First I’m not blind but I have a lot of friends who are blind, my daughter is also blind, and I put on workshops that touch on the topic you’re interested in. My daughter has never needed any special assistance to know when her period has started and neither have any of the blind women I know. Blind women know their periods have started like any other woman, they can feel it. It’s actually a common concern of parents of blind girls who worry about when and how their daughter will know when their periods have started. I usually refer them to the book The Care and Keeping of You. Like sighted girls, blind girls need a trusted adult they can go to during puberty who can help them learn about their periods. Blind girls are just like sighted girls in that after they’ve had a period a few times they’ve kind of got it figured out.

I can’t think of any reason why a special device would be necessary for blind women and girls unless the person had additional disabilities That prevented them from taking routine care of themselves.

I usually had trouble pinpointing the first day of my period because I didn't have a lot of symptoms, but what I did as I started taking the pill regularly so I knew exactly when my period would start. I also used a diva cup so I would insert it a little bit before and keep using it until my period ended. I have an IUD at the moment and will be changing to an implant soon which is why I say it is in the past tense. I have been blind since birth and got my period relatively early.

Every woman - blind or not, can sense when they get their periods. When it comes to changing pads or tampons, the rule is pretty simple: changing regularly every 4 or so hours. You don't even need eyes to do this.

Well, I guess it's a step up on being asked about your toilet paper technique. Or is it...

Agree with the other comments: Blind people can feel when their period has started like anyone else. Also, many (I'd even say most) blind people have some functional vision. I guess maybe an accessible period-tracking app might be nice?

Otherwise, I think there are lots of other devices you could work with. Like...adding lighting to just about anything! (I always wanted to add LED lights into clothing.)

I mean you can definitely feel it, for me at least. Blood doesn’t feel like pee, it doesn’t come out like pee, it doesn’t smell like pee, you can feel that it’s blood when you wipe it away and stuff. Never had an issue identifying it starting but that may be me. Also I track it on a period app like most women do blind or not, to have a rough idea and plan in advance.

I’m blind but have some vision (like many blind people). You don’t mention if you’re a period haver or not, so I apologize if I go over basics you already know.

AFAIK, most women have signs that their period will be starting-tender breasts, bloating, mood changes, etc. Some women that use hormonal birth control have a very good idea of when their period will start, even down to the day/hour.

I don’t use hormonal birth control due to my having cancer, but I can tell within a day or two that it’s coming. When I can feel that mine will be starting soon, I will wear a sanitary pad ahead of time, but I can always feel exactly when I start. I handle my periods like any other woman would, and change my protection as needed, and dispose of used products appropriately.

I’m not sure what (if any) type of device you had in mind, but I personally can’t really think of anything that would make period care less challenging.

Ok I seem to be the odd man out, but I am blind and I never feel my period start. The few times when I can't see anything, I usually just put on a pad and clean underwear to be safe.

Or I've thought about a color identifier that might be able to tell me. I've never had a color identifier before so idk if that could work or not.

My vision is situational and worse in bright lights. But normally I can see a bit in doors.

I know when my periods started because I feel like I’ve peed myself lol. It’s not too hard to tell, but i do struggle knowing when it’s finished. As others have said, period undies are a thing and iPhones also have cycle tracking in the Health app which is accessible.

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