With symptoms like cramps, bloating, and tiredness, you probably don't spend a lot of time looking forward to your next period. But with a little preparation, your next period can be stress-free, even if you start at work or school. Our guide has all the tips you need to have a worry-free period, from easing your cramps and reducing your stress to choosing hygiene products and avoiding leaks.

2

Keep up with your cycle with a period tracker.

3

Track the placebos in your birth control pills.

  1. You'll have a period when you're taking these inactive pills. Although a birth control pill pack has 28 pills in it, only 21 of those are active. The other 7 are sugar pills. These pills, which may be a different color than your other pills, are an indicator of when you will have your period. If you are taking birth control pills that give you a normal monthly cycle, keep track of the sugar pills as a sign that you’ll be having your period.[3]

    Warning: Some birth control pills do not contain sugar pills in every pack. Talk with your doctor if you are confused about your birth control pills.

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6

Reduce waste with a menstrual cup or reusable pads.

  1. They'll save money in the long run, too. If you hate the waste of disposable pads and tampons, consider switching to a sustainable method. Menstrual cups act like tampons and catch the blood before it leaves your body. Reusable pads are just like regular pads, except instead of throwing them away, you wash them and reuse them. Although these products can cost more than normal pads and tampons up front, you will save money in the long run by using them.[6]
    • If you are just having your period for the first time, consider using pads for a while and then working up to a menstrual cup. They can take some practice to insert.
7

Choose the correct size of pads or tampons for your flow.

  1. The right absorbency will help prevent leaks. If you have a heavy flow, you may need super absorbent pads and tampons that get changed every few hours. If your flow is less heavy, you might use regular pads or tampons and change them every 6 hours. Try out different absorbances to see which is right for your period.[7]
    • It is always better to go for a more absorbent product. That way, if your flow is heavier than you expected, you won’t have a leak.
    • If your flow is super heavy, you can wear a pad and a tampon at the same time.
    • Most periods start out heavy toward the beginning of your cycle and get lighter as it continues.
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8

Change your feminine product regularly.

  1. Plan to use a new tampon or pad at least every 8 hours. If you are using a tampon, change it at least every 8 hours to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome. Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but life-threatening mix of bacteria that can build up on a tampon. Change your pad about every 8 hours or whenever it becomes uncomfortably full of blood.[8]
    • If you have a heavy flow, you may need to change your pad or tampon every few hours.
    • Changing your feminine product regularly also helps avoid unwanted odors.
    • Never wear a tampon to bed unless you know you will only be sleeping for 8 hours and are able to change it right when you wake up.
10

Use a heating pad or warm bath to relieve your cramps.

  1. The warmth will help ease your pain and help you relax. An electric heating pad or hot water bottle might be just the trick to help you feel better while you're relaxing on the couch. Similarly, you might take a long shower or a warm bath, allowing the water to cover your torso until your cramps ease up.[10]
12

Do some light exercise to relieve pain.

13

Wear comfortable, dark colored clothing when you go out.

  1. Bloating and leaks can make you feel uncomfortable. If you have school or work when you are on your period, consider ditching the skinny jeans and opting for sweatpants or loose fitting jeans that aren’t snug around your waist. Choose tops that aren’t super tight to leave room for bloating and make you feel more at ease.[13]
    • Keep a jacket to tie around your waist in case of leaks.
    • Wearing dark-colored pants can help avoid the embarrassment of a leak showing up through your jeans.
    • Avoid wearing white pants or shorts while you are on your period. A leak is much more likely to show up on white colored bottoms.
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Warnings

  • If you have debilitating pain during your period that you can’t relieve, talk to your doctor.
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About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 400,312 times.
14 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 57
Updated: December 1, 2021
Views: 400,312
Categories: Menstruation
Article SummaryX

Periods can be stressful, but if you plan ahead and are prepared, you can stay worry-free! The best way to avoid a surprise period is to keep track of your cycle. Period tracker apps, like Clue or Flo, are really helpful. If you aren’t keeping track of your flow, pay attention to Premenstrual symptoms like cramps, bloating, and breakouts, which usually start a few days before your period. To avoid being caught off guard, keep 2 or 3 pads or tampons in your bag at all times and make sure to replenish your stash often. It’s also important to use the correct size of pads or tampons for your flow. That way, you don’t have to worry about leaks. Finally, make sure to change your menstrual products often, which will keep you clean and prevent dangerous bacteria from building up. You should change your pad or tampon at least every 8 hours, but changing it every 2-3 hours is best. To learn how to stay comfortable on your period, read on!

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