Dealing with your period at school isn't always fun, especially if you have colic and are having a hard time finding a time to go to the bathroom. However, if you create a solid strategy, you will never have to worry about dealing with your period at school (or being caught in an unexpected surprise) again. The most important thing is to have your supplies ready and be comfortable with going to the bathroom multiple times. Remember to be proud of having your period and it should not be a source of embarrassment.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare
Step 1. Carry sanitary pads or tampons with you at all times
If you really want to be prepared for your period at school, then the most important thing is to have sanitary pads, tampons, panty liners or whatever you use on a regular basis during the school year so you don't have to worry about any unpleasant surprises. In this way, you will always be prepared and can help a friend who is not.
- You can also consider using menstrual cups, which are inserted into the vagina and collect blood at the base. You can have a menstrual cup for up to 10 hours without feeling like it is there. While they are not yet as popular as tampons or sanitary pads, they are just as safe.
- If you have periods and you think yours will be today (based on your cycle), it is always recommended that you put on a sanitary pad just before leaving for school, just in case.
Step 2. Keep in mind that having your period is not a cause for concern
The first time your period comes, there should be a small amount of blood rather than a large amount. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about your classmates finding out about the fact that you have your period. There's also no reason to worry about people hearing you open a pad or tampon in the bathroom. Most people will probably ignore any whispers they hear, just as you possibly would.
Step 3. Run a campaign to make your school “fit for the period”
Request that sanitary pads and tampons be included in the bathrooms so that girls don't need to take time out of school because they don't have one on hand. Request that all restrooms have facilities to dispose of used sanitary pads and tampons. Most importantly, request that students have a break per class so they can go if they suddenly have their period.
Step 4. Find good places to hide your sanitary supplies
While there is no need to be embarrassed if someone sees your sanitary supplies, you can find places to hide them if you are concerned about it. On the one hand, you can put them in your wallet; However, if you are not allowed to carry handbags to school, you can cleverly place them in your holster, tuck a sanitary pad in the pocket of your folder or notebook, or even put a tampon inside your boots (if you don't have a better one option). If you think of a few "hiding places" ahead of time, then you won't be so nervous when that time of the month comes around.
If you have a locker, use it. This will also be an easy place to keep your supplies on hand throughout the year instead of having to take them with you at the time of the month that your period comes
Step 5. Bring an extra pair of underwear and pants (just to feel safe)
It is unlikely that you will have a leak through your underwear and pants, but being prepared with an extra pair of underwear and pants or leggings will help you feel more secure in the event of an emergency. Knowing that you have these items at your disposal will prevent you from worrying about having your period or seeping through your underwear.
You can also bring a sweater or sweatshirt to wrap around your waist, just in case
Step 6. Bring a bar of chocolate
If you have your period or are experiencing PMS, then you may want to add some chocolate to your diet. Studies show that chocolate alleviates some of the symptoms of PMS, and chocolate is delicious too! Eating some chocolate can make you feel more emotionally stable, as well as giving you delicious enjoyment.
Step 7. Always carry some medications to ease your period pain
If you tend to suffer from menstrual cramps, such as cramps, bloating, nausea, or any of the other symptoms that can accompany your period, then you can take some medications with you just in case (just make sure your school allows it). You can use Tylenol, Advil, Midol, or any other over-the-counter medicine that works best for you. You don't need to take them when you have your period, but having them on hand will help you feel better.
Make sure to talk to your parents and a doctor before taking any medication to make sure it is right for you
Step 8. Know when to expect your period
Your period may not be regular yet, but it can help to start a follow-up so you know when to expect it. This will not only prevent your period from surprising you at school, but you can also take precautions that can prevent you from having an emergency, such as wearing panty liners the week you expect to have your period (just in case, use them a couple of days before). If your period has not yet come and you are in school, prepare for the first time.
