How to deal with your period? Part 2

Part two of three.

Always keep a tampon or pad with you. 

Even if it's not that time of the month, you should still carry one with you just in case. Panty liners are convenient to keep with you as they are smaller, easy to carry, and should hold the flow of blood until you can obtain a pad. It is suggested that when you first start your period you should use a pad because they are easier to use and sometimes carry less risk.

2

Avoid staining during periods.You can use special panties made for periods such as Adira Period Panties. They are leak-proof and comfortable.

3

Never take a chance if you think you might leak! 

What you may find helpful is if you wear your ugly-month-time panties with your pad/tampon and then you wear black, tight lady's boxers. Not only does it keep the pad/tampon safe from slipping or moving but if you leak, it contains it a lot more efficiently. It's just a good money and time saver as an alternative to period panties.

4

Wear a menstrual cup or soft-cup.

 These are internal like tampons, but are far safer and more hygienic so they can be used when you're not on your period. They can also be worn for up to 12 hours, so you can wear these on the days leading up to your period to avoid being caught without protection or messing up your underwear. They can be worn overnight during light to heavy flow (and are especially good for women with heavy flow), and during sports including swimming. These can also help lessen flow and cramps. Cups are also cheaper and environmentally friendly, so ethical companies offer many positive options.

5

Wear red, black or brown underwear. 

People will be less likely to notice you have your period. Also, try changing your pad before gym and try to wear pads without wings. It will be much harder for girls to tell that you have your period if you're wearing a pad without wings, although your pad may not stay in place very well and stain your underwear. However, most girls should be pretty understanding - they go through it too! You can also try changing your pants or shorts wearing a long t-shirt, if you prefer.

Keep track of your period. 

Try to keep track of how long you have your period, when it starts and ends, and how heavy the flow is. If your period lasts longer than 10 days, consult your gynecologist. Tracking your menstrual cycle will not only give you a heads-up when your period is due, but will help you to know when you are fertile and if any complications or infections arise. If you have an iPod/iPhone, you can download certain apps that help you track your period and other various symptoms. A really good one is Pink Pad. You can make a password so nobody else can get into it.

9

Have comfortable clothes.

Most women would prefer not to wear uncomfortable clothing while having their period. Wear some sweat pants and a sweatshirt or anything else that feels comfortable, but don't make it too obvious. You can just wear black pants and keep a jacket around in case you stain your pants. When that happens, you can just tie it around your waist.