When you have your period but don't have any or you run out of sanitary pads, you may panic and feel embarrassed. Luckily, with a little creativity, you might be able to get through the day until you get a pad or tampon. There are several materials you can use to make replacement pads, such as toilet paper, washcloths, or even socks!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Toilet Tissue or Kitchen Tissue
Step 1. Fold several layers of toilet paper or kitchen paper until it is thick enough
If you can find kitchen paper towels, take enough to make the folds about 1.5 cm thick and as wide and long as a regular sanitary napkin. If you can't find kitchen paper, just grab some toilet paper and fold it up thick enough instead.
- Kitchen tissue is more absorbent and lasts longer than kitchen tissue. So, kitchen tissue is better to use if you have one. However, if you don't have kitchen paper available, you can still use toilet paper, you just need to change it more often.
- You can also use a fairly thick fold of regular tissue if you have one.
Step 2. Place the folded tissue in the crotch area of the panties
Once the kitchen paper or toilet paper has been folded, place the fold in the same area as a regular sanitary napkin. It's okay if the tissue folds slightly overlap your underwear, just fold the edges so that they resemble the wings of a pad.
Tip:
If you happen to be carrying a piece of tape, fold a piece of tape so the tape is on both sides and then use it to attach the toilet paper fold to your underpants.
Step 3. Wrap a long piece of toilet paper around the panties 4-5 times
Wrap the toilet paper over the crease you just glued to the underpants up to the crotch of the panties then repeat. This dressing will help keep the replacement pad in place so it doesn't shift.
You can wrap more toilet paper if you want. The more layers of tissue you use, the safer the replacement pads from leaking. Even so, you may feel a little uncomfortable because of the thickness
Step 4. Change the tissue layer on the replacement pad every 3-4 hours
Note that this frequency is largely determined by the flow of your period and the resistance of the tissue you use. However, if the replacement pad gets wet or starts to crumble, or after you've used it for a few hours, you should still replace it. To replace this pad, simply tear off the layer of tissue that surrounds it then throw it away, and make a new one.
Even if you don't have a heavy period, you should still change your pad every 3-4 hours to help prevent leaks and bad odors
Method 2 of 2: Using Other Objects
Step 1. Wrap a clean sock in toilet paper to make a quick replacement pad
If you have spare exercise socks, or happen to wear socks that are still clean, take one and wrap it in several layers of toilet paper. Place these toilet paper-wrapped socks in your underwear and then wrap a few more layers of toilet paper to keep them in place.
Socks are designed to absorb sweat on the soles of the feet so they will be good for absorbing menstrual flow as well
Step 2. Take advantage of a washcloth or other small cloth that you carry
If you can find a clean cloth, you can use it as a replacement pad. Simply fold it to fit into a regular pad and then place it in your underwear until you can find the pad.
It's a good idea to check if the cloth is able to absorb liquid. Wet one corner of the cloth with water. If the water is able to be absorbed by the cloth, you can use the cloth as a replacement pad. However, if the water rolls over the fabric, you should look for other options
Notes:
The stain on the cloth used as a replacement pad may not go away.
Step 3. Look for cotton or gauze in the first aid kit or crafts
Cotton balls, cotton wool, and gauze are materials that absorb fluids and can be used as quick replacement pads. If you can find cotton wool or gauze, fold and stack them together until they look like pads. If you only got cotton balls, wrap 6-7 cotton balls together with toilet paper.
