a few to find a good fit. I tried 2 reusable models ($40 a pop. One was too big and the other leaked...I suspect my tipped uterus is a factor, too...and that's likely a factor in my endo issues, if retrograde bleeding is the cause of that) before deciding to stick with the disposable Instead ones for long bike rides and tampons the rest of the time. Kinda nice to not have to think about things for 12 hours and not deal with mad chafing from a string.

I was never sold on the retrograde theory myself. From Day 1, my period was an awful, painful experience at age 11. I was more convinced of Dr. Redwine's theory that you are more or less born with it. I'm not sure what happened with my cup experience. It was fitting fine until one day, it just wouldn't cooperate anymore.

porcelain_doll

Also it's estimated that as many as 20% of all women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis,

I personally believe it's probably higher than 20% because so many women go undiagnosed.

I had Stage IV disease. It had spread to both ovaries, bladder, appendix, and was starting to grow around my colon. I ended up at an endo specialist in Maine for my last surgery in '08. Things have been under control ever since. But the scarring from all of it could hinder my ability to become pregnant (so I'm told). I used to joke and call it "built-in birth control."

My OB-gyn was amazed when she did my tubal. At my follow-up she asked if I'd had trouble conceiving and was surprised that we hadn't. She said I was really scarred (and I was only stage 2 upon diagnosis, with one pretty destroyed ovary). I did have scary bleeding episodes during my pregnancy that had me on modified bedrest until we were sure my rugrat was staying put. Endo is a leading cause of infertility. It's misery on so many levels. I actually really look forward to menopause and hope it's early. That's kind of sad.

I am glad you were able to conceive after going through that!

cbevan1229

Exercise actually helps with the cramps. I did the 30 Day Shred during my worst cramp day this month - felt better after.

JennieAL

Not sure why TOM as everyone here loves to call it is such an controversial issue. I would think we all experience varying levels of discomfort. Personally, I only cramp the first day and then it's all good. I usually take that day off to rest. It's not an "excuse"... it's my body saying: Hey, uh... we need a break. And I listen. I don't beat myself up over it and wish I could run a marathon.

I don't get the controversy over this one. Do what you can do and be content. Take some meds if you need it. Rest if you need it. Lift weights if you want to and feel so inclined.

But... don't JUDGE other women about what they do or don't do!

zoom2

I was never sold on the retrograde theory myself. From Day 1, my period was an awful, painful experience at age 11. I was more convinced of Dr. Redwine's theory that you are more or less born with it.

Given that my mom and sister both have it, I suspect genetics, as well...but we all 3 have tipped uteruses (uteri?), too.

dinosnopro

TOM means I don't pull out.

JennieAL

TOM means I don't pull out.

Nice :P

cmeade20

TOM means I don't pull out.

LOL

Cathy7794

I don't know about anyone else (didn't read every reply) but, the first 2 full days of my period are almost completely unproductive. There is no way that I could work out during those first 2 days. It's not the cramps that keep me from working out, it's the fact that, since having my children, I pass blood clots the size of puppies. Imagine heavy lifting while that's going on. Yeah, no thanks. :indifferent:

JennieAL

Anyone else felt the great big gush while lifting heavy during TOM? Lol. Uh... TMI

Savyna

Anyone else felt the great big gush while lifting heavy during TOM? Lol. Uh... TMI

ewww hehehehe.

cloud2011

Hmmm. At one time, I would have agreed. I've never had a cramp in my life for TOM. But after having a baby (2 decades ago!), I lost so much blood I was anemic for a year. There are women who have real health issues surrounding TOM and their reproduction. So I am not in a position to judge anyone about any of it, even though I've never had as much as a tiny twinge of a cramp in my life.

cloud2011

TOM means I don't pull out.

You do know that women can get pregnant during their TOM...it's not common but it can happen.

Rhea30

TOM means I don't pull out.

You do know that women can get pregnant during their TOM...it's not common but it can happen.

^This. Yeah, if he does it close to the end and his swimmers live to the 5 day mark, even the 7 day mark (on rare occasions), well, Congrats on being a new daddy!!!

SpydrMnky27

lol Seriously? It REALLY bothers you? GMAFB...if I don't want to ride a bike or whatever because I'm gushing a river out of my hoo ha and some cotton isn't holding it in.....not to mention the horrific cramping that comes with it...that's my business and I shouldn't have to justify it to anyone. Wow..mine must be near because this thread got me all worked up. lol

suthrnladey

TOM means I don't pull out.

You should STILL pull out. My mom has been a nurse for many years. She has ran across several women who only had unprotected sex while it was their TOM.

zoom2

TOM means I don't pull out.

You do know that women can get pregnant during their TOM...it's not common but it can happen.

^This. Yeah, if he does it close to the end and his swimmers live to the 5 day mark, even the 7 day mark (on rare occasions), well, Congrats on being a new daddy!!!

Heh, it's funny...I use an app on my phone to track things and I am currently in my "green week," even though I'm a-bleedin'. Short cycles make for fertility during the red tide. :laugh:

ironanimal

TOM means I don't pull out.

TOM means there's no way in hell my diver is going in without a wetsuit.

armadillolabrat

This site is at its best when offering support, motivation and inspiration not when being judgmental of others. You cannot know what another person is experiencing when it is their TOM so lighten up and just focus on yourself.

dinosnopro

TOM means I don't pull out.

You should STILL pull out. My mom has been a nurse for many years. She has ran across several women who only had unprotected sex while it was their TOM.

I'm not getting it on my hand





GROSS

aproc

I rarely take a rest day and always push through during those times but there are days where I just can't perform well from the worse days so yeah, I take a break from exercising. Doesn't mean I sit on my butt all day but sometimes it just isn't worth the pain and discomfort to try and push through it. Everybody is different in how it affects them. Some much worse than others so why does it bother you so much? I tried pushing through it today and wish I had just taken the day off. Every one of my lifts went down. I couldn't get my previous weights up because of the discomfort so I feel as if the whole workout was a waste when I could have rested and did it another day this week.

jaimrlx

I'm going to assume you mean women with a normal TOM.. because I have PCOS and I'm usually throwing up and can't walk - usually have to call in to work. Luckily I get one -maybe- once a year.

With that said.. I would kill for a normal TOM. I would work through it, but that's just me. No judgment here.

RNGirl72

ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Demmuscles

I exercise at home during TOM fine. However I won't go to zumba at the beginning of it, because it just is not comfortable doing high impact jumping around and squatting, and my class is full on.
I find TOM a good time to weight train and do fast walks.

DannyMussels

I exercise at home during TOM fine. However I won't go to zumba at the beginning of it, because it just is not comfortable doing high impact jumping around and squatting, and my class is full on.
I find TOM a good time to weight train and do fast walks.

That's the spirit.

Finally, a very positive post.

EpiGaiaRepens

me, i love working out when i have my period. it makes the blood squirt out.

oooooh. squats and deadlifts! *squirt*

Ooooh! Treadmill! *squirt! squirt! squirt!*

Gross? Yeah, well not everyone is the same. I bleed like i been shot and tampons are useless. Ever try running with a maxipad? Can you say RASH?!?!?

hahaha. Yeah. I don't particularly care what anyone else thinks, but I thought I'd share for those who might be pursuaded to agree with OP.... some of us don't work out when we are bleeding to keep the gym from turning into a biohazard zone.

This was the visual I got from this post.

That's hilarious!!!! Hahha! Now I'm gonna think of that...

basschick

The OP has deactivated their account. Troll!