Most people keep spare pads or tampons in their backpack or purse. It helps to have a bag to take to the bathroom. But if you want to be really discreet and avoid carrying anything noticeable, you can slip a pad or a tampon into a pocket, up your sleeve, in the leg of your boot, sock, or in your pant legs at the ankle.
How do I carry protection with me to school? Try keeping your period protection in a small non-see-through bag inside your purse or backpack. Keep a few pads or tampons in there, even when you are not expecting your period, so you know you are always ready.
Keep some pads or tampons in your backpack.
Choose a side pocket, or better yet, an inside pocket. Stick enough pads or tampons to last you a day or two. This way, when you have to use the restroom to change out a pad or tampon, you can take your bag with you.
You can prevent some of this worry by being prepared and having your supplies with you. That means keeping sanitary pads in your purse, backpack, or locker. Pads, also called sanitary napkins, are made of absorbent material and they stick to your underwear.
They typically last between 30 and 120 minutes, with around 3-10 periods per school day. However, especially in higher education, there can be many more. Educators determine the number and length of these periods, and may even regulate how each period will be used.
I use the Clue app because it's easy to see and allows you to keep a detailed log of your symptoms – but there are plenty of others. If you're worried about leaking in the lead up to your period, use thin pads or panty liners for peace of mind. They're like sanitary pads, but a lot thinner and more comfortable.
Choose a boring looking box to make sure that no one will want to peek inside. Hide it on a shelf or under the bed. If you're at school or university, you can use a little box of sweets, your pencil case or a makeup bag. You can also use a sunglasses case or your laptop bag.
If you're worried about spotting, but don't want to sacrifice another pair of underwear and not wear a tampon/pad, go for special period panties, like Thinx. This pair is cotton but still period-proof, so you can go about your day in comfort and not worry about ruining your outfit.
It's not a good idea to go an entire school day without changing pads, pantiliners, or tampons. No matter how light your flow is, or even if there is no flow, bacteria can build up. Changing your pad every 3 or 4 hours (more if your period is heavy) is good hygiene and helps prevent bad odors.
If you're still embarrassed, you can do things to make your purchase discreet. Buy pads alongside other products or use the self checkout. Seek support from friends and family members, especially if you're just starting to have regular periods. Others can help you feel more confident and less alone.
If you've ever been pulled aside at airport security checkpoints when wearing a period product, you're not alone. Did you know that the Transportation Security Administration's body scanners can flag period products as potential threats, triggering additional searches?
Some use pads at night and tampons during the day. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliners for added protection against leakage. Even if you haven't started your period yet, it's a good idea to be prepared by carrying a few pads or tampons with you, just in case.
They do not expire as long as they are stored in a cool dry place.
If you are in class, ask to be excused to the bathroom or the nurse's office. Ask a friend who menstruates if they have an extra pad or tampon you could borrow. If they don't, grab some small change just in case you need to use a vending machine to purchase supplies.
Having honest conversations about menstruating is one of the fastest ways to dismantle the societal stigma placed on it. By opening up a dialogue about our bodies, how we feel during our periods, and challenges faced, we're able to create a sense of solidarity among people with periods.
Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight, dieting, changes in exercise routines, travel, illness, or other disruptions in a woman's daily routine can have an impact on her menstrual cycle.
zero period (plural zero periods) (education) A high school class that is offered early in the morning, before the scheduled start of the school day.
Definition of 'free period'
1. a portion of time during which there is little or no activity. I'm just glad we have a free period over the next 10 days. education. a division of the academic day during which no lesson is scheduled.
Great question! Getting your period can cause mild cramps on the first day or two, but it shouldn't cause you to stay home from school, work, or social events.