The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can range from 21 to 45 days for teenage girls and young adults. On a personal calendar, mark the day your period starts or use a mobile app to help you keep track of your period, such as Clue, Period Tracker Lite, My Calendar, or Monthly Cycles
Step 9. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of menstruation
Typically, menstruation produces side effects such as cramps, bloating, acne, and breast tenderness. If you have one or more of these symptoms, your period may be near.
- When you notice symptoms like those mentioned, it is recommended that you verify the supplements with which you have. Make sure the "emergency" sanitary pads or tampons are in their respective places, and stock up on the necessary supplies.
- Wear dark clothes when your period is coming up. That way, if you have any unexpected bleeding, the color can hide it.
Part 2 of 4: React the moment your period starts
Step 1. Go to the bathroom as soon as possible
In this way, you can analyze the situation in private and look for the necessary materials to avoid problems the rest of the day. As soon as you suspect your period has started, discreetly ask your teacher to let you go to the bathroom.
Approach him while the rest of the class is distracted with some work. You can explain the situation directly to him if you wish; If not, you can give him a hint by saying, “I need to go to the bathroom. It's a girl thing. "
Step 2. Ask the teacher, nurse or friends for help if you need it
If you are having your period unexpectedly and are out of supplies, then don't be embarrassed to ask your friends if they have pads or tampons that you can use. If they can't help you, try asking one of your teachers for help (just keep in mind that women no longer need to use tampons or pads after going through menopause, which happens between the ages of 45 and 50; So be careful to ask your teachers of legal age).
- You can even go to the school office to ask for additional supplies or request that your mom be called if you really need help. Don't be afraid to go there if you really have an emergency and can't get help from anyone else.
- If you need more help, consider going to the infirmary. Your school nurse or counselor will be able to explain the ins and outs of menstruation (if this is your first time) or help you get feminine products and a change of clothes if needed.
Step 3. Make an emergency sanitary napkin if necessary
If you have no better options and you find yourself in the bathroom with the arrival of your monthly visitor, then your best option may be to make 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. Place it lengthwise in your underwear and then take another long piece of paper and wrap it around your "sanitary napkin" and your underwear another ten times, until it is firmly in place. You can repeat it one more time with another piece of toilet paper. While this emergency sanitary pad is not as good as the real one, it will get you out of a tight spot.
If you have your period, but it is really light, you can also make an emergency panty liner. Just get some toilet paper, fold it two or three times (it should be the same length as your underwear), and put it in your underwear
Step 4. If necessary, wrap a jacket around your waist
If you have a t-shirt, jacket, or sweatshirt, wrap it around your waist, especially if you suspect blood has seeped through your clothing. This should help you hide any stains you have until you can change your clothes.
- If this is the first time you have your period, keep in mind that these are generally not very intense, so you may have noticed before the blood has seeped through your clothes. However, it is still a good idea to take care of the matter as soon as possible to reduce the risk of an embarrassing leak.
- If you find that blood has seeped through your clothing, put on your gym pants (if you have one) or ask your school nurse or counselor to contact your parents to get a change of clothes. clothing. Don't worry about your classmates noticing your sudden change of clothes. If someone asks you something, you can tell them that you spilled something on your pants and leave the matter there.
Part 3 of 4: Create a Solid Strategy
Step 1. Stay hydrated
Although it might sound counterintuitive, staying hydrated will prevent your body from retaining water, which will make you feel less bloated. You should bring a bottle of water with you or make sure to go to the fountains between classes as much as possible. Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day. It can be difficult to drink a lot during school, but you can make sure to drink extra glasses before and after school.
- You can also try incorporating foods with a lot of water in them into your diet to make sure you stay hydrated. These foods include watermelons, strawberries, celery, and lettuce.
- Minimize your caffeine intake. This means sipping caffeinated soda, tea, or coffee every now and then. If you don't, you will become dehydrated and your cramps will really be worse.
Step 2. Eat foods that prevent bloating
If you want to deal with your period in the best possible way, then you should avoid eating foods that cause bloating. The biggest culprits are fatty foods and carbonated foods. This means you should skip fries, ice cream, hamburgers, or soda at lunch and focus on healthy sandwiches, salads, or turkey sandwiches. Replace your soda with water or an unsweetened iced tea and you will see that you will feel better.
