Wat happens to female astronauts having their periods?

Question

Do they wear tampons and, if so, how do they change them? Where do the used ones go? I wonder if discarded used tampons are orbiting us as we speak.

Answer 1

From www.spacedaily.com:
"Because space shuttle flights are considerably shorter than the average menstrual cycle length, no on-orbit studies have been done to determine the impact of microgravity on normal hypothalamic/pituitary/ovarian axis function. The primary concern is that anovulation might occur, resulting in continuous estrogen exposure, endometrial hyperplasia, and possibly menorrhagia. Second, there is some concern that hypothalamic amenorrhea and reduced estrogen levels could occur. The reason for concern is that the exercise necessary for long-term cardiovascular and musculoskeletal fitness may be strenuous enough to cause hypothalamic- induced hypogonadism with reduced serum estrogen levels. The combined effect of hypoestrogenemia and spaceflight-related calcium loss could lead to increased osteoporosis risk.

Menstrual Efflux and Retrograde Menstruation Many women normally experience some retrograde intra-abdominal bleeding during menses. Because of the effects of gravity, the blood products and cellular debris usually stay confined to the pelvis. The development of endometriosis is multifaceted, but exposure of the pelvic peritoneum to menstrual blood products is thought to be the primary cause of its development. Endometriosis is also primarily a pelvic problem in part because gravity keeps the menstrual products confined to the pelvis.

Although medical debriefing data from shuttle flights have not supported concern that retrograde menstruation increases during spaceflight, the role of gravity in menstruation should be investigated to determine whether retrograde menstruation is increased and how peritoneal fluid is distributed. In addition, radiation exposure at varying doses has been associated with the development of endometriosis in certain primate species."

Answer 2

16. Do female astronauts get their period in space?

Yes, female astronauts get their period in space just like they do on Earth, and no menstrual problems have been associated with living in microgravity. In the early years of human spaceflight, some worried that women would not have their periods safely in microgravity. They thought that microgravity might cause menstrual fluid to travel upwards into the body instead of out of it – also called retrograde menstrual flow. This would mean that blood would flow from the uterine cavity into the fallopian tubes and then into the pelvis and abdomen, causing pain and increasing the risk for endometriosis. While this has not been observed in past space missions, more studies are needed to better understand how the body works and reacts to microgravity.

Answer 3

I cannot be sure but my guess would be that they take birth control to keep from having a period during the time they're in space. A woman on birth control and control whether or not she has a period. I know that many women in the military do this if they have to deploy. It really isn't a healthy thing to do and one shouldn't do it all the time. I did it this last year because I didn't want to be on my period during our flight back to Japan from the states. So, instead of taking my week of placebo pills I took my packs of pills back to back.

Answer 4

They are sent back. Immediately.
They do not pass go. They do not collect $200.

Answer 5

They take medication to stop their period.

Answer 6

yuk......ur ques is sooooooooooooo saaaaadddd!!!!!!!!! but m sure d astrnts do take care of hygiene

Answer 7

yes they do have bathrooms

Answer 8

they eat them