Difference between revisions of "Hide Your Period from Everyone"

#Wear dark colors during your period. If you are worried about accidents and leaks, dark clothing can be a godsend. Wear underwear and pants that are navy, black, or dark brown. These are less likely to show signs of your period leaking and they are less likely to get noticeable permanent stains.<ref name="rf1">http://trimestertalk.com/go-time-month-avoid-period-stains/</ref>

#* If someone asks you about it, you can just say that you were feeling too warm to wear the sweater. Alternatively, you can tell them that you are experimenting with '90s fashion.<ref name="rf2">http://www.bustle.com/articles/4011-how-to-wear-the-latest-90s-trend-shirts-tied-around-the-waist</ref>

#Ask to borrow a pad or tampon. If you are out with friends, you can ask if a friend has a spare tampon or pad in her purse. If you are in a public bathroom, you can ask another woman if she has spare period supplies. Many public bathrooms also have coin-operated pad and tampon dispensers you might use. If you are surprised by your period while at school, take a trip to the school nurse.<ref name="rf3">http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/periods/period_school.html#</ref> The nurse will probably have an extra supply of pads and tampons. Don't be embarrassed: your school nurse will have helped dozens of young women in this exact same situation.

#Call a friend or family member for help getting new clothes. If you have a period accident at school and do not have a change of clothing, get permission to call your parents. Your teachers will likely be sympathetic to your plight, and you will not be the first student they've had who needed a change of clothing.<ref name="rf3" /> If you are stuck at work, see if a family member might be able to bring you a change of clothes over the lunch hour.

#Wash stained clothes immediately in cold water. If your period has leaked onto your clothing, all is not lost. There are techniques you can use to [[Remove-Dried-Blood-Stains-from-Fabric|remove the stain]]. Rinse the stained item in cold water as soon as you can. Use hydrogen peroxide to treat stains on light items, and use a colorfast stain remover on darker items.<ref name="rf4">https://www.ubykotex.com/get-the-facts/article?id=50745</ref> Agitate the stained fabric by rubbing the fabric together with your fingers. After treating the stain, place the item in the wash on a cold cycle. Repeat if necessary.

#Double up on period protection. If you are worried about leaks, try using two forms of period protection at the same time. If one form of protection begins to leak, you have the second form of protection as back-up, which will buy you some time.<ref name="rf5">http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814189/choosing-the-right-protection-for-your-period-1</ref>

#Make an emergency sanitary napkin out of toilet paper. If you are out in public without any form of period protection and cannot borrow or purchase extras, [[Make-a-Substitute-Sanitary-Pad|make an emergency pad]] using toilet paper. Get to a restroom that has plenty of spare toilet paper. Wrap a roll of toilet paper around your hand 6-7 times. Place this wad of toilet paper in your underwear. Then secure your emergency pad to your underwear by wrapping them together using a long piece of toilet paper. Wrap them together using at least 4-5 loops.<ref name="rf6">https://www.ubykotex.com/get-the-facts/article?id=50742</ref> While this emergency pad won't hold up for long, it might last you until you can get home to change clothes and grab new tampons.

#Wear absorbent underwear. There are several clothing products that are designed to absorb period leaks and stains, such as absorbent underwear. If you are worried about your tampons, pads, or period cups leaking, absorbent underwear will help keep the accident under control, and your pants won't get stained.<ref name="rf7">http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/06/03/period-pants-thinx-invention_n_7499906.html</ref>

#Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent leaks and accidents. If you have period accidents because you are bleeding heavily for long periods of time, you should discuss this matter with your physician. While most women experience some heavy days of their period, soaking through one tampon per hour for many hours in a row is not normal and might be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Experiencing very heavy bleeding for more than just a couple of hours is a signal that you should talk to your doctor. If you find yourself soaking through pads or tampons very quickly, make an appointment right away.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20021959</ref>

#Purchase several opaque waterproof bags. Sanitary napkins and tampons can be ruined by moisture. Moisture can ruin the wrappers and make the products unhygienic.<ref name="rf9">http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a32360/ways-youre-using-tampons-wrong/</ref> Look for waterproof bags where you can store your period supplies safely. An opaque bag will allow you to walk to the bathroom without showing off your period supplies to your classmates.

#Hang on to extra pocket change. Most schools and public bathrooms will only supply a coin-operated tampon and sanitary napkin dispenser. Hold on to extra change in case you need to use one of these dispensers in an emergency. A few schools, however, are starting to provide free menstrual products for their students.<ref name="rf10">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/high-school-free-tampon-dispenser-new-york_5604360ae4b00310edfa64da</ref>

#* '''Menstrual cups''' are small, flexible cups made of silicone, latex, or medical-grade rubber. They are inserted into the vagina just under the cervix and create a liquid-proof seal. Cups are often washable and reusable, but they must be emptied and washed every 10-12 hours. They are a very safe option, but they might be difficult for younger girls to use correctly.<ref name="rf11">http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/expert-answers/menstrual-cup/faq-20058249</ref>

#Try out discreet period products. Several companies have developed period products that help you keep your period under wraps. For example, there are now tampons and sanitary napkins with quiet wrappers and supplies that are small enough to fit easily in a pocket.<ref name="rf12">http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/dont-let-them-see-your-tampons/394376/</ref> If privacy is important to you, try out a product with a quiet wrapper or an extra-small design. These supplies might help you keep your period a secret.

