Menstruation is not something to be ashamed of. Sometimes, however, periods can be annoying: they can stain clothes, cause embarrassing situations, and hinder normal activities. If you want to make sure your period remains a secret, a little preparation will go a long way.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Dealing with "Accidents"
Step 1. Wear dark colored clothes during menstruation
If you're worried about accidents and leaks, dark clothing can be very helpful. Wear dark blue, black or dark brown underwear and pants. These colors are less likely to show signs of your menstrual blood leaking and these clothes are less likely to have visible permanent stains.
Step 2. Tie the sweater around the waist
If you find your pants get period stains in public, simply tie a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or large shirt around your waist. This step will help you hide the stain until you can go home to change.
If someone asks you, simply say that you feel too hot to wear a sweater. In addition, you can also say that you are experimenting with the fashion style of the 90s
Step 3. Sleep on a dark colored towel
You may experience more leakage at night when you can't change pads or tampons frequently, especially when you're getting used to the rhythm of your menstrual cycle for the first time. Take a dark old towel that's okay with stains. Place this towel over the bed to protect your sheets.
Step 4. Borrow a pad or tampon
If you're traveling with a friend, you can ask if your friend has a spare pad or tampon in their bag. If you're in a public bathroom, you can ask another woman if she has a spare supply of sanitary pads. If you suddenly have your period while at school, go to the school clinic. Nurses at the school clinic will probably have an extra supply of pads and tampons. Don't be shy: the school nurse will help dozens of girls who are in a similar situation to yours.
Step 5. Call a friend or family member to help pick up new clothes
If you have a period "accident" at school and don't have a change of clothes, ask your parents for permission. The teachers will most likely sympathize with your problem. Plus, you won't be the first student to need a change of clothes. If you're stuck at work, find out if a family member can bring you a change of clothes during lunch time.
Step 6. Immediately wash the stained garment in cold water
If your period blood has leaked onto your clothes, there is still hope. There are several techniques you can use to remove the stain. Wet the stained garment in cold water as soon as possible. Use hydrogen peroxide to clean stains on light-colored clothes, and use stain remover for colored fabrics on darker clothes. Move the stained fabric by rubbing the surfaces against each other with your fingers. After treating the stain, place the garment in the washing machine on the cold water setting.
- Never use hot water to remove blood stains. Heat will only strengthen the stain and make it permanent.
- Always dry clothes that you think are stained with air. Electric dryers can strengthen stains.
Step 7. Double the protection against menstruation
If you're afraid of leaks, try using two forms of protection at once. If one form of protection starts to leak, you have a second one in support, which will give you enough time to deal with it.
For example, you can wear a menstrual cup along with a sanitary napkin. Or you can wear a panty liner with a tampon
Step 8. Make an emergency sanitary napkin out of toilet paper
If you're out in public without any period protection and can't borrow or buy extra pads, make spare pads using toilet paper. Go to a bathroom that has plenty of toilet paper. Wrap a roll of toilet paper around your hand about six to seven times. Put this bundle of toilet paper in your underwear. Then fix the position on the underwear by wrapping the two together using a long piece of toilet paper. Wrap four to five rounds. While these emergency pads won't last long, they'll last long enough until you get home to change and get a new pad or tampon.
Step 9. Wear absorbent pants
There are several clothing products that are designed to absorb menstrual leaks and stains, such as absorbent underwear. If you're worried about your pads, tampons or menstrual cups leaking, absorbent underwear will help control the catastrophe and keep your pants from getting stained.
Step 10. Consult a doctor if you experience frequent leaks and leaks
If you experience frequent "accidents" during your period due to heavy bleeding over a long period of time, you should discuss the matter with your doctor. Although most women experience a few heavy days during their period, flooding with one pad or tampon every hour for hours in a row is not normal and can be a sign of an underlying health problem. Having heavy bleeding that lasts more than a few hours is a sign that you should consult a doctor. If you find that your pads or tampons are penetrating very quickly, see your doctor immediately.
Part 2 of 4: Gathering Extra Supplies for Emergencies
Step 1. Buy more of your favorite period protection products
Make sure that you have the right product for you on days when you go out a little and on days when you go out hard. You have to be ready for any stage of your period. Pads and tampons take a long time to expire as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. Therefore it is okay for you to keep a few extra packs at home.
