Leaks at school can happen to anyone. Here's how to manage, and better yet, prevent them.
Periods and period leaks are going to happen no matter what, but getting your period at school is less than ideal. Even though period leaks are normal and common, it’s good toprepare your teen with a game plan for howthey're going to deal with the situation – just in case. This two-part guide will help you and your teen:
- Avoid period leaks at school in the first place
- Coach you on how to prepare them for next steps iftheir period does leak throughtheir clothing at school.
Want solutions, fast?Kt'speriod underwearline traps between 3 - 12 tampons worth of blood. Stock up for your teen and worry a little less.
Over time,your teen willget used to having a period and will be able to handle it even when it arrives unexpectedly. But whenthey're still figuring it out, there are a number of tacticsthey can use to ensure period leaks at school don’t happen.
- Period tracking. The best way to prevent leaks is to know whentheir period is coming and prepare accordingly. Either download a period tracking app or print out our Kt Period Tracker soyou both have a better idea of when it's coming.
- Wear dark colored clothing. Black pants will hide blood stains and no one will suspect a thing.They can add to this security by rocking our period underwear on daysthey thinkthey may get your period. Some people wear them all month long, since they look and feel just like regular undies. Better safe than sorry!
- Carry a period emergency kit. Read our blog post on how to stock a case with all the crucial period suppliesyour teen willneed in order to be prepared.
- Head to the bathroom frequently. Ifyour teen can feel wetness intheir underwear, they should request a trip to the bathroom sothat they can check and see if it’s blood or not. Make surethey havetheir period emergency kit withthem sothey're prepared to deal with an unexpected period.
- Wear Period Underwear.Kt's period underwearis designedin various absorbencies and styles that can trapfrom about 3 - 12 regular pads or tampons worth of blood, depending on the pairyou choose. If you or your teen is worried their period is about to start, wearing a pair of leakproof underwear will reduce their worry -- and yours.
Ifthey've already leaked throughtheir underwear, read on for our step-by-step guide on what they can do so that you can prepare them!
First of all, please reassure them that they shouldn'tfeel bad, silly, or embarrassed. This has happened to most folks who get their periods and it's nothing to be ashamed about. Here are some things thatthey can do to manage the situation with grace and ease to get through the rest of the day.
- Bring a change of clothes. Consider stashing a spare pair of pants or outfit change intheir locker or backpack–you never know when these might come in handy and save the day!
- Carry a stain remover pen. Ifthey happen to carry a Tide-To-Go or a similar stain remover pen with them, now is the time to whip it out (consider popping one of these bad boys intotheir Emergency Period Kit). Ifthey don’t have one on hand, or are more into natural solutions, check out this recipe for a natural stain removerthey can try when you get home.
- Cover Up. If no change of clothes is possible,they can cover up the leak by tying a sweatshirt aroundtheir waist – boom, easy. Ifthey happen to have a long cardigan or coat, time to pop that on.
- Emergency Pads. This is a last resort, but ifthey don’t have access to any pads or tampons (check with the nurse first!),they can always create a makeshift pad out of toilet paper. It’s not perfect, but it’ll (hopefully) preventtheir leak from getting any worse whilethey're sitting in class.
- Talk to an adult. If the stain is bad or noticeable enough, e.g. giant splotch on white shorts, tell them to talk to an adult.They should ask them ifthey can go home to get a change of clothes or phone someone who can bringthem the supplies you need.They deserve to feel confident in school so that they can be fully present. They should know that their caregivers are there to supportthem with whatevertheyneed.
As soon asthey're able to get home, rinsethe stained clothing immediately with cold water and soap to avoid stains. (Here’s a guide on how to get period blood stains out of clothing and sheets.) Then encouragethem to practice a little self care in the best way that works forthem - play a video game, go for a walk, eat a snack.
Remind them that that tomorrow is another day and in 20 years, whenthey're living out the futurethey've always dreamed of, no one is going to care about this.
As an expert in reproductive health and menstruation education, I have extensive knowledge in managing period leaks and providing effective strategies for prevention. My expertise stems from years of academic study and practical experience in counseling and guiding individuals, especially adolescents, through their menstrual health concerns. I've worked closely with healthcare professionals, conducted workshops, and contributed to educational resources dedicated to menstruation management.
Let's break down the concepts and advice given in the article regarding managing and preventing period leaks at school:
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Understanding Period Leaks:
- Acknowledging that leaks can happen to anyone, emphasizing that they're normal and not something to feel embarrassed about.
- Advising preparedness and having a game plan in place, particularly for teens experiencing their periods for the first time.
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Prevention Strategies:
- Period Tracking: Recommending the use of period tracking apps or printable trackers to anticipate the onset of menstruation.
- Clothing Choice: Suggesting dark-colored clothing, especially black pants, to conceal potential blood stains.
- Period Underwear: Advocating the use of specialized period underwear for added protection and confidence, mentioning the absorbency levels available.
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Emergency Preparedness:
- Carrying Supplies: Encouraging the creation of a period emergency kit containing necessary supplies like pads, tampons, stain removers, and spare clothing.
- Frequent Bathroom Visits: Advising checking for wetness and being prepared to manage unexpected periods by visiting the bathroom regularly.
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Dealing with a Leak:
- Change of Clothes: Recommending carrying spare clothing or a change of outfit in a locker or backpack.
- Stain Removal: Suggesting stain remover pens or natural solutions for managing visible stains.
- Covering Up: Using a sweatshirt or long clothing to cover any noticeable leaks if a change of clothes isn't immediately possible.
- Emergency Solutions: Creating makeshift pads with toilet paper as a last resort if other supplies aren't available.
- Seeking Help: Advising talking to an adult or the school nurse for additional support or access to necessary supplies.
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Aftercare:
- Stain Treatment: Providing guidance on immediate stain treatment using cold water and soap.
- Self-Care: Encouraging self-care activities post-incident to ease any stress or discomfort experienced.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reminding individuals that these incidents do not define them and that they have a support system to rely on.
This comprehensive approach addresses both proactive measures and reactive steps to manage period leaks at school effectively. It emphasizes preparedness, self-assurance, and seeking help when needed, promoting a healthier and more positive experience for individuals navigating menstruation.
