You can also consider using menstrual cups, which are inserted into the vagina and collect blood at its base. They can last up to 10 hours, and you won’t be able to feel them. Though they aren’t as popular as tampons or pads yet, they are just as safe. If you have periods and you think that your period is going to come today (according to your period cycle), it is always better to put on a pad or pantiliner just before going to school, just to avoid worries. Even if you don’t put a pad, pantiliner, or tampon on, always have extra underwear and pants handy.
If you have a locker, use it. This will also be an easy place for you to keep your supplies all year long instead of having to bring them when your period comes.
You can also bring a sweater or sweatshirt to wrap around your waist, just in case.
Make sure to talk to your parents/guardian and a doctor before you take any medication to make sure it’s right for you.
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but can range from 21 to 45 days in teenagers and young adults. Mark the day your period starts on a personal calendar, or use a mobile app that helps you track your period, such as Clue, Period Tracker Lite, My Calendar, or Monthly Cycles. [5] X Research source
When you notice symptoms like these, it’s a good time to double-check your supplies. Make sure your “emergency” pads or tampons are in their proper places, and restock your supply of pads/tampons and pain relievers at home. Wear dark clothing when you expect your period draws near. That way, if you do get any unexpected bleeding, the color will help mask it.
Try approaching your teacher while the rest of the class is busy working. You can explain the situation directly if you feel comfortable doing so, but if not, you could also get the message across with something along the lines of, “I need to go to the toilet; my stomach hurts. ”
You can even go to the school office to ask for extra supplies, or ask them to call your parent/guardian if you really need help. Don’t be afraid to go there if you really have an emergency and can’t get help anywhere else. If you need more help, consider visiting the nurse. The nurse or school counselor can explain the ins and outs of menstruation if this is your first period, or help you obtain menstrual products and a change of clothing if needed. [8] X Research source
If you have your period but it’s really light, you can also make an emergency pantyliner. Just get a length of toilet paper about as long as the panty line of your underwear, fold it over itself two or three times, and place it in your underwear.
If this is your first period, keep in mind that first periods generally aren’t super heavy, so it’s possible that you’ve noticed before the blood has leaked through your clothes. That being said, it’s still a good idea to take care of the issue as soon as possible to limit the risk of any leakage. If you discover that blood has leaked through your clothes, change into your PE kit (if available) or ask the school nurse or counselor to call your parents for a change of clothes. Don’t worry about classmates pointing out your sudden wardrobe change; if anyone questions it, you can casually tell them you spilled something on your pants and leave it at that. [10] X Research source
You can also try to incorporate foods with lots of water in them into your diet to make sure you stay hydrated. These foods include watermelon, strawberries, celery, and lettuce. Minimize your caffeine intake. Take it easy with your consumption of caffeinated soda, tea, or coffee. This can make you dehydrated and can actually make cramping worse.
Fatty foods make you retain water, which makes you feel bloated. You should also avoid whole grains, beans, lentils, cabbage, or cauliflower. [13] X Research source
Of course, if you’re really feeling terrible, you may need to take a break from exercise on a given day, but you’ll be surprised by how much better you feel. If you skip gym because of your period, you’ll be singling yourself out and calling attention to yourself, instead of doing what everyone else is doing and taking your mind off of your pain.
Taking bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours will also help you relieve your bladder more often. Relieving your bladder when you have the urge to use the restroom can help relieve the cramps associated with your period. [14] X Research source
If you’re not lucky enough to have a trash can in your stall, just wrap them up with toilet paper, original wrapper or personal disposal bag and throw them in the trash outside; don’t be shy about it, and remember that many students have to dispose of their sanitary napkins. Always make sure to wash your hands after you’ve changed your pad or tampon.
That said, don’t let your period keep you from wearing your cute new outfits. If you want to wear something light or pastel-colored, do what you want, knowing that there’s really nothing to worry about.
“I’m really not in the mood. Could you please stop that?” “I really need my space right now. Can you please stop that?”
“I’m having a moment, can I please use the washroom?” “Aunt Flo has given me a visit. I would like to be excused from class for a few minutes. " “I’m having a feminine emergency. . . you know. "
Have a chat with your other friends about it. You’ll feel better knowing that you’re not alone in your feelings.
You can try out a scented pad or tampon at home before you decide whether or not you’d like to use them in school.
Your parents/guardian will be proud of you for telling them. They may even shed a few tears. You may be a little shy about telling a parent or guardian. But once you do, it’ll make things a lot easier, and they’ll be glad you were honest and open.
Be aware that your teachers and administrators should be more than prepared to help you with this problem. You need to keep reminding yourself that you’re not the first one to ever have to deal with their period in school!