#Change your menstrual products frequently. Changing your period supplies every few hours will help reduce odors and reduce the likelihood of leaks.<ref name="rf13">http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/supplies.html</ref> Plus, you will be more comfortable and feel fresher. Remember that this is a health issue as well as a privacy issue: changing napkins and tampons every few hours reduces the risk of infection and complications.<ref name="rf14">http://www.medicinenet.com/menstruation/page4.htm</ref>

#* Signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome--a possible complication of tampon use--include fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.<ref name="rf14" /> Discontinue tampon use and contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

#Dispose of period supplies correctly. It can be tempting to flush sanitary napkins and tampons to keep our periods private. However, this can clog systems and lead to toilet backups.<ref name="rf15">http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/periods/pads_tampons.html#</ref> Instead, wrap the used pad or tampon in several layers of toilet paper and throw it in the garbage. Some period products also have plastic wrappers that can be used to wrap used pads and tampons.

#* If you are using your own bathroom at home, make sure your bathroom garbage can has a lid--especially if you have pets.<ref name="rf15" />

#* An alternative to a physical calendar is an app that you can purchase on your phone. If you have ready access to a smartphone, consider finding a period tracking app that can help remind you when your period is expected to begin.<ref name="rf16">http://www.everydayhealth.com/womens-health/tracking-your-menstrual-cycle.aspx</ref>

#Mark the first day and last day of your period on the calendar. At the first sign of your period, note it on the calendar with an X or a red checkmark.<ref name="rf16" /> Make the same mark on the calendar on the day that your period has concluded. This will help you figure out how long your cycle is and will help you estimate when your next period will arrive. Most periods last 2-7 days.<ref name="rf17">http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/girlstuff/menstruation.html#</ref>

#* Keeping a menstrual calendar is also useful to women who are interested in getting pregnant or in avoiding pregnancy since it will help you determine when you ovulate each month.<ref name="rf16" />

#Note important details of your period on the calendar. These details include the rate of your flow (light or heavy), changes in the period's texture (such as clots), and whether you experience other period symptoms such as cramping or tiredness. All of these details can help you determine the supplies you need each month and when you will use them.<ref name="rf18">http://always.com/en-us/tips-and-advice/your-first-period/period-calendar-why-track-your-menstrual-cycle</ref> These details might also be useful information to share with your doctor if you notice any significant changes to your cycle.

#Repeat every cycle. Period calendars work best when you keep them consistently and regularly.<ref name="rf18" /> The more exact and careful you are, the better. Remember that having knowledge about your body is the best way for you to get comfortable with your period.

#Determine your period cycle. Count the number of days between the start of your last cycle's period and the start of this cycle's period. For most women and girls, their cycle will be between 21-34 days, with 28 days being the average.<ref name="rf19">http://www.girlshealth.gov/body/period/calendar.html</ref> However, a period cycle can be quite a bit longer than that, up to 45 days.<ref name="rf19" />

#* Keep in mind that many girls who have just begun their periods will take a while before developing a consistent cycle. Many girls who have just started menstruating have irregular periods for a year or two. This is normal.<ref name="rf17" />

#* Note that period cycles can shift over time and in various situations, even for women who usually have regular periods. For example, some women notice changes to their cycles when they are stressed out, traveling, or in the company of other menstruating women. Often your period cycle will return to normal afterwards, but sometimes your cycle can make a lasting shift. Your calendar will be able to help you sort out the differences between a temporary change and a permanent change.<ref name="rf20">http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/837439/body-basicsahow-to-track-your-cycle</ref>

#* Remember that it is not safe to use tampons before your period begins. You can, however, use a panty-liner or sanitary napkin on days when you expect your period to arrive any moment.<ref name="rf21">http://www.girlshealth.gov/body/period/pads.html</ref>

* Periods are normal and healthy. But there are some period symptoms that are signals that you should see your doctor: skipping periods, bleeding in between periods, bleeding after sex, bleeding for more than 7 days, or experiencing a great deal of pain and nausea during your period.<ref name="rf22">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/healthy_living/hic_Coping_with_Families_and_Careers/hic_Normal_Menstruation/hic-abnormal-menstruation</ref> Make an appointment with your physician if you have these symptoms.

* Tampons are great tools for managing your period. But Toxic Shock Syndrome is a possible complication, especially if you use high-absorbency tampons. Remember to call a doctor immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fever, or a red rash during tampon use.<ref name="rf14" />