Have a Worry Free Period
Most of the time you have to classify your period as deep impending hell, right? Well, don't worry. Nearly all people know how horrible it can be. Here are some things you can to do have a more worry-free period.
Steps
- Make sure that you have pads, panty liners, or tampons available to you. It would be a very good idea to carry them in a purse, a bag, your bra, or even your shoe if you need to. If you are in school, it's a good idea to keep them in a pocket inside your book bag, because some schools don't allow purses to be carried in the building. If this is the case and if you are able to keep your purse in your locker, do so, and every once in a while ask for the restroom pass. Then you'll be able to "check on things." For gym class try putting some in a plastic bag and hiding them under clothes in your gym locker in case of emergencies.
- Make sure you know what type of product maintains your flow best. If you have a heavy flow, you do not want to use those little, tiny, thin pads! This will lead to a leak! If you have a heavy flow, then it might be best to use a more absorbent type. While having a lighter flow, try going for the regular absorbency. If you don't know what type you need, then either you could try them all out--please do this in your spare time, such as at home, so you can avoid being embarrassed by having a leak in front of your friends or classmates--or ask someone you trust like your mom or your best friend if she has any tips on which to use.
- Use the smell of lavender to help control mood swings. If you want to try, you could buy some lavender lotion, candles, bath beads/soap/etc., or even lavender incense. Remember to tell your doctor if you start experiencing really severe mood swings.
- Remember heating pads get rid of cramps. Just place it over your lower stomach and leave it there for a while. If that doesn't work for you, then you could use Midol or aspirin. Ask someone you trust what the products with the best results are. You could take a really nice, hot bath. This helps a lot! You can also take a vitamin to relieve some of the pain, or eat a banana, which is rich in potassium!
- Do not eat a lot of junk food or salty/sugary foods during your period. This can lead to even more or even worse cramps. Avoid eating a lot of food during your period, and when you do eat, eat something healthy. It's also best to avoid dairy or chocolate, for this can also give you really bad cramps. Drink plenty of water too! Also, cinnamon will help curb cramps, breast pain, and mood swings. Use it on your breakfast toast, in your tea/coffee, or just carry cinnamon sticks around and chew on them. They taste good and they help with bad breath, too!
- Change your pad/panty liner/tampon regularly. Don't wear your tampons for over 8 hours because this can lead to a severe medical condition known as Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Make sure not to wear panty liners or pads for a long time. This can make them start to smell! Change panty liners and pads often.
- Wear very comfortable clothes during your period. It's not very fun having to walk around in tight jeans with a tube top clinging to you. Sweatpants and a comfortable top is just fine. You can wear tight pants if you choose, but it may be uncomfortable. Don't be too obvious! You don't want everyone to know it's that time of the month. Keep a jacket around if you want, so if you have a leak you can wrap it around your waist. It also helps to bring a spare set of clothes in case really bad leaks happen.
- Try not to stress out too much! Stressing out during your period can lead to an even worse period. Stressing can affect your flow cycle. If you have to take some time out for stress-relief, take a day off and stay home.
- Use a feminine spray or powder to eliminate odors if you feel you need it. You can also use baby wipes or Playtex/Cottonelle/etc. wipes.
- Consider using alternative menstrual products such as reusable cloth pads or a menstrual cup. They're often more reliable than regular pads or tampons, can help with reducing odor and irritation, and will ensure you never find yourself out of supplies in the middle of the night. Plus, the long-term savings can be spent on buying yourself a stress-reducing treat like a massage or nice dinner.
- Make yourself feel better. Most girls will feel very self-conscious at this time. Wear your favorite jewelry, makeup, or perfume to boost your spirits.
- Have someone look after you. It helps a lot to have a really good, close friend, preferably female, to look after you and help you through your "time of need." Usually, she'll know exactly how you're feeling and will do whatever she needs to help you out. Just please don't start making her your slave, or else she may abandon you and you won't have her as a friend anymore. Ask for small things like for her to make sure you haven't leaked, or if she could help you with an energy or confidence boost. Best friends are really good at this kind of thing. Make sure it's someone you can trust completely!
Tips
- Hydrogen peroxide gets blood out of clothes if you've leaked, but get it out as soon as you can.
- Keep plenty of tampons/pads/pantie liners handy in case of emergencies
- Relax; every girl/woman goes through the same thing!
- To avoid getting your sheets messy by accident, sleep with an old washcloth folded up in between your underwear and your pajamas. That way if you leak you can just throw the washcloth in the laundry and that is a lot easier than having to change and wash your sheets. Or just wear a real heavy absorbent pad to keep you from having an accident through the night. Do not wear a tampon to sleep.
- If irregular, you can use a liner, which is more comfortable than normal pads. But remember to have a tampon or pad available to you, because liners don't hold for long.
- Don't take aspirin if you bleed heavily. Aspirin can make bleeding heavier!
- If you run out of heavy pads, then stack 2 panty liners in the spot in your underwear, then wrap toilet paper around it a few times to make it thicker.
- If you're worried that you won't know when you have to change your tampon until it's too late (i.e., you've leaked), check on it when you go to the bathroom by giving a gentle tug on the string. If it doesn't move or you feel a chafing sensation, it's far from full. If it moves easily, change it.
- Keep a spare change of clothes in your locker, work place, office if possible. In case of leaks.
- Don't stress!
- There are yoga positions to relieve menstrual cramps, such as, downward dog. Exercise is good for you but don't overdo it. Listen to your body.
- Relax with your friends and try to stay in your normal everyday routine as much as possible. A change in daily routine can be stressful and make your period worse.
- You could use lavender scented deodorant/deodoriser and shampoo. They work better than candles, oils etc.It isn't necessary that loose clothing makes you more comfortable. Some prefer skirts,some prefer dark clothes, some prefer super tight clothes, some prefer double, triple, frouble clothes etc.
- Do not wear white, or else people can see it.
- Contrary to popular belief, you actually can wear a tampon at night (as long as you change it by 8 hours to avoid TSS). It is a much cleaner-feeling method of taking care of your flow!
Warnings
- If you start feeling weird while using a tampon, take it out and use a pad. Leaving the tampon in could cause Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Consult your doctor.
- Don't use scented tampons or pads! It can irritate the vagina and the sensitive skin of the vulva.
- Don't stress out too much over small things.
- Never force a tampon that doesn't fit. Simply try a smaller one.
- If you're feeling a really weird wet feeling, you've leaked.
- Don't dread P.E. The exercise will do you good. However if you are feeling really bad because of cramps, go to the school nurse and lie down for a bit.
- Don't worry about school. Everything will be fine, and nobody will know. If you're that worried or you think you might leak, ask to be excused to the restroom.
- It is not a good idea to wear pads in gym class, as you have a higher chance of leaking and overall feeling very uncomfortable when running around. If you don't already, learn how to use tampons. They are far less mess, and keep you fresh and clean all day long.
Things You'll Need
- Supply of menstrual products
Related Articles
- Deal With Your Period
- Survive Your First Period
- Use a Tampon
- Ask for Panti Liners