This article was co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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Having your period and having to change menstrual products is nothing to be ashamed of, but it’s totally normal to feel self-conscious about it. Sometimes being brave with these matters are difficult. If you don’t want everyone at school to know that you're on your period, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through some tried and true methods for smuggling your pads or tampons into the restroom.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionAre tampons better than pads?Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DODr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Board Certified Obstetrician & GynecologistIt's all a matter of personal preference. They both work, so it's really up to you. Keep in mind, if you're using tampons, you shouldn't leave it in for more than 4 hours. If you do, you may be at risk for toxic shock syndrome.
Warnings
- Don’t try to go all day at school without changing your tampon or pad. Not only will you risk a leak, but you could get sick from bacteria that build up in the pad or tampon during the day. Try to change every 3-4 hours, or more often if you have a leak.[8]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html
- ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/dont-let-them-see-your-tampons/394376/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html
- ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/periods-hygiene/periods#practical-preparation-for-periods-nav-title
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/
- ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/health/a20963434/trans-and-non-binary-periods/
- ↑ https://www.girlslife.com/fitness/your-bod/19195/period-101-dealin-with-aunt-flo-when-schools-in-session
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html
About This Article
You can easily sneak a pad or tampon to the bathroom at school without anyone noticing. Keep your supplies in a spare pencil case, small makeup bag, or wallet so no one will see them. Keep some in your locker and some in your bag so you’ll always have easy access to your supplies. If you’re in class when you need to go to the bathroom, you can just stop by your locker on the way. You can also hide a pad or tampon up your sleeve, down your sock, or in your shoe. If you need to transfer one from your bag, use the sound of your bag ruffling to disguise the sound of the plastic wrapper. For more tips, including how to avoid having to leave when you have your period, read on.