HOW TO HANDLE THE MENSTRUAL PERIOD AT SCHOOL
Whether you are still waiting for your first period or have been menstruating for several years, finding blood in your trousers at school is frequently annoying, even more so if you (and your school) are unprepared. The following are five suggestions for coping with an unexpected period in school or any other public situation. In this article, the availability of menstrual products varies significantly around the globe. What is your personal experience with menstruation at school?
1. Know that it’s normal—this has happened to many people who menstruate.
If you are unprepared for an unexpected term at school, there is no reason to fear. You are not the first and not the last person to find yourself in this circumstance.
What matters now is that you feel secure in your circumstance. A significant part of that is ensuring that your blood is drawn in a pleasant environment, which requires obtaining many supplies.
2. Get supplies that you feel comfortable or good using.
Menstrual items are typically kept in two locations at schools: the girls’ bathrooms (either in free-for-all baskets or small change vending machines) and the nurse’s office. (Not all schools have a nurse’s or health office.)
If you’re in class, request an excuse to use the restroom or visit the nurse’s office. Inquire whether a friend who menstruates has an extra pad or tampon that you may borrow. If they do not, bring some little coin if you need to purchase goods from a vending machine. If your teacher inquires as to what’s going on and you’re not comfortable discussing your period in public (there’s no reason to feel guilty about your body doing its thing, but it’s a subject that may take some getting used to!), “stomach problems” are a good fallback.
There are many collection techniques available. Pads and tampons are the two most frequently encountered items. Pads are the simplest to use and are frequently available in school nurses’ offices—all you have to do is glue one to your underwear with the sticky side. Also, tampons are frequently accessible. Tampons have a slight learning curve, as you must put them into your vagina. However, because many people prefer them, you can give them a try if you feel comfortable.
The menstrual cup is an increasingly common means of controlling your flow. It’s reusable and requires attention as infrequently as every 12 hours, making it a favorite of many, but as one of our coworkers will corroborate, it may take a few tries to find out how to use it properly.
Whichever type of period product you choose, a friend, the school nurse, or your parent will be able to explain proper usage.
If you notice period stains on your clothing, wash them immediately with cold water and soap—either while you’re still at school or when you return home for the day. After drying, blood is a difficult substance to remove from many textiles. Therefore, immediate action increases your chances of entirely removing the stain in the washing machine later. However, if clothing stays soiled, do not fret excessively. Many folks own a pair or two of battle-scarred “period panties.” These undergarments may have lighter discharge areas or black splatters of blood that refuse to go away. Still, they are comfortable and an excellent choice for days with the heavy flow or when you anticipate your period’s onset.
Once your pad, tampon, or other menstrual product is in place, and you are comfortable, you may resume your normal activities. Check-in every few hours to ensure you don’t need to alter or tweak your product.
3. Prepare for next time.
Before the start of your next period, stock up on whatever collection technique you like and keep a few additional pads or tampons (or a clean menstrual cup) in each backpack and handbag you frequently carry. They’ll serve as a good backup if your school’s bathroom supply runs out.
If you need non-disposables to manage your bleeding, such as period panties or washable cotton pads, remember to have a resealable bag or container to store old ones with you if you need to replace them during the day.
Keep a spare pair of underpants hidden away in your luggage or locker to avoid ruining your day’s bottoms selection.
4. Find out how period-friendly your school is.
Not every school is conducive to menstruation. While some schools provide free stacks of tampons and pads in restrooms and medication on request for cramps, others may be far more restrictive.
Understand where and whether your school stocks period supplies if you (or a friend) ever require an emergency pad or tampon. Are they free, are there any restrictions on the number you can take, and do they frequently run out? It is preferable to be aware of all of this in advance.
Do you require pain medication to alleviate cramps? Check your school’s code of conduct—you may need a permission form from your parents or guardians authorizing you to take them without parental supervision.
Certain schools permit students on their period or experiencing severe cramps to miss gym class or work out at their speed rather than join the group. Determine whether this is the case at your school and who you should contact if you require an excuse from exercising on a certain day.
5. Look out for your friends.
Be considerate and helpful to friends and students who find themselves in a similar situation. Provide a tampon or pad and assist your group of friends in normalizing their periods and menstrual health.
If you notice blood on another person’s slacks or skirt, inform them discreetly about the problem. If it is their first period, accompany them to the nurse or bathroom and, if necessary, lend them period supplies. You are all in this together, so keep an eye out for one another!
Also, learn when your menstruation is due.
Your menstruation may be erratic for the first couple of years and may feel different from cycle to cycle. This is quite normal. However, if you keep a regular record of your symptoms and cycle, you may be able to recognize telltale indicators that your period is approaching.