What if you don't have a pad or tampon? What can you use for your period?

Okay, so if you're caught without a pad or tampon, you can actually use toilet paper for a little while to protect your underwear while you figure out a better plan.

Toilet Paper is Your Quick Fix

So, literally, roll up a bunch of toilet paper and tuck it into your underwear. It's not going to be super absorbent, especially if your flow is heavy, but it'll totally work for a little bit to prevent leaks onto your clothes. You'll need to change it pretty often, like every hour or so, just to keep things fresh and stop any accidents. Think of it as a temporary shield.

What To Do Next

Then, the next step is to find a trusted grown-up as soon as possible. They can help you get the actual supplies you need, whether that's a pad, tampon, or even period underwear. Don't be shy about it, this happens to everyone and adults get it. If you're at school, the school nurse or a teacher might have some extra supplies, or they can call someone for you.

It's always a good idea to keep an extra pad or tampon in your backpack, just in case your period surprises you! You never know when it might show up, especially when you're just starting out.