Being a private matter, no one needs to know the nitty-gritty of your menstrual cycle. The timing only concerns you and to better manage yourself and your hygiene you need to be well-equipped in anticipation of your period. To hide your period simply means to keep the details to yourself as well as self-management at times of inadequate supplies or accidents.
Be prepared:
Near the expected start date of your period, you should keep yourself prepared by carrying your supplies with you while going to school or work and dressing in dark colours (to hide stains or leaks). If you have a locker at school or workplace, keep your feminine sanitary supplies, extra underwear and toilet paper there. A pair of extra pants or clothes is also a prudent idea. During your period make sure you are carrying enough supplies to be able to change every 4-5 hours.
Fill up your stock:
Make sure you have your stock of pads, tampons or disposable menstrual cups ahead of your period. This will save you the inconvenience of running for supplies in an emergency and create a brouhaha. Supplies are best replenished along with groceries, usually, if you shop for groceries monthly or weekly. Stock up your stash then or at least in the week you expect to get your period.
Always locate a restroom:
It is a good idea to orient yourself with a place you may be visiting for an errand, recreation, leisure, meetup or official meetings. When you are on the go, you may need to make a trip to the restroom. Therefore it is always safe to know where the ladies room is when you enter such a place. You can look at the guide map in, for example, a mall, museum etc, or you may ask the receptionist or shop assistant at a hotel or restaurant, hospital, shop, airport etc.
In case of accidents:
In case of leaks or when you are unable to get any supplies at the onset of your period, don’t worry. Firstly, look for an extra piece of clothing you may be carrying or wearing like a sash, scarf, shirt or sweater that you can wrap around your waist to hide a stain. If that is not available, you may be able to hang a bag low enough to just keep behind your back or waist. As mentioned above, wearing dark clothes, especially dark printed fabric, may camouflage accidental stains until you can change. In general, it is a good idea to keep with you a small extra piece of clothing during your peak period days to help in case of an accidental leak.
Ask for help, in case of emergency:
If you find yourself away from home and without your supplies when your period begins, do not hesitate to ask someone for help. At school, the school nurse has sanitary supplies, so quietly go to her. Or if you feel you need help getting the supplies, ask one close friend to help you out. When visiting someone’s home, you may ask the host for help. Likewise, find the appropriate person to help you in an emergency situation, if it is not possible to purchase any of your supplies at the time.
Think about mobility:
Depending on how mobile you are during your work or school day, you will have to carry supplies accordingly during your period or near your expected period date. A regular traveler or commuter should keep in mind the fact that she could need her sanitary supplies while she is on the go. However, sometimes simply carrying supplies may not be enough for a commuter as there may not be a changing area or a restroom available. In such a case, try to commute standing if possible.
Being discreet at home:
Even at home, you should have a private cupboard for personal belongings that is out of bounds or out of reach of younger siblings or children. This provides you with privacy and being able to keep things to yourself.
These tips will help you manage yourself best during your period, without anyone knowing when you got your period. Being prepared will save you from a lot of hassle and unnecessary embarrassment.
Written By: Amna Saadat Ali