Step 2. Purchase some waterproof opaque bags
Pads and tampons can be damaged by moisture. Moisture can damage the packaging and make the product unhygienic. Look for a waterproof bag where you can store supplies for your period safely. An opaque bag can allow you to walk to the bathroom without showing your classmates your stockpile of period products.
If you can't find a waterproof opaque bag, consider double lining it. Place a small clear, waterproof plastic bag in a small opaque bag. You'll get the waterproof benefits as well as the privacy you want
Step 3. Provide extra cash
Most schools and public bathrooms will sell pads or tampons. Keep money in case you have to buy these products in an emergency. However, some schools have started to provide free menstrual protection products to their students.
Step 4. Gather some tools for dealing with menstruation
Place three to five pads or tampons along with some money in each waterproof bag. Make sure you include pads or tampons for days when your period is light or when your period is heavy. These kits won't help you get through a full period, but they will help you get through a full day at school or work, and you can fill it up again at home.
Step 5. Store your period supplies at home, work and school
Take a few minutes to think about suitable places to store some extra pads or tampons. Some good places to store supplies for an emergency period include:
- Your backpack or gym bag.
- Your favorite handbag.
- Your desk drawer in the office.
- Your locker at school.
- Your locker at the gym or gym.
Step 6. Refill the menstrual kit if needed
Don't forget to change supplies for your period every month. Periods are sometimes unpredictable, so you have to be prepared and prepared for your period. Even if you end up not using the equipment, you may have friends who will thank you for being so fully prepared.
Step 7. Always have extra underwear and pants on hand
Not everyone has access to large lockers or private offices to store clothes. But if you're lucky enough to have a place to store your clothes, stock up on clean underwear and pants there. If you have a leak at work or school, you will be able to change clothes discreetly.
Part 3 of 4: Using Menstrual Supplies Correctly
Step 1. Experiment with different menstrual products
There are many types of menstrual products that are safe and hygienic on the market. These products include sanitary napkins (aka maxi pads), tampons and menstrual cups. Many women and girls really like the menstrual protection products they use. Other women combine several products and use them during one menstrual period. Try different products whenever you have your period and find out what works best for you and your period.
- Bandage is an absorbent pad that sticks to your underwear. Pads come in a variety of types and strengths-from panty liners for days when the flow is light or extra long overnight to days when the flow is heavy. The pads should be changed every few hours and whenever they are full. Pads are the easiest product to use and may be the best choice for girls who have just started menstruating.
- Tampon is an absorbent tube that is inserted into the vagina. Tampons absorb menstrual fluid before it reaches your underwear. This tool can help you hide the signs of menstruation. Tampons should be changed every few hours and whenever a leak starts. Be aware that wearing a tampon for too long or using a tampon that is too strong for your menstrual flow can lead to serious problems such as Toxic Shock Syndrome. Make sure you read all the instructions on the package and follow the recommendations on how to use tampons in a healthy way.
- Menstrual Cup is a small flexible cup made of silicone, latex or rubber with special qualities for medical devices. This cup is inserted into the vagina just below the cervix and becomes a fluid-resistant seal. Menstrual cups can often be washed and reused, but must be emptied and washed every 10 to 12 hours. Menstrual cups are a very safe option, but may be difficult for younger girls to wear properly.
Step 2. Try various secret period protection products
Several companies have developed period protection products that help keep your period secret. For example, there are now pads and tampons that don't make a noise when they open and a variety of supplies that are small enough to fit in a pocket. If privacy is important to you, try a product with a silent wrapper and a very small design. Supplies like these can help keep your period a secret.
Step 3. Change your period protection products frequently
Changing menstrual products every few hours will help reduce bad odors and possible leaks. In addition, you will become more comfortable and fresher. Keep in mind that this is a health issue as well as a privacy concern: changing pads and tampons every few hours reduces the risk of infection and complications.
Signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome-the possible complications of using tampons-include fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and rashes. Stop using tampons and call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms
Step 4. Dispose of the period protection device properly
You may be tempted to throw pads and tampons down the toilet to keep your period secret. However, this can clog the drain system and cause the toilet to overflow. Instead, wrap used pads or tampons in several layers of toilet paper and throw them in the trash. Some menstrual products also come with plastic wrap that can be used to wrap used pads or tampons.
