How to Handle 'Red Days' at School

Dealing with your period at school can be uncomfortable, especially if you're experiencing cramps and finding it hard to get to the bathroom. However, with proper planning, you won't have to worry about your 'red days' at school or feel embarrassed by unexpected situations. The key is to be well-prepared and comfortable when heading to the restroom. Remember, menstruation is a natural phenomenon, and there's nothing to be ashamed of.

Always carry sanitary pads or tampons (tampon in a cylindrical form). If you want to be prepared for your period at school, the most important thing is to always carry pads, tampons, daily pads, or whatever you typically use so you won't be caught off guard. This way, you’ll always be ready and may even help other girls in need.

• You could also consider using a menstrual cup, a device inserted into the vagina that collects menstrual blood in the bottom of the cup. The cup can be used for up to 10 hours, and you won’t feel its presence inside you. Though less common than tampons and pads, menstrual cups are just as safe.
• If you’ve had your period before and suspect that it’s coming (based on your menstrual cycle), it’s best to put on a pad before heading to school – better safe than sorry.

Understand what will actually happen when you get your period, and compare it with what you’ve been told! Your first period is NOT a bloody disaster happening down there! You might just notice a few tiny spots of blood or a dark brown streak, and it's highly unlikely that you’ll have blood stains on your clothes or down your legs if you’re wearing a skirt. Think about the girls or women you know – can you tell if they’re on their period? Have you ever seen a classmate with blood stains on their clothes? Have you ever heard rustling sounds in the bathroom? What did you do? You probably just ignored it, just as others would when they hear you unwrapping a pad or tampon. Worrying about menstruation is simple, but it doesn’t help. Girls often worry too much about what could happen if their period unexpectedly shows up during class.

If you're extremely brave, you could turn your school into a period-friendly place for your fellow girls. This could be very helpful for students, parents, and teachers. Some girls have had to ask to go home because the school didn't provide necessary supplies. If restrooms had pads and tampons available, they wouldn’t need to go home. Start a campaign to ensure pads are available in the bathrooms. And anyone who teases girls on their period should be held accountable. Blood stains on chairs often happen because girls feel too embarrassed to ask to leave the class – let's work on a campaign where teachers allow students to leave once per period to use the restroom without having to ask permission. Some girls even use daily pads to prepare for an unexpected period, which is expensive for both them and their parents! If they could just get pads or tampons from the school restroom when needed, it would be cheaper and better for the environment. Suggest that the school provide sanitary products in the bathrooms and promote that throwing away sanitary products in the trash is nothing to be ashamed of.

Find a discreet place to store your pads. While there’s nothing embarrassing about someone seeing your pad, if you feel shy, you can find ways to hide it. Normally, you can carry your pads in a handbag, but if you can't bring one to school, you could cleverly store it in a pencil case, tuck it into your pants pocket, or even inside your binder. If you don't have any better option, you can even hide a tampon in your boots. Having a few 'hiding spots' planned will help you avoid any worries when your period arrives.

• If you have a personal locker at school, you can use it. It's also a good spot to store sanitary products for the whole year instead of having to bring them every month.

Bring an extra pair of underwear and outerwear for peace of mind. There’s a chance that menstrual blood could leak through your underwear and outer clothes, but bringing extra clothes just in case will save you from worrying. Just knowing you have everything ready for a quick change will ease your mind about leaks.

• You could also bring a sweater to tie around your waist just in case.

Bring a chocolate bar. If you're on your period or experiencing PMS, it’s a good idea to add chocolate to your diet. Research has shown that chocolate helps reduce some PMS symptoms, and it tastes delicious. A few pieces of chocolate can help stabilize your mood while enjoying a tasty snack.

Prepare pain relief medication for your period. If you experience discomfort during your period, such as cramps, bloating, nausea, or other symptoms, it can be helpful to bring along some pain relief medication as a precaution. (Just make sure it's allowed at school.) You can use over-the-counter medications like Tylenol, Advil, Midol, or anything else that works for you. You don't need to take medication every time, but having it on hand will help ease your mind if you start feeling unwell.

