Wow, a topic about periods and the word period has only been said once? Come on guys, we're all big girls. Whatever boys happen to drift into this topic can get over it and press the backspace button. Let's all say it together now,
PERIOD!
fake edit: the poster above me posted as I was typing this, but. lol. my point still stands.
I used to get really awful periods with horrible cramping that would last the full week of bleeding so a couple years ago I got on birth control, and it's sooooo nice. I'm able to plan my periods around cons, so I never have to worry about bleeding. I just have to remember to take my pill on time. Fortunately, since I've adjusted to it by now I don't have any negative side effects whatsoever, and periods are way lighter and way shorter. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has bad periods.
BUT, let's pretend I'm not gifted with prescription...pills... Tampons are MUCH. MORE. EFFECTIVE. You don't feel like you're walking around making noise in a wet diaper, and the discomfort last for a short amount of time before you completely get used to it. Not to mention, (unless you have a....serious vagina ph balance problem or something) you can leave it in all day and only have to take it out at the end of the day... No trips to the bathroom to check if you're overflowing or if you need to change. Personally, I'm terrified of public restrooms and WILL NOT USE THEM under pretty much any circumstances, so for me, that's a huge plus. If tampons are uncomfortable for you, you're probably wearing them wrong... When you put it in, you should push right until there's the pain, then about a centimeter more just to secure it, and then let go. That's how you know it's totally in, and I promise it shouldn't hurt any more when you're walking around. You shouldn't feel it unless you think about it (and when you're having fun at a con, why would you?). Hopefully if you try to use tampons you can distinguish the difference between "dirty sexuality" and "personal hygiene" and you won't have that mental block that might make it difficult to insert properly.
WOW, wall of (hopefully helpful) text. Anyways. If you're concerned about a period, obviously don't plan to wear something where this could be an issue... Also, I don't know about you guys, but my bleeding tends to get worse when it's hot, so for your own (and perhaps your health's?) sake, I'd advise taking a few minutes to cool off outside whenever it gets too hot inside the hotel.
I apologize if my post offended anyone... However, I don't feel like vaginas/periods/tampons/whatever are anything to be ashamed of. It's a part of life and there's no use avoiding saying things for the sake of... grossed out boys, or whatever. If there are any girls grossed out, SHAME ON YOU!
another fake edit: Gryffinclaw Princess mentioned taking a bath, and I recently learned taking a bath/swimming during your period is totally...bloodfree! Or, well, nothing will get out since the water creates a "plug" though obviously once you stand up.... Have a towel ready. Or, hotel towels are usually white... Well, don't make the hotel have to buy another towel.