- Fatty foods make your body retain water, which makes you feel bloated.
- You should also avoid whole grains, beans, lentils, cabbage, or cauliflower.
Step 3. Try not to miss your gym classes, as they can ease your menstrual cramps
While you may feel like the last thing you want to do is go to gym class, exercise has been shown to actually make you feel better when you're on your period. Aerobic exercise is proven to make your body pump more blood, which allows it to release endorphins to counteract the prostaglandins in it (which reduces colic and pain). Don't be tempted to sit in the stands with a scowl on your face; instead, exercise!
- Of course, if you're really feeling down, taking a break from physical activity on any given day may be helpful, but overall you'll be surprised by how good exercise feels.
- If you miss your gym class because of your period, you will draw attention to yourself instead of doing what others do and take your mind off the pain.
Step 4. Plan to take a bathroom break every two to three hours
Before your school day begins, you can make a plan to go to the bathroom every two to three hours to change your pads or tampons if your flow is very heavy, or just to make sure everything is in order. You may be nervous about a leak and confirming that everything is okay can make you feel better. While you don't need to change your tampon every two hours, you can try changing it every three to four hours if you have a heavy flow. If your period is lighter, you can change it every five to six hours, but it is not recommended because it can cause toxic shock syndrome. Therefore, to avoid this, be sure to use as little absorbency as you need.
Taking a bathroom break every two to three hours will also help you relieve your bladder more often. Relieving your bladder when you are tempted to use the bathroom can help ease the wires associated with menstruation
Step 5. Properly dispose of your sanitary pads or tampons
When you are at school, you should make sure to dispose of your pads and tampons in a hygienic manner. Avoid washing tampons on the dresser (even if you do it at home), as you don't know how wide your school pipes are and you don't want to cause a flood. Use bathroom stalls that have small trash cans; If you have them at your school, wrap your tampons and sanitary pads in their original wrappers or with toilet paper so they don't stick in the trash can.
- If you are not lucky enough to have a trash can in your cubicle, simply wrap your sanitary pads and tampons in toilet paper and throw them in the trash outside. Don't be shy, remember that girls have to throw away their sanitary napkins.
- Always make sure to wash your hands after changing pads or tampons.
Step 6. Wear dark clothing if it makes you feel more comfortable
Although you are unlikely to have a leak, you may want to wear darker clothing during the week of your menstrual period (or perhaps earlier), just to feel safe. You can wear dark jeans or a darker dress so you don't have to worry about checking your backside or asking your friends to check in every three seconds. Plan to wear cute, dark colors for a couple of days if it makes you feel more comfortable.
However, don't let your period stop you from wearing your cute outfits. If you want to wear a light or pastel colored garment, do it! There is nothing to worry about
Step 7. Consider what to say if someone else makes an insensitive comment
Remember to treat her the way you would like to be treated, even if she was rude, and make sure you are not being cruel or insensitive. If they insist, call a trusted adult. In the meantime, use the following responses:
- "I'm not really in the mood. Could you stop?"
- "I really need my own space. Could you leave me alone?"
Step 8. Ask for permission when necessary
If you are in class, a good option is to ask the school nurse for permission or calmly explain your situation to the teacher and go to your locker and then to the bathroom. Some good, not very detailed explanations are as follows.
- "I have a female problem, could I go to the bathroom?"
- "Andrés came to give me a visit. I would like to ask permission from the class for a few minutes."
- "I have a female emergency… you know."
Part 4 of 4: Maintain a Healthy Mindset
Step 1. Don't be ashamed
Whether you are one of the first girls in your grade to have a menstrual period or one of the last, remember that every girl will get her period sooner or later. There is no need to be ashamed of something that happens to all girls. In addition, it is a natural part of the growth process and of having a more mature and changeable body. Your period is a sign of fertility, and you should be proud of it, not ashamed! Don't let any guy make fun of this situation or let anyone make you feel anything but pride in your period.
