Girl Talk: How to Feel Nice and Clean While on Your Period

Hi Admin,

This might sound silly, but my issues it that when I’m on my period, I’m really worried that it will leak through my skirt or clothes. I’m the only one in my class who has her period and going through puberty. I don’t want anyone to know about my period, but I’m really scared it will leak through. I’m also worried about the smell. Should I get bigger/thicker pads? I use normal at the moment. Thank you so much and I hope you can help.

RESPONSE: Don’t worry, that doesn’t sound silly at all! Worrying about your period leaking is a totally legitimate thing, because it can happen. However, it doesn’t happen all the time – it’s not like every time you get your period, it will leak, you know? Sure, sometimes it’s unavoidable and just happens, but there are some things you can do to prevent it.

There is one reason your period would leak onto your clothes, and that’s if the pad or tampon you’re wearing gets “full” and can’t hold anymore, leaving the blood with nowhere else to go. This will happen if your period is very heavy, or if you haven’t changed your pad or tampon in a long time. Make sure you’re changing your tampon or pad regularly (don’t forget about it for hours). How often you should change it depends on your flow. If you have a very heavy flow, you may need to change it once an hour. If you have a light flow, you may be able to go up to eight hours without changing it. You know your period best, so it’s something you’ll need to figure out.

You should also make sure you’re using the right kinds of pads or tampons. Again, this depends on your flow. If you have a heavy flow, make sure you’re wearing super pads or super tampons. If your flow is light, you can get away with regular tampons or thinner pads. If you’re using the right kind of tampon and changing them regularly, and you’re still worried, buy some panty liners (you obviously wouldn’t use these with pads). Panty liners are very thin and attach onto your underwear. It’s not the best form of protection, but it will help with a small amount of extra leakage and could make a difference.

As for the smell? You’re right, your period does have a stronger scent than how you smell during the rest of the month. Again, this is an issue that can be prevented by wearing the right menstrual products and changing them regularly. If you feel “smelly,” you can also shower more often during your period to stay clean and fresh. Spray on a little extra perfume, and you should be okay. I’ve also read somewhere that that tampons definitely conceal the smell better than pads.

One more note: please don’t feel embarrassed about having your period. I know it’s hard to be the odd one out, but soon enough, every other girl will get their period too. And I know this might sound weird, but a lot of those girls who don’t have it yet would probably be jealous that you do have it! The grass is always greener, right? Seriously though, periods are a part of life, and are nothing to be embarrassed about. They’re what make you a woman! That’s awesome! I know it seems scary in the beginning, but I promise they are completely normal. Good luck!

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