What if I get my period at school and only find out in the bathroom? How can I go back to class to get my pad and ask the teacher to go to the bathroom AGAIN without her asking what happened and me having to explain with some girls overhearing everything? This is difficult for me, I don't feel comfortable talking about it with the teacher! Do you think it's better to tell the teacher at the moment or always carry a pad in my pocket so I don't feel embarrassed having to speak in front of the teacher?

Oh, friend, what an awkward situation, I totally understand you! The best thing to do is ALWAYS carry a pad in your pocket or backpack and not have to tell anyone at the moment. Like, keep one in your bag and an extra pad loose inside your school pencil case. Or inside the pocket of the coat you're wearing. It's an essential item, just like a pencil and an eraser, you know? This way, you'll be at ease and won't have to go through this hassle.

What to do at the moment

If, by chance, you forgot and your period came as a surprise in the bathroom, the ideal thing is to try to get the pad from your backpack first. Ask the teacher if you can go to your locker or your backpack quickly, say you forgot something important. If that's not possible, or if your underwear got stained, then you can talk to the teacher. But you don't need to give details! You can go up to her and say very quietly, like, 'Teacher, I need to go to the bathroom again, it's a female emergency, please.' They usually understand very well and don't ask any more questions. If she's more insistent, you can say you have a stomach ache or you're not feeling well, and ask to go to the nurse's office. But you don't need to say it's your period if you don't want to.

Count on a friend

Another good idea is to have a friend for support. If you have a friend who already menstruates, or who you trust, you can ask her for help. She can lend you a pad or go get it from your backpack with you. Girls help each other out in these situations, I swear!

Keeping track of your cycle in the [Sosô app] can help you predict when your period will arrive and prepare in advance, so you're never caught by surprise! And if you want to know more about how to prepare, check out our [Sosô blog].