How to Prevent Leaks with a Sanitary Pad During Your Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual cramps, mood changes, and a range of other discomforts during your period can leave you feeling drained. The last thing you need is to worry about leaking pads, making this time even harder to bear. However, there are plenty of simple tips you can follow to ensure your period is more comfortable and leak-free.

Use Sanitary Pads Correctly. Start by removing the pad from its wrapper, peeling off the non-stick paper, and placing it in the center of your underwear, ensuring it’s not too far forward or backward. If you're using a pad with wings, peel off the paper on both wings and stick them firmly to the underside of your underwear to secure the pad in place. Once the pad is securely positioned, you can wear your underwear as usual and gently press the edges to ensure everything stays in place.

• Make sure to wash your hands before using the pad and after disposing of the used pad in its wrapper or toilet paper, then throw it away in the trash.
• Some women prefer using cloth pads instead of regular ones. While cloth pads may not be as absorbent, they are more eco-friendly.

Select a sanitary pad with the right length and thickness. If you're prone to leaks and have heavy periods, opt for ultra-absorbent pads with maximum length. For nighttime use, choose pads designed for overnight wear; though they are thicker, they are longer and can even be used during the day if your flow is especially heavy and prone to leaks.

• Consider trying pads with wings to ensure they stay securely in place and don't shift too much.

Consider using daily pads to enhance coverage. Some people prefer to add a daily pad above and below their regular pad. This ensures better coverage for areas prone to leaks. You can even use a thinner, lighter pad placed perpendicularly to the main pad at the bottom of your underwear for maximum coverage. While this may be slightly uncomfortable, especially if the pads shift or loosen, make sure to wear snug-fitting underwear to ensure everything stays securely in place.

• If you frequently experience leaks at the top or bottom, try adjusting the placement of the pads slightly up or down to target those spots.

Wear thicker underwear. Another way to prevent leaks is by wearing thicker underwear that’s less likely to experience overflow. While this method may not offer absolute protection, it can help minimize leaks and provide better absorption if the pad overflows. You will feel more comfortable knowing your underwear is thicker and more absorbent.

• Ensure your underwear isn't too loose. Loose underwear can cause the pad to shift more, leading to increased risk of leaks.

Consider using period-proof underwear. If you experience heavy periods and frequent leaks, you might want to try period-specific underwear. No, they're not the ugly, outdated pairs you only wear during your period without care; "period-proof underwear" is a specially designed garment with a three-layer structure that prevents leaks. The first layer absorbs, the second layer acts as a leak guard, and the third is made from breathable cotton. These layers keep you comfortable and dry while offering optimal protection.

• A quality pair of period-proof underwear ranges from 80,000 to 250,000 VND, and purchasing a few pairs for your menstrual cycle is a worthwhile investment.

The best way to prevent leaks is simple: just use one regular pad, and then add another one. For example, place a pad in the middle and another one at the back of your underwear. Carry extra supplies in your bag just in case. To safely get through your period, always have extra pads, daily liners, underwear, and even a spare pair of pants if needed. If you have a large bag or a dedicated compartment, preparing extra clothes to change into will give you peace of mind. Even if you don't end up using them, you'll feel more relaxed knowing everything is available if necessary.

• If you're out of pads or daily liners, don't hesitate to ask a friend or even a teacher. Remember, every woman experiences menstruation, so even if they can't help, they'll understand your situation. If you're the first in your group of friends to get your period, consider asking more experienced women you know for help.

Limit movement compared to usual. While you can still do everything you normally would while wearing pads, keep in mind that pads are more likely to shift or leak when you roll, run, jump, or move too quickly. During your period, especially on heavier flow days, be cautious when moving to prevent your pad from slipping or bunching up, causing leaks.

• That said, you don't have to skip the gym or stay still all day and suffer through your period. In fact, exercising can help reduce cramps!

Wear looser and darker clothes. You'll worry less about leaks if you choose clothes that won’t reveal stains easily. Dark-colored clothing makes it harder to notice any spots, and you won’t have to stress over staining lighter clothes, which are harder to clean. Wearing looser clothes will also make you feel more comfortable and less aware of the pad, allowing you to move around freely.

• However, you don't have to dress in frumpy clothes during your period—women should always look good! But choosing darker clothing will certainly give you more confidence and less anxiety about potential leaks.

Visit the bathroom more frequently. Another way to ensure your pad doesn’t leak is by going to the bathroom more often than usual—perhaps every hour or two—to change your pad or simply check that everything is still in place. This is a great preventative measure to avoid leaks. You'll know exactly when it's time to change, keeping you safe and secure.

• Don’t worry about bothering the teacher if you need to step out during class; just ask politely and remember, you don’t leave the room every day, so it will be just fine.

Sleep on a dark-colored blanket or an old towel. If you're worried about overnight leaks, especially when sleeping at home, try lying on a dark-colored blanket or even an old towel you no longer care much about. This way, you won’t worry about staining your bed sheets, and you can sleep soundly without constantly checking for leaks.

• Think about it: the worst-case scenario is that you experience a leak, staining the bed, and someone sees it. Most likely, only your female roommate will notice, and she will completely understand what happened, so don’t stress too much.
• If your father or another man sees the stained sheets, they’ll understand why it happened. So, don’t worry about what could go wrong—just focus on getting a good night’s sleep.

Be proud of your period. You shouldn’t feel ashamed of your menstruation, even if leaks occur from time to time, or more frequently. Embrace the changes in your body, and realize that every woman goes through this; the sooner you accept it, the better. You can talk to friends or female family members about your period to understand that it's a completely natural physiological process, and there's nothing to be embarrassed about.

• Of course, leaking in public may cause a moment of embarrassment, but don't let the fear of leaking in public places stop you from enjoying life during your period. Don't let your menstruation interfere with living your best life.
• If using pads feels uncomfortable, you might want to try tampons or a menstrual cup to see if they're more comfortable. While tampons should be changed every 8 hours and menstrual cups every 10 hours, they can prevent leaks and might be more comfortable than pads.

• Wearing a long shirt can be helpful if you're at risk of leaks.
• Instead of a short skirt, try wearing jeans or tight-fitting pants that will keep your pad in place.
• Remember to change your pad or tampon regularly and don’t panic if your period stains your clothes. Just make sure you have spare underwear and pads to change into. Also, bring a bag for used pads if there's nowhere to dispose of them.
• Choose ultra-absorbent pads for better protection. Even on lighter flow days, you won’t need to change your pad as often.
• If your period stains your underwear, don’t throw them away—just wash them and keep them for the next cycle. You can wear slightly stained underwear, and if leaks happen again, it’s no big deal.
• To prevent blood stains, wash stained underwear in cold water with soap.
• Opt for brown, black, or red pants or shorts.
• Eat more calcium-rich foods to help reduce cramps.
• If you don't have pads, you can use toilet paper for lighter flow days.
• If you're with other girls or close friends, you can ask if they have a spare pad.
• Don’t panic if you leak, stay calm, grab your spare supplies, and head to the bathroom to handle it. You could try using thicker pads or night-time pads to avoid future leaks.
• Always carry an extra pair of underwear and pants in your bag.

• Be sure to change your pad regularly or when it seems "full". Keeping a dirty pad on for too long not only increases the risk of leaks but can also affect your health. It’s best to change your pad every 6 hours if your flow is light or normal, and every 3 hours if it’s heavy.