Do women get their periods in space? How do female astronauts manage periods in space?
How do female astronauts manage periods in space– Women struggle with menstruation every month. Not only do women struggle with physical pain, but they also face mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability. In such a situation, have you ever wondered how female astronauts manage their menstruation in space? What happens if they menstruate in space? More and more women are now going on space missions. So this is a common question that everyone should know the answer to.
Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to go into space in 1963. Since then, more than 60 women have left Earth’s atmosphere. Recently, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Blymore, who were stranded in space, have returned to Earth. They are safe and will remain under medical observation for a few more weeks. They are at risk of contracting many diseases after returning from space. In the meantime, find out how female astronauts manage menstruation…
In fact, in the early days of space exploration, there was uncertainty about how menstruation would be reduced in microgravity. In fact, female astronauts were not initially included in space missions. Scientists were concerned about how women would cope with menstruation in space. Then, in June 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel in space. When Sally Ride returned from a six-day mission, reporters asked her how she coped with menstruation in space. According to a study published in NPJ Microgravity, most women these days are choosing to avoid menstruation in space. you also read this Who spent the longest time in space?
Does microgravity affect menstruation?
“Menstruation in space is exactly the same as it is on Earth. There is no reason why menstruation in microgravity would cause any problems. The gynecologist said, “Some people think that in zero gravity, menstrual blood flows upwards instead of downwards. But research and astronauts’ experiences suggest that the body works the same way in space as on Earth. The microgravity environment does not interfere with the menstrual cycle.”
How do female astronauts manage menstruation?
Menstrual Health Challenge in Space-Most female astronauts choose to use birth control pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs) to stop their periods while in space. This helps to overcome the problems of menstrual hygiene management in the confined and limited oxygen environment. Those who do not choose to stop their periods use menstrual products such as tampons, sanitary pads or menstrual cups. Tampons are generally preferred by female astronauts because they are small, easy to use and disposable.
Which menstrual product do astronauts use?
Astronauts use the same menstrual products as people on Earth.
- Sanitary pad
- Tampon
- Menstrual cup
According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), most astronauts rely on hormonal contraceptives to suppress menstruation during space missions.
There are restrictions on carrying heavy items on board the spacecraft. This makes it impossible to carry unnecessary items. Every resource, especially water, is carefully managed and reused on the space station.
For example, astronaut urine is processed and converted into drinking water. But menstrual blood contains solid waste that cannot be easily recycled. This is another reason why many female astronauts choose to avoid their menstrual periods while in space.
The future of menstruation in space travel
As space agencies plan more missions, including a potential trip to Mars, understanding how to manage menstruation in space is becoming increasingly important. Research is ongoing to find new solutions to make it easier for female astronauts to work comfortably in space without worrying about menstruation.
For now, one thing is certain: menstruation is not a barrier to space travel. With proper preparation, female astronauts can perform as effectively as their male counterparts.
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