I Turned Down the Trip of a Lifetime Because of My Period

Have I told you about the time I turned down an incredible trip to South America because of my period? No? Well, buckle up. This is quite the tale.

I’m not known for being patient—let’s just say my toaster has seen a lot of early checks. Waiting can be a challenge, especially when you’re on edge about your menstrual cycle after experiencing something as life-altering as a miscarriage. The waiting game post-miscarriage is a unique mix of anxiety and hope.

The Weight of Waiting

After losing a pregnancy unexpectedly at eight weeks, the thought of bleeding again filled me with dread. Yet, I understood that my body needed to experience this cycle before considering conceiving again. My midwife explained it as a necessary reset—a clearing out—before welcoming a new life.

A Dream Opportunity

Then came the email: an invite to join a press trip through South America’s breathtaking jungles. The thought of parrots, vibrant foliage, and ancient forests ignited my adventurous spirit. Could this be my escape from the heaviness that had settled in?

The Decision

I accepted right away. This could be my chance to live boldly, embrace adventure, and perhaps heal through exploration. I imagined myself facing insects with grace and sleeping on unfamiliar ground—no different than a regular weekend escape back home.

A Curveball at the Vaccination Center

At the vaccination center, everything changed in an instant. The nurse’s mention of Zika virus precautions caught me off guard: female travelers were advised to use barrier contraception for two months post-trip. The implications hit hard—potentially losing three more months of fertility? That would push my timeline for conceiving even further.

Time Pressures and Decisions

• The finite nature of time weighs heavily on me, especially when it comes to biological timelines like menstruation or pregnancy.
• I track the passage of time through lines on my face, on ovulation tests, and pregnancy charts. Waiting is a constant companion, but so is the fear of running out of time.

Embracing Reality

In the end, I turned down the trip. The thought of potentially missing more months of fertility was too much to bear. Instead, I pitched this column as a way to process my emotions and decisions.

The Arrival

Since then, my period arrived—strong and unwelcome yet signaling new beginnings. It was a reminder that life is full of complexities, both beautiful and challenging.

Moving Forward

This experience has taught me the importance of listening to my body and respecting its timelines. Whether it’s in terms of fertility or embracing opportunities, time will always be an essential factor. But for now, I’m back at square one—and that’s okay.