Going to school with your period isn't great, especially if you have cramps and it's hard to find a free minute to use the bathroom. However, by setting the right strategy, you will never have to worry about going through that time of the month at school again, or even being caught off guard by your period. It is essential to have everything you need on hand and not have problems asking the teacher to go to the toilet. Remember that having your period is a source of pride, and shouldn't be a source of embarrassment.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Be Prepared
Step 1. You must always have sanitary pads or tampons available
To be effectively ready for your period, it is vital to have tampons and panty liners with you. Throughout the school year, you should have everything you need every single day to prevent unpleasant surprises and be prepared. By the way, you can help a friend in need.
- An alternative is to use the menstrual cup, a device inserted into the vagina that collects blood loss at the base. It can last up to a total of ten hours without even noticing its presence. While not yet as popular as tampons or tampons, it is just as safe.
- If you think your period should come today, it is still better to wear a sanitary napkin or panty liner, you never know …
Step 2. Decide where to conveniently store everything you need
While you don't have to be ashamed to accidentally show your tampons, you can find places to store them in case you still feel embarrassed. Obviously, it is preferable to leave them in the backpack. If one day you don't have to carry it, put them in a special case, in a purse, in the pocket of a binder or in a folder. In the absence of other solutions, slip them into the boots. By thinking about hiding places in advance, you won't be anxious when that time of the month arrives.
Obviously, the best place to store them is your backpack. Leave everything in a pocket and you won't worry about a thing. If you have a locker, use it for this too: it would be more convenient, but hardly any school provides them
Step 3. To feel safe, pack an extra pair of briefs and pants in your backpack
While you are afraid that your period will take you by surprise and stain everything you wear, it is unlikely that it will really happen. The important thing is to be ready. Packing some underwear and a spare pair of pants or leggings for an emergency will help you stay calm, especially if your period is irregular. Knowing that you can change will reassure you, without worrying about your period or loss.
You can also bring a sweater or sweatshirt to put on your waist: you never know
Step 4. Bring a bar of chocolate
If you are on period or are experiencing the hateful PMS, it is better to sweeten the diet with chocolate, if it is dark you will have less cramps. Several studies show that it relieves some of the symptoms of PMS. A little bit is enough to feel more emotionally stable, and then you can indulge in a treat.
Step 5. Make some medication to relieve menstrual pain
If you tend to have a painful period, suffering from cramps, swelling, nausea or any other symptom that accompanies your period, it's best to have medicines available to get better. You never know. Just make sure you can take them to school. You can take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any other over-the-counter medication that you find effective. Of course, you don't have to take them if you don't feel any discomfort, but having them with you will help you feel better when you feel like a rag.
Before taking any medications, be sure to talk to your parents or a doctor about them to make sure they are right for you
Step 6. Knowing when your period will come is the best way to prepare
Maybe the cycle is not particularly regular yet, but it will be useful to start noting the dates. That way, you will know when it will arrive. Not only will you not have any nasty surprises at school, you will also be able to take precautions that will allow you to avoid emergencies. For example, in the week they are supposed to come, put on a panty liner, because maybe they could start early.
While always having everything you need on hand is useful for feeling ready, knowing when your period will come can undoubtedly give you a greater advantage
Step 7. Familiarize yourself with the signs that warn you of your period
Menstruation often causes side effects such as cramping, swelling, acne, and breast pain. If you're experiencing one or more of these symptoms than usual, your period may be on its way.
- When you notice symptoms like these, it's a good time to check your stocks well. Make sure the "emergency" pads or tampons are in place, and stock up your supply of pads and pain relievers if necessary.
- Wear dark clothing when you think your period is approaching. This way, if an unexpected leak comes, the dark color will help mask it.
Part 2 of 4: Reacting to the Coming of the Cycle
Step 1. Go to the bathroom as soon as possible
This allows you to assess the situation privately and find what you need for the rest of the day. As soon as you suspect your period has started, discreetly ask your teacher if you can go to the bathroom.
Try getting close to your teacher while the rest of the class is at work. It is possible to explain the situation directly if you feel like doing this, but otherwise you could also get the message across by saying something like, "I need to go to the bathroom; this is a female problem."
Step 2. If you need help, ask a teacher, nurse, or friend for support
Did you have your period absolutely suddenly and you don't have sanitary pads? Don't feel embarrassed: approach a classmate and ask her if she can lend you one. If she can't help you, ask a teacher (just remember that women, after menopause, which occurs around 45-50 years of age, no longer use sanitary pads, so don't talk to them about it).
- You can also go to the infirmary to ask for help, or call your mother in a desperate situation. Don't be afraid to do all this if it is an emergency and you have no alternative.
- If you think you need more help, ask the school nurse if she is present. She can tell you a lot about your period, if it's your first period, or help you get a tampon or change your clothes if you need to.