Know when to expect your 'red days.' Your period cycle might not be regular yet, but you should start tracking it to know when your period is likely to arrive. This way, not only will you avoid being caught off guard at school, but you can also take preventive measures to avoid awkward situations, like using daily pads in the week before your period to be ready for an early arrival. Prepare yourself for your first period in case it happens at school.

• The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but it can range from 21 to 45 days in young girls. Mark the first day of your period on a pocket calendar, or use a mobile app like Clue, Period Tracker Lite, My Calendar, or Monthly Cycles to track your cycle.

Get familiar with the warning signs of menstruation. Periods are often accompanied by symptoms like cramps, bloating, acne, and breast tenderness. If you're noticing one or more of these symptoms more than usual, your period might be coming soon.

• When you notice these signs, it might be time to check that your sanitary products are in place. Make sure your pads, tampons, or other supplies are ready, and keep extra pads/tampons and pain relief medication at home.
• Wear dark clothing when your period is approaching. This way, if an unexpected leak happens, the dark color will help conceal any stains.

Head to the restroom as soon as possible. This gives you a private space to handle the situation and gather the necessary supplies. As soon as you suspect your period has started, discreetly ask your teacher for permission to use the restroom.

• Approach your teacher when other students are busy with their work. You can explain directly if you're comfortable, or you can politely say something like, 'Excuse me, I need to go to the restroom; it's a girl thing.'

Ask teachers, school nurses, or friends for help if needed. If your period starts unexpectedly and you don't have a pad, don't hesitate to ask your friends if they have a tampon or pad to lend you. If your friends can't help, try asking a teacher for assistance (note that older female teachers, typically around 45-50 years old, may not use pads or tampons as they may have gone through menopause).

• You can even go to the school office to ask for a pad or ask them to call your mom if you urgently need help. Don’t be afraid to go there if you can’t find help anywhere else.
• If you need more support, consider visiting the school nurse’s office. The nurse or school counselor can explain menstruation to you if it’s your first time and provide sanitary products or even help you change clothes if necessary.

Make a temporary pad if necessary. If you go to the restroom and suddenly find that your period has arrived but you don't have better options, you might have to create a makeshift pad. Simply take a strip of toilet paper and wrap it around your hand at least 10 times until it becomes thick enough. Place the paper in your underwear lengthwise. Then, take another strip of paper and wrap it around the first one and your underwear 8-10 more times to secure it. You can repeat with another strip of toilet paper. While not ideal compared to a real pad, this can help in an emergency.

• If your period arrives unexpectedly but lightly, you can also make a temporary daily pad. Simply fold a strip of toilet paper two or three times to the length of the bottom of your underwear and place it inside.

Wrap a jacket around your waist if needed. If you have a jacket, hoodie, or sweater on hand, you can tie it around your waist, especially if you suspect your period might leak onto your clothes. This way, you can cover any stains until you get the chance to change.

• If this is your first period, remember that the first one is usually light, so you may notice it before it leaks through your clothes. However, it's always best to be cautious and address it early to avoid any embarrassing leaks.
• If you notice blood has leaked through your clothes, you can change into gym clothes (if available) or ask the school nurse or counselor to call your parents for a change of clothes. Don't be afraid if classmates question why you're changing suddenly; if someone asks, you can simply say you spilled something on your clothes.

Stay hydrated. This may sound counterintuitive, but drinking enough water helps prevent water retention, reducing bloating. Always carry a water bottle with you or remember to visit the water fountain between classes. Try to drink about 10 cups (240 ml) of water throughout the day. Drinking water at school can be tricky, but you can always drink extra water before school or after class.

• You can also incorporate hydrating foods into your diet, such as watermelon, strawberries, celery, and lettuce, to help maintain hydration.
• Avoid too much caffeine, and be cautious with sodas, caffeinated teas, or coffee. These drinks can dehydrate you and may make cramps worse.

