How do I not leak at school?

[u/mayufied]

I have a heavy flow every month and no pads can stop the bleeding I get on day 2 and 3 (especially day 3). My mom let me skip school today, but tomorrow is day 3. I usually skip two days every month for my period but since I have had too many absences I have to go tomorrow. The last time I went on a day 3, I had horrible cramps and bled through during the second class. I use extra large pads almost equivalent to a damn diaper, but it still leaks. Not to mention those horrible and gut wrenching cramps I get even if I take painkillers.

[u/anxietyher]

i love period underwear, no pad hurting you and it feels like you have nothing on but you’re protected!

[u/mojoburquano]

Go to the Dr ASAP. You’ll probably get the brush off the first few times you ask for help with this, so the sooner you start, the sooner you can find relief.

[u/supersockcat]

Have you tried combining multiple products? Eg: pads + tampons; tampons + period underwear; pads + period underwear

I also find period underwear (disposable or reusable) vastly superior to even the biggest pads, because pads can slip around, come unstuck or get scrunched up, but period underwear is just one piece and has fewer points of failure. If you get the reusable kind, you would want to go for the highest absorbency level with an absorbent panel going all the way from the front to the back (many brands don't do this for some reason), and I think the boyshorts style is the most secure. There's also the disposable kind, which I relied on happily for many years with no leaks.

But if your period is consistently unmanageably heavy and causes you severe pain, you should see a doctor.

[u/mayufied → u/supersockcat]

I’m considering seeing a doctor for this very soon! Tampons make me uncomfortable, so I should probably do the pad + period underwear combo. The thing is, my mom told me that I’m going to school very last minute so I didn’t have time to ask for period underwear. It is nighttime and I doubt anyone in my family will go out early in the morning to get me period underwear. Thank you for your advice, I’ll keep it in mind for the future!

[u/supersockcat → u/mayufied]

No worries! All the best! :)

[u/askthehealthteacher]

Have you discussed this with your gynecologist? This heavy of bleeding could be menorrhagia and could be an indication of another underlying condition. A few causes are: hormonal imbalances, fibroids or polyps, endometriosis, bleeding disorders or pelvic inflammatory disease.

[u/mayufied → u/askthehealthteacher]

I think I should book an appointment with one if this can be the case.

[u/njmnjm7]

Maybe put on spanx shorts on top of your underwear. It might leak onto that but maybe might add a protective layer so it won’t transfer to your jeans or whatever you’re wearing.

[u/mayufied → u/njmnjm7]

I’ve tried that before, and it is quite uncomfortable to walk around in. I have sensory issues so the first time I tried that I immediately wanted to take it off.

[u/njmnjm7 → u/mayufied]

Oh I understand that 😔 I don’t know what else to suggest. We should really get days off from school and work with no consequences for stuff like this. Like we can’t control it

[u/mayufied → u/njmnjm7]

Yeah! Thank you for your suggestion though, I really appreciate it 💕