Step 3. If necessary, make an improvised sanitary napkin
When you have no alternative and find yourself in the bathroom with this dear guest, then the best option is to develop an emergency sanitary napkin. All you have to do is take a long piece of toilet paper and wrap it around your hand at least ten times until it is thick enough. Lay it down over your briefs. Then, take another long piece of paper and wrap it around your underwear eight to ten more times, until it fits snugly. Once dirty, repeat by changing the toilet paper. Obviously it doesn't have the same absorbency, but it can be a good temporary solution.
If you have a very light period, you can also make an emergency panty liner. Just take enough toilet paper to cover the surface of your panties, fold it back on itself two or three times and attach it to your underwear
Step 4. Tie a jacket around your waist if needed
If you have one, wrap a spare t-shirt, jacket, or sweatshirt around your waist, especially if you suspect menstrual blood has passed through your clothes. This should help you hide dark spots until you are able to change your clothes.
- If this is your first period, keep in mind that this is typically not too heavy a flow, so it's possible you may have noticed earlier that blood has leaked through your clothing. That said, it's still a good idea to take care of the problem as soon as possible, to limit the risk of any embarrassing losses.
- If you find that blood has leaked through your clothes, put on gym pants (if you have them) or ask the school nurse or school counselor to call your parents to bring you a change of clothes. Don't worry if classmates notice your sudden outfit change - if someone talks about it, you can say you've spilled something on your pants and go on like this.
Part 3 of 4: Have a good strategy
Step 1. Stay hydrated
This may seem illogical, but hydration prevents your body from retaining fluids, which makes you less likely to get bloated. You should bring a bottle of water or take more than one trip to the vending machine between classes. Try to consume at least ten glasses of water a day. It can be uncomfortable to hydrate properly at school, so drink a little more before you go and when you get home.
- You can also try incorporating water-rich foods into your diet to make sure you're always perfectly hydrated. For example, eat melon, strawberries, celery, and lettuce.
- Minimize your caffeine consumption by going easy on fizzy drinks that contain caffeine, tea or coffee. These sodas, too, can make you dehydrated and, in fact, make cramps worse.
Step 2. Eat foods that prevent bloating
If you want to cope with your period, avoid all those foods that make you bloated. The main culprits are fatty foods and carbonated drinks. This means stepping away from chips, ice cream, burgers and Coke at lunchtime, opting instead for a salad or sandwich made with turkey and grilled vegetables. Replace sodas with water or unsweetened iced tea. You will see that you will immediately feel better.
- Fatty foods cause you to retain fluids, which is why you feel bloated.
- You should also avoid refined grains, beans, lentils, cabbage and cauliflower.
Step 3. Try not to skip the physical education class:
can relieve menstrual pains. While moving is the last thing you want to do in the gym, exercise has been shown to actually make you feel better when you're on your period. Additionally, aerobic activities have been shown to promote blood circulation. This stimulates the release of endorphins, which neutralize prostaglandins in the body, reducing cramps and discomfort. Don't give in to the temptation to sit in a corner with a frown - get involved.
- Obviously, if you feel really bad, take a break from physical activity for a couple of days. But remember that it has the power to make you feel much better.
- If you skip PE class when you are on your period, you will let everyone know that you are indisposed and will attract unwanted attention to yourself. Instead, do everything others do and distract yourself from the pain.
Step 4. Try to go to the bathroom every two to three hours
Before the school day begins, plan to take a toilet break every couple of hours. You can change the tampon in case of heavy flow, or otherwise make sure everything is in order. Maybe you are afraid of getting stained, so you will be more relaxed by taking a look and confirming that there are no problems. While it is not necessary to change every two hours, you can decide to change every three or four hours if the flow is considerable. On the other hand, if it's lighter, you can last for a full eight hours, but you should still take a peek every two to three hours to make sure you don't get dirty.
Going to the bathroom every two to three hours will also help you empty your bladder regularly. When you need to urinate, it is best to meet the need early to relieve period cramps
Step 5. Throw away pads, whether internal or external, properly
When you are in school, you should make sure you are disposed of hygienically. Avoid flushing them down the toilet (even if you are used to doing it at home), because you don't know the strength of the infrastructure pipes and risk causing flooding. Instead, use the garbage can. You should still wrap the sanitary pads in their sachet or toilet paper so they don't stick to the bottom of the bowl.
- If you're lucky enough to have a trash can in the bathroom, just wrap the tampon in the sachet or toilet paper and throw it away right away. Don't be ashamed, remember that other girls do too.
- Always make sure to wash your hands after changing the tampon.
Step 6. Wear dark clothes if they make you more comfortable
By following these tips, you are unlikely to get stained, but it is also best to wear dark clothing during the week leading up to your period and when you are actually menstruating. It will help you feel more confident. You can wear a pair of jeans or a darker suit, so you don't have to worry about constantly checking or asking your friends to do it every two seconds. For those days, make dark, feminine and comfy pairings.
