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Getting your first period is a sign that you're growing up, and periods in general are a good sign that your body is healthy and working the