How to Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Period

Menstruation is a sign that your body is maturing, but it can sometimes show up at the most unexpected times. That's why it's important to always have an emergency kit ready for your 'red days'.

Find a small bag or pouch. You’ll need something to store the essentials! Just make sure it’s big enough to hold a few sanitary pads or tampons (if you use the stick kind).

Purchase some feminine hygiene products. Typically, your first period is light and may only involve spotting, so daily pads are ideal. If your flow becomes heavier, you’ll need regular pads or tampons. Additionally, there are alternatives like menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads available on the market. Pack 3 daily pads and 3 regular pads or tampons to last you through a day at school or work. Remember to change every 4-6 hours.

Pack pain relievers. It's highly likely that you may experience menstrual cramps, which can be quite uncomfortable. Ibuprofen is an effective painkiller; if the pain is intense, you can take up to 4 tablets at once, as long as you don't exceed the daily dosage recommended on the label.

Add a small calendar and pen to your kit. If you're unsure about your menstrual cycle, it's a good idea to track your period each month until you understand the pattern.

Pack extra underwear. Having backup underwear can be helpful, especially if your current pair gets soiled. Make sure to include a ziplock bag to store any used underwear.

If there’s space, consider packing an extra pair of pants. This can be helpful in case your period is heavy and causes leaks. (If this is a frequent issue for you, consider using both tampons and pads, switching to a more secure pad, or even taking birth control to reduce menstrual flow during your cycles.)

• Be mindful of hormonal changes when using birth control. Only use it when you're fully aware of the pros and cons.

Prepare a bottle of hand sanitizer. This is always useful, especially when there’s no soap available in public restrooms!

Feminine wet wipes are also convenient. Make sure to choose biodegradable wipes that are fragrance-free.

Include a plastic bag in your purse to store any soiled underwear or clothes. A plastic bag is also useful when you can’t find a trash bin to dispose of used pads or tampons (like when you're hiking, at the beach, etc.).

If you're in the U.S., it’s a good idea to carry a 25-cent coin. This is helpful in case you forget to bring pads, as you can buy them from a vending machine.

Throw some chocolate (optional) into your kit, especially dark chocolate – and be sure to store it in a ziplock bag. The compounds in chocolate can help relieve cramps and satisfy unexpected cravings.