Menstruation is nothing to be ashamed of. However, if you've just had your period, you may not want everyone to know that you used tampons or sanitary napkins at school. You may not even want your friends or teachers to know, or you just tend to be introverted. However, if you need to use sanitary pads in the school bathroom, there are ways you can hide your tampons or pads.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Store tampons or pads in an easy-to-carry container
Make sure you always have some pads or tampons in your school bag or locker.
Some of you may always carry a cosmetic bag, but even if you don't, you can use a pencil case
Step 2. Prepare the "menstrual kit" and put it in the school locker
Enter your "emergency" needs there, just in case you suddenly get your period.
- This menstrual kit should contain at least a few pads, about 4 tampons, and a change of clothes. However, you don't always have to keep your pants in a locker (though you may need to keep them in a gym locker).
- Use a plastic clip bag or other plastic bag. This kind of pouch will keep your equipment safe and intact.
Step 3. Find out the backup alternative
Maybe you don't know, but there are some schools that provide tampons or sanitary napkins in cooperatives or UKS. Besides, maybe your friend will bring it too.
Tampons or pads are often available in the UKS. In fact, some of your teachers might even take them
Part 2 of 3: Hiding Pads or Tampons
Step 1. Use the sound of the bag rubbing to disguise the sound of the plastic
Sanitary wrappers and tampons can make quite a noise. When looking for pads in your bag, try sliding your bag around as well. That way, you can create a sound that can disguise your attempts to hide your pad or tampon.
The clatter of keys and pens can distract from the sound of plastic
Step 2. Grasp the pad or tampon in your hand, or tuck it into your sleeve
There are many places on your body that can be used to hide small objects.
Tampons, especially those without an applicator, are very easy to hide in your hand. Although it's more difficult to fit in your sleeve, you can usually hold the tampon in position with just one or two fingers
Step 3. Slip a tampon or sanitary napkin in a boot or sock
Because it is under the table, the position of your feet is more hidden than your shirt pocket.
- Slide the bag or whatever place you use to store your pads between your legs. Put your hand in your bag then tuck your pad or tampon into your shoe or sock.
- It might be better if you bend over and put something down while doing it. That way, you have a reason to put your hands in your bag.
Step 4. Ask to leave class, then stop at your locker first
If you keep your pads or tampons in your locker, you don't have to bother taking them out of class.
Try to only use emergency supplies in an emergency. Bring new supplies to school when you start menstruating
Step 5. Bring a small bag or cosmetic bag
While it will be obvious, this bag will come in handy if you don't want to fumble for tampons or pads in the middle of class.
You can also use a pencil holder
Step 6. Bring other objects
If you have to return to get your tampons or pads, bring other items too, such as a water bottle or wallet. That way, you can pretend you're about to refill your water bottle, or buy something from the school cooperative.
There are some people who store their tampons or pads in water bottles. Panty liners and tampons without applicators can also fit easily into purses
Step 7. Tuck the pad into the phone case
If you use a phone case with a cover, you can slip a pad inside.
While holding your phone, put your hand in your bag. Then, slip the pad into the slit of the phone case
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Trouble
Step 1. Go to the bathroom during class changes
That way, you can carry things in your bag without being noticed.
Even if you think your pads don't need changing, go to the bathroom anyway. There's no worse problem than sitting in class and feeling like your sanitary pad is leaking
Step 2. Use a menstrual cup
This tool can be worn for a maximum of 12 hours and you also don't need to replace it. You just need to empty it.
Menstrual cups are also environmentally friendly and great for your body's hygiene
Step 3. Keep the tampon or pad in the bag
Generally, the size of a clothing pocket is large enough to store tampons or pads.
If you already carry tampons or pads with you wherever you go, you don't have to worry anymore about how to take them out of class
Step 4. Apply an extra layer of dressing
Wear two layers of pads at once in the morning. So, if one of them is full, you just need to go to the bathroom, remove the first layer, throw it away, and put on the second layer of pads.
Be careful that the adhesive layer of the first pad doesn't stick to the second pad too much, or the absorbent layer will tear as well. Instead, try to stack these two layers of pads not exactly overlapping each other. Put one in the front, while the other in the back
Tips
- Don't be shy about asking friends. Remember that you will also help them in situations like this. So, there is no reason to be afraid.
- If your teacher won't let you go to the bathroom, don't force yourself to stay in class. Try telling them you're having "women's problems."
- Keep a small purse in the back pocket. Fill it with tampons and/or pads. You will only be seen carrying a wallet.
- You can also hide your tampon or pad in the eyeglass case and take it to the bathroom.
- Always bring a change of clothes or a sweater in case your pads leak. In addition, prepare extra supplies. If you don't have supplies, don't be afraid to ask. Menstruation is normal for all women. So, your teacher, nurse at UKS, or even your friend must have something to help. Menstruation can begin to be experienced from the age of 8-16 years to 45-55 years.
- Place a tampon or pad in a thick sock and put it in a locker or carry it in your bag.
- If you're afraid that someone will hear the sound of a sanitary napkin being unwrapped, flush the toilet as you do so. If someone asks why you flush the toilet before and after using the bathroom, tell them that people didn't flush the toilet before.
- If you don't know how to hide a pad, try tucking one in the front of your underwear for later use.
- Try changing pads or tampons before school, at lunch, and as soon as you get home so you don't have to change them between lessons.
- You can wear a jacket with a zippered pocket, or a more hidden inner pocket. If you don't have this jacket, try asking your parents for it.
- If you don't have or have used a spare sanitary napkin, don't be afraid to ask the UKS teacher or nurse as this is natural. Every woman has or will experience it.
Warning
- Tampons and pads should be changed every 5-6 hours, depending on your menstrual flow.
- Never wear a tampon for more than 8 hours. This can trigger TSS or also known as Toxic Shock Syndrome.
