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 to have a game plan for how you’re going to deal with the situation– just in case. This two-part guide will help you 1) avoid period leaks at school and 2) coach you on the steps you need to take if your period does leak through your clothing at school. 

How to Prevent Period Leaks at School

Over time, you’ll get used to having a period and will be able to handle it even when it arrives unexpectedly. But when you’re still figuring it out, there are a number of tactics you can use to ensure period leaks at school don’t happen. 

1. Track your period. The best way to prevent leaks is to know when your period is coming and prepare accordingly. Either download a period tracking app or print out our Kt Period Tracker so you have a better idea of when it's coming. 
2. Wear dark colored clothing. Black pants will hide blood stains and no one will suspect a thing. You can add to this security by rocking our period underwear on days you think you may get your period.
3. Carry a period emergency kit. Read our blog post on how to stock a case with all the crucial period supplies you need in order to be prepared.
4. Head to the bathroom frequently. If you can feel wetness in your underwear, request a trip to the bathroom so you can check and see if it’s blood or not. Make sure you have your period emergency kit with you so you’re prepared. 

If you’ve already leaked through your underwear, read on for our step-by-step guide on what to do. 

What to Do if You Get a Period Leak at School

First of all, please don’t feel 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 that you can do to manage the situation with grace and ease to get through the rest of the day. 

1. Bring a change of clothes. Consider stashing a spare pair of pants or outfit change in your locker or backpack–you never know when these might come in handy and save the day! 
2. Carry a stain remover pen. If you happen to carry a Tide-To-Go or a similar stain remover pen with you, now is the time to whip it out (consider popping one of these bad boys into your Emergency Period Kit). If you don’t have one on hand, or are more into natural solutions, check out this recipe for a natural stain remover you can try when you get home.
3. Cover Up. If no change of clothes is possible, you can cover up the leak by tying a sweatshirt around your waist– boom, easy. If you happen to have a long cardigan or coat, time to pop that on.
4. Emergency Pads. This is a last resort, but if you don’t have access to any pads or tampons (check with the nurse first!), you can always create a makeshift pad out of toilet paper. It’s not perfect, but it’ll (hopefully) prevent your leak from getting any worse while you’re sitting in class.
5. Talk to an adult. If the stain is bad or noticeable enough, e.g. giant splotch on white shorts, talk to an adult. Ask them if you can go home to get a change of clothes or phone someone who can bring you the supplies you need. You deserve to feel confident in school, and your caregivers are there to support you with whatever you need. 

As soon as you're able to get home, rinse your 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 practice a little self care in the best way that works for you - play a video game, go for a walk, eat a snack. Remember that tomorrow is another day and in 20 years, when you're living out the future you've always dreamed of, no one is going to care about this.