If your flow is heavy or you are wearing clothing that stains easily, getting your period unexpectedly without having supplies can make you feel helpless.The key to surviving this challenge is to stay calm and use available resources until you can get back home.
Step 1: Go to a restroom as soon as possible.
You can determine what supplies are needed for the time being if you assess your period in full.A heavy flow may only require a thin pantyliner, while a lighter flow might only need a pad.Many periods start off light and get heavier as the day goes on.When choosing supplies, keep that in mind.If your periods tend to get heavy, it might be a good idea to plan ahead and choose something more absorbent.It may be more difficult to get to the restroom in some situations.Even though there is no shame in asking your teacher for a restroom pass, it could seem embarrassing if you are in the middle of a classroom.You could ask for a pass to the clinic instead if it makes you more comfortable.
Step 2: Ask another female to give you some supplies.
If you face an unexpected period in the past, most women will give you one or two supplies you can use to help you through the day.Asking strangers in the bathroom, female staff and co-workers, or female classmates who have already gone through puberty is outside of your comfort zone.Purchase feminine products from the dispensers.Most public female restrooms have these types of dispensers.If other females don't have cash, ask if they can spare change so you can buy supplies.
Step 3: You can make a makeshift pad.
To make a makeshift pad, use toilet paper, gauze, and other supplies.You can make a makeshift pad if you can't find the supplies for your period.If you need to secure your panties with a generous amount of paper towels or toilet paper, you can use the nearest available first aid kit.Don't wear makeshift feminine hygiene products.If makeshift tampons are made from supplies that aren't safe for your body, they can increase your risk for toxic shock syndrome.
Step 4: It is possible to ease the pain naturally.
There are a few natural options you could try if you don't have any pain medication on hand.If you have a heating pad that is readily available, try applying it to your lower abdomen because heat is one of the most effective options.If you don't have a heating pad, you might consider relaxing your abdominal muscles through deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.It is possible to lightly massage your abdomen with your hands.
Step 5: The evidence needs to be hid.
If you suspect your period has leaked through your clothing, tie a jacket or sweatshirt around your waist.This can help mask stains until you can return home.You can change into dark colored clothing.If you don't have supplies on hand, try changing into a dark-colored skirt, pants, or shorts.If it is going to be awhile before you can get supplies, dark colors can help mask stains.
Step 6: As soon as possible, purchase supplies.
If you aren't able to get home for several hours, or if you know you have no supplies at home, you'll need to head to the store and purchase what you need as soon as possible.This could mean pads/tampons, pain relief, and heat patches.Buying your own supplies can seem daunting if you are young and have never done so before, but keep in mind that this is an experience shared by all women.There is nothing to be ashamed of.Since this may seem less embarrassing than approaching a male cashier, try to go to a store with multiple checkout lanes and look for a lane operated by a female cashier.You can avoid the cashier by choosing a store with self-checkout lanes.
Step 7: Get things under control and clean up stains.
Absorbing fresh blood and securing supplies should be your top priority, but once all of that is taken care of, you might want to clean blood stains from your clothes.If the stain is fresh and relatively small, blotting it with cold water is the best option.If you want to remove stains, add a little salt or laundry detergent to the water, or use a special stain removal agent with your fingers.Make sure you use cold water to avoid setting the stain, as you should be able to wash it as usual.
Step 8: Understand that it happens to almost all women.
At some point in a woman's life, she faces at least one unexpected period without having supplies on hand.Don't allow yourself to feel frustrated, angry, or helpless when this happens; just acknowledge that it happened, and that you can prevent it from happening again in the future.Delaying will give your period more time to soak through your clothes, even if you feel tempted to delay action due to feelings of embarrassment.You will be able to take care of the problem and move on if you accept the situation for what it is.
Step 9: Don't be angry, stay calm.
The calmer you are, the quicker you can address the situation.Staying calm and not making a scene can help you avoid a personal dilemma.If you need to calm down, try some deep breathing: inhale slowly over a count of four, hold your breath for another four seconds, then exhale slowly.Continue until you calm your nerves.Reframing negative thoughts in a more positive way is possible.Instead of thinking, "Everyone will find out and tease me," try something more proactive, like "This is an uncomfortable situation, but it's temporary and normal, and I'll get through it soon enough."
Step 10: Limit the explanations.
If blood is soaked through your skirt or pants, you might be worried.The best way to handle the situation is to give as little information as possible to those people.It is normal to feel embarrassed about your period if you are still young.If any guys want to know what the problem is, they can just say you aren't feeling well.You can excuse yourself from the situation.
Step 11: Plan for some self-care.
Periods can be a lot of work without the drama of being caught.It is possible to make the experience less traumatic by turning it into an excuse to relax.When you get home and have time to rest, you can plan a relaxing activity.You could eat comfort food on the couch and binge-watch your favorite shows.Comedy or silly movies can work well together.Light exercise is an option.Light exercise can help reduce pain and make you feel better if you go for a walk.You might find the experience rewarding emotionally if you walk in a beautiful park.
Step 12: The experience can be used to learn.
If you learn from the experience, it will be better for you to forget about it.You should come up with solutions to prevent the problem from happening again.
Step 13: Track your periods.
You should keep a record of your period every month.The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but can range from 21 to 45 days.The more familiar you are with your body, the better you can predict your period.The start and end dates of your last period can be marked on the calendar.It is easier to know when yours is coming when you average the number of days in between periods.You could use a period tracking app to track your period in a similar way.
Step 14: You should note symptoms every month.
You can make sure you have supplies if you know when your period is coming.Breast tenderness is one of the side effects of menstruation.Irritability or fatigue can also be noticed.It is important to know your own pre-menstrual symptoms because your body is a little different than most women.If you keep one in your journal, consider creating a separate journal for this purpose.
Step 15: Supplies should be kept in multiple places.
You should always have supplies nearby if you store pads and tampons in several places.In your home, store supplies in your purse, backpack, car, desk, locker, and bathroom.As soon as your current period ends, replenish your supplies instead of waiting for the next time you need them.When the time comes, you won't have to worry about it because you'll be prepared in advance.