That said, don't let your period stop you from wearing new and cute clothes. If you want to wear light or pastel colors, go ahead, remembering that you have no reason to worry. But pay some extra attention
Part 4 of 4: Having the Right Mindset
Step 1. Don't feel embarrassed in the slightest
Whether you are one of your first classmates to have your period or the last, everyone comes sooner or later. There is no reason to be ashamed of it: it affects any woman on the face of the earth. It is a very normal stage in the growth and development of the body, which will become more and more similar to that of an adult. Menstruation is a symptom of fertility, it allows you to enter the world of women. You should be proud of it, without shame. Don't let guys make fun of you about this or make you think it's a problem in general.
Talk to your friends about it. You will feel better knowing that you are not alone in having certain feelings
Step 2. Don't worry about the smell
Many fear that they smell bad when they are on period or that others may notice. First, remember that leaks in and of themselves aren't smelly. On the other hand, what can become is the absorbent after accumulating blood for a prolonged period. In order to fix it, change it every two or three hours, otherwise put on a tampon. Some like to wear scented ones, but in fact they can have a stronger aroma than the classic ones. Choose according to your preferences.
You can try a scented sanitary napkin at home before deciding whether or not to use it at school
Step 3. Make sure your parents know
Your period doesn't have to be a secret or embarrass you. It's normal to be disoriented at first, but it's important to tell your mom or dad as soon as they come to you. The mom or another woman in the family can help you buy the right products, make you feel better, explain everything you need to know, and teach you tricks for hiding pads. Remember that everyone has to go through this stage and talk about it with their parents. The sooner you tell it, the better you will feel.
- Your parents will feel proud once you say this. Your mother might even be moved.
- If you live with your father, don't worry if telling him embarrasses you. Once you do this, however, it will become much easier, and he will be happy that you opened up to him and spoke honestly.
Step 4. If necessary, don't be afraid to ask the teacher to let you go to the bathroom
When it comes to an emergency or you know it's time to change your tampon, don't feel embarrassed. Going to school knowing that you have no problems using the toilet when necessary, anxiety will not haunt you. Approach the teacher and ask him in a low voice if you can go to the bathroom. An alternative is to talk about it in advance with the professors, especially if it is a situation that causes you more than a discomfort.
Remember that professors and attendants should be more than prepared to help you with this type of problem. Always keep in mind that you are neither the first nor the last to have your period at your school
Advice
- You will be sitting for many hours in the classroom, so make sure the tampon is comfortable and does not cause stains.
- Try to wear dark clothes, so if you ever get stained, it won't be that noticeable. Avoid light ones instead.
- If you're ashamed to go to the bathroom with your sanitary pad in your hand, you can slip one into a boot, sleeve, or bra.
- Best to keep the emergency kit (spare briefs, sanitary pads, tampons, painkillers and everything else you need) in a pouch. If someone asks you about it, you can always tell that it contains makeup, handkerchiefs or hair ties.
- Always keep a spare pair of briefs in your backpack: you can change immediately in case of an emergency at school.
- If you have heavy periods or still don't know how to analyze your period well, then buy night pads to avoid discomfort or blemishes.
- When you don't have sanitary pads, use toilet paper or a handkerchief. It will save you until you can go to the infirmary or ask a friend to lend you one. You can also talk to a teacher.
- Always keep a supply of sanitary pads in your backpack, so you can take them when you need them, without too many worries. When you change your bag, remember to also move the clutch bag with everything you need.
- Always wear a panty liner when your period is approaching: you never know.
- If you use tampons, wear an external tampon or panty liner as well to avoid getting dirty.
- If you are afraid of your sports shorts falling off while exercising, put on a pair of elastic shorts (such as cycling shorts). Or, buy long, classic, baggy sweatpants.
- Don't let your period cause you to give up on your plans. Going to school can be fun even when you're on your period.
- If in doubt, put a pair of dark shorts or a stain remover stick in your backpack.
- Having your period can be pretty stressful! Ask your mother for suggestions: thanks to her experience, she will surely be able to give you more than one.
- If you forget your tampons at home, ask a friend about them.
- If your school has an infirmary, you can go and ask for sanitary pads there if you need to leave them at home.
- In underwear stores, you can find men's stretch boxers. If you like, wear them on your classic briefs.
Warnings
- Take care of your personal hygiene! Make sure you look clean and tidy when you leave the bathroom.
- Never apply perfume on the tampon or tampon before using it, and never spray it on the vagina area. It could irritate the genitals.
- If you don't change your tampon for too long, you may develop toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening disorder. Make sure you change it every three to four hours to be safe. Read the instructions on the package to fully understand the risks.
- In addition to briefs, you can wear shorts under your jeans. They allow you to control leaks, without the fear of getting dirty.
- Change the tampon every two to four hours and the tampon every three to four hours.
- Make sure your school allows you to bring painkillers. Some may have strict rules on this, even if they are simple over-the-counter medicines. Don't get in trouble unnecessarily.
- Shower twice a day (morning and evening) to stay fresh and clean. Also use perfume and deodorant, but only after washing.