- Most public bathrooms will have a small covered trash can specially designed for disposing of menstrual products.
- If you use your own bathroom at home, make sure the trash can in the bathroom has a lid, especially if you have pets.
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When Your Menstruation Time
Step 1. Purchase a calendar
One of the easiest ways to hide the signs of your period is to know when you will have your period. Get a small wall or desk calendar that you can keep at home. Make sure the calendar is a 365 day calendar. You will use it to record your menstrual cycle so that you can prepare yourself.
An alternative to a physical calendar is an app that you can purchase on your smartphone. If you have access to a smartphone, consider finding a period tracking app that can help remind you when your period is expected to start
Step 2. Mark the first and last days of your menstrual period on the calendar
At the first sign of menstruation, note it on the calendar with an X or a red tick. Make the same mark on the calendar on the day your period ends. This will help you figure out how long your menstrual cycle is and help you determine when your next period will start.
Keeping a menstrual calendar is also useful for women who want to get pregnant or avoid pregnancy because it will help determine when you ovulate each month
Step 3. Record the important details of your period on the calendar
These details include the rate of menstrual blood flow (light or heavy), changes in the texture of menstrual blood (such as clotting) and whether you experience menstrual symptoms such as cramps or fatigue. All of these details can help you determine the various supplies you need each month and when you will use them. These details can also be useful information to share with your doctor if you notice a major change in your menstrual cycle.
Step 4. Repeat each cycle
A menstrual calendar works best when you write it down consistently and regularly. The more precise and meticulously you record it, the better. Remember that understanding your own body is the best way to get comfortable with your period.
Step 5. Determine your menstrual cycle
Count the number of days between the start of your last menstrual cycle and the start of this month's menstrual cycle. For most women and girls, the menstrual cycle will last between 21 and 34 days, with an average of 28 days. However, the menstrual cycle can be slightly longer than that, up to 45 days.
- Keep in mind that many girls who are just starting their period will spend some time before having a consistent menstrual cycle. Many girls who have just started menstruating have irregular periods for the first one to two years. This is normal.
- Be aware that the menstrual cycle can change over time in various situations, even for women who usually have regular periods. For example, some women notice changes in their menstrual cycles when stressed, travel, or are around other women who are menstruating. Often your cycle will return to normal after that, but sometimes your cycle can change forever. A period calendar will be able to help you discern the difference between temporary and permanent changes.
Step 6. Estimate when your next period will start
If you have a consistent cycle, you will be able to predict when the next day of your period will occur. Record these days when you estimate your period on a calendar. On these days, make absolutely sure that you have prepared extra supplies for dealing with menstruation such as sanitary napkins and tampons.
Keep in mind that using a tampon before your period starts is not safe. However, you can wear panty liners or pads on the days that you expect your period to start
Tips
- The key to ensuring that your period is a secret is knowledge, preparation and following instructions. If you know when to estimate your period, prepare the right supplies and use the equipment properly so no one will know.
- Don't be shy if you need help from someone. Teachers, counseling counselors, parents, friends, doctors and nurses-especially adult women-are good sources of help if you're not prepared with the right supplies. It may feel embarrassing, but most women and girls have experienced an "accident" during menstruation and would be happy to help a girl who is in trouble.
- Have a humorous point of view about your period. It may seem like a pain now, but sharing embarrassing period stories is one way grown women bond with one another. Try to have a bit of a positive outlook and remember that an embarrassing situation right now could be funny to you in just a few years.
- You can use swimsuit bottoms as undergarments because in the event of a leak these pants will dry faster so they don't stain your pants.
Warning
- Menstruation is normal and healthy. But there are some menstrual symptoms that are signs that you should see a doctor: irregular periods, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding for more than seven days, or experiencing extreme pain or nausea during your period. Make an appointment with your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
- Tampons are a great protective device for managing your period. But Toxic Shock Syndrome is a possible complication, especially if you use a highly absorbent tampon. Don't forget to call your doctor right away if you experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever, or red rashes while using tampons.