Talk to your other friends about it. You will feel better knowing that you are not alone with your feelings
Step 2. Don't worry about the smell
Many women worry about the smell they emit during their menstrual periods or that people realize that they are at that time of the month. However, during your period you do not emit another scent; the one you perceive is perhaps the sanitary napkin absorbing the blood after a couple of hours. To counteract this concern, change your sanitary pad every two to three hours or use a tampon. Some girls like to use scented tampons or pads, but this scent can actually be stronger than unscented pads, so decide if it's right for you.
You can use a scented sanitary napkin at home before deciding if you want to use it at school
Step 3. Make sure your parents know
Your period shouldn't be a secret or something you feel ashamed of. Although you may feel a bit shy at first, it's important to tell your mother or father as soon as you do. Your mom or another woman in your family can help you get the right supplies, make you feel comfortable, and help you not have to hide it. Remember that a lot of girls have to go through this. Tell your parents when it happens; The earlier you tell them, the better you will feel!
- Your parents will be proud of you for telling them. Your mother may even shed a few tears.
- If you live alone with your father, you may feel a little shy telling him. But once you do, things will be a lot easier and he will be happy that you were honest and open.
Step 4. Don't be afraid to ask permission to go to the bathroom in class if necessary
If you ask a teacher for permission to go to the bathroom or the kids listen to you, you can say that you urgently need to urinate or something else (you don't want to feel embarrassed in front of everyone). If you have an emergency or you just know it's time to change your sanitary pad, then you shouldn't be ashamed to ask permission to go to the bathroom. If you walk into school with the mindset that it won't be difficult to use the bathroom if you need to, then you will feel a lot more excited to get on with your day. Ask your teachers if you can confidently go to the bathroom during their classes, or you can even talk to them about this beforehand if it makes you feel more comfortable.
Keep in mind that your teachers and principals should be more willing than anyone to help you with this problem. You need to remember that you are not the first girl who has had to deal with her menstrual period in school
Advice
- You will sit a lot for a long time at school, so make sure you are comfortable with your pad or tampon.
- Don't wear brightly colored clothing to avoid visible stains.
- Many stores sell spandex shorts. If you want, you can wear them over your traditional underwear.
- If you are worried about your period and recess is near, take the opportunity to put on a sanitary pad or tampon. This way, you are less likely to bump into other people in the bathroom.
- If you are concerned about other people knowing that you have your period, use a single-box bathroom (if available), such as one for the disabled or the one in the nurse's office. You will have much more privacy and you will feel more relaxed.
- If you are embarrassed to take your purse or purse with you to the bathroom, you can keep a pad or tampon in your boot or bra.
- If you have a uniform and cannot wear dark clothing, put on a second pair of pants (leggings underneath) or find out if you can wear shorts or leggings under your skirt.
- If you have heavy periods or are not very sure at the moment, then buy super absorbent sanitary pads (or tampons) to avoid any discomfort or leakage.
- If you have a tampon, also wear a sanitary pad to prevent leaks.
- If you don't have dark leggings or jeans, you can wear pants with a blouse or shorts.
Warnings
- Change your sanitary pad every 2 to 4 hours; or your tampon every 4 to 8 hours. This time can change depending on how heavy your period is.
- Be clean! When you get out of the bathroom, make sure you leave everything clean and tidy. Always remember to wash your hands.
- Before bringing any medication to school, make sure it is allowed. Most schools have strict rules regarding medications (including over-the-counter ones), and carrying any of them could get you in trouble.
- Remember that you should never spray perfume on your pads or tampons before using them. Also, never spray perfume around your vagina. It could irritate your genitals!
- If you leave a tampon in for too long, you could develop toxic shock syndrome (TSS), which is a rare but deadly disease. Make sure to change your tampon every 3-4 hours to be safe. Read the instructions on the packaging to be aware of the risks.