Eat foods that reduce bloating. To manage your period as comfortably as possible, try avoiding foods that cause bloating. The main culprits here are fatty foods and carbonated drinks. This means you should skip lunch with fried foods, ice cream, sandwiches, and soda, and opt for healthier alternatives like wraps, salads, or a turkey sandwich. Replace soda with water or unsweetened iced tea to feel more comfortable.

• Foods high in oil can cause your body to retain water, leading to bloating.
• You should also avoid whole grains, beans, lentils, cabbage, or cauliflower.

Try not to skip gym class – exercise can help reduce period cramps. You might not feel like participating in gym class, but studies show that aerobic exercises help increase blood flow and release endorphins, which neutralize the prostaglandins in your body, reducing cramps and discomfort. Try not to stay seated and sulk on the sidelines.

• Of course, you can skip exercise if you're feeling too tired, but you'll be surprised at how much better you feel once you start moving.
• If you skip gym class, you isolate yourself from your friends and draw unwanted attention. Instead, join the activity with others and forget about the discomfort.

Plan to use the bathroom every 2-3 hours. Before heading to school, try planning bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours to change your pad or tampon if you have a heavy flow, or just to make sure everything is in place. You may worry about leaks, and simply knowing that everything is okay can make you feel more at ease. While you don’t need to change your tampon every 2 hours, try changing it every 3-4 hours if you have a heavy flow; if it’s light, you can go 5-6 hours, but this is not recommended because it can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome. Also, to prevent this, choose the lowest absorbency pad or tampon you need.

• Going to the bathroom every 2-3 hours also helps relieve your bladder more regularly. Urinating when needed can reduce menstrual cramps.

Dispose of pads and tampons properly. While at school, be sure to dispose of your pad properly. Never flush tampons down the toilet, even if you do this at home, as you don’t know how strong the plumbing is at school and don’t want to cause a blockage. Try to use a restroom with a trash can; even if you dispose of a pad in the trash, wrap it in its original packaging or toilet paper to avoid touching the inside of the bin.

• If there’s no trash can in the restroom, simply wrap the pad in toilet paper and take it to the outdoor trash bin; don’t feel embarrassed about this, remember that every girl has to dispose of pads.
• Always remember to wash your hands after changing your pad or tampon.

Wear darker clothes if it makes you feel more comfortable. While the chance of a leak may be low, you might prefer wearing darker clothes during your period or just before it starts, for peace of mind. You can wear dark jeans or a skirt to avoid constantly checking your back or asking your friends if everything’s okay. Plan to wear stylish, dark clothes if it helps you feel more comfortable.

• However, don’t let these days stop you from wearing your new cute outfit. If you want to wear something light-colored or pastel, go ahead, there's really nothing to worry about.

Know how to speak up when someone makes an inappropriate comment. Always treat others the way you want to be treated, even if they're rude. Don’t respond in a petty way or seek revenge. If they continue with their behavior, find a trusted adult to talk to. In the meantime, you can try saying something like:

• "I’m not in a good mood right now. Could you stop this?"
• "I need some space right now. Could you please stop doing that?"

Ask for permission to use the bathroom when necessary. If you're in class, a good option is to ask to go to the nurse’s office or calmly explain your situation to the teacher, then head to your locker and use the bathroom. Here are a few simple phrases you can use:

• "I'm dealing with a feminine issue, may I go to the restroom?"
• "I’m on my period, may I step out for a few minutes?"
• "Excuse me, I need to take care of something..."

Don’t be ashamed of it. Whether you’re the first or the last girl in your class to get your period, remember that most girls will go through this at some point. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about when it’s a natural part of growing up and a sign of a maturing body. Your period is a sign of fertility, and you should be proud of it instead of feeling ashamed. Don’t let anyone tease you or make you feel anything other than proud.

• Talk about it with your friends. You'll feel better knowing you're not alone.

Don’t worry about the smell. Many people worry that their period will smell or that others will notice. The truth is, your period itself doesn’t have a smell; what you might smell is the odor of the blood-soaked pad after a few hours. To manage this, you can change your pad every 2-3 hours or use a tampon. Some people prefer scented pads or tampons, but the fragrance can sometimes be stronger than unscented ones and can even irritate the vaginal area. However, you can decide to use them if they work for you.

• Try using scented pads or tampons at home first before deciding to use them at school.

Ensure your parents are aware of this. Menstruation isn't something to be ashamed of or kept a secret. While it might feel awkward at first, it is important to talk to your mom or dad about it. Your mom, or another woman in your family, will be there to help you get the right hygiene products, making the experience more comfortable and taking away the need for secrecy during your period. Remember, most girls go through this too; the sooner you talk to your parents, the more comfortable you'll feel.

• Your parents will be happy that you told them. In fact, your mom might even get emotional and tear up.
• If you live with just your dad, it may feel a bit awkward to bring this up with him. But once you do, everything will feel much easier, and your dad will appreciate your honesty and openness.

Don't be afraid to ask to use the restroom when necessary. If you need to ask a male teacher or if there are male classmates nearby, you can simply say you need to go to the bathroom or come up with another reason if you're feeling shy (perhaps you don't want to be embarrassed in front of them). Whether it's an emergency or you need to change your pad, don't hesitate to ask to use the restroom. If you approach school with the mindset that it's no big deal to ask for a bathroom break, you'll feel much more confident about going to school. Feel free to ask your teacher for permission to use the restroom, and you can even inform them ahead of time if that makes you more comfortable.

• Keep in mind that teachers and school administrators are always ready to help with this. Remind yourself that you're not the only girl dealing with her period at school!

• You will be sitting a lot at school, so make sure your pad or tampon is comfortable and won't leak.
• Avoid wearing light-colored clothing to prevent any stains from showing.
• Many stores sell men's spandex shorts, which you can wear over your regular underwear if you prefer.
• If you're feeling shy, and there is a break during class, you can change your pad or tampon during the break. This reduces the chance of other people using the restroom with you.
• If you're concerned others might realize you're on your period, you can use a private restroom (if available), such as a disabled restroom or the one in the nurse's office. These options are often more discreet and may make you feel more at ease.
• If you're worried that your school uniform's briefs are too loose and your pad might slip, especially in hot weather, consider wearing bike shorts or spandex shorts, or preferably, sports shorts!
• If you're embarrassed about the pad package, you can place something on top of it to cover it, like a small tissue packet or a makeup box.
• If you're required to wear a uniform and cannot wear dark-colored clothes, you could add an extra pair of pants (or tights underneath), or check if it's okay to wear shorts or tights with your skirt.
• If your flow is heavy, or you're unsure, opt for super-absorbent pads to avoid discomfort or leaks. However, avoid super-absorbent tampons, as they are associated with a higher risk of toxic shock syndrome.
• If you're using tampons, consider using daily pads as well for extra leak protection.
• If you don't have black tights or jeans, you can wear any type of tights with a skirt or any kind of shorts.
• If you're wearing a school uniform, the pockets of your pants or skirt can be helpful. Simply stash your pad in your pocket and head straight to the restroom.

• Change your pad every 4-6 hours, or your tampon every 4-8 hours. The exact timing may vary depending on your menstrual flow.
• Maintain cleanliness. After using the restroom, make sure everything is neat and tidy. Always remember to wash your hands.
• Before bringing pain relievers like Advil or Pamprin to school, make sure you have permission from the school. Most schools have strict rules about medication, including over-the-counter ones, and bringing them to school could get you into trouble.
• Never spray perfume on your pad and/or tampon before using them, and never spray perfume in your vaginal area. It could cause irritation.
• If you leave a pad in for too long without changing it, you could develop toxic shock syndrome, a rare but potentially deadly condition. Remember to change your pad every 4-8 hours for safety. Check the instructions on your pad or tampon package for more information on this risk.

• Pads or tampons
• Pain relievers (such as Tylenol, Advil, Midol)
• Coins for purchasing pads if the restroom has a vending machine
• Spare clothes and underwear
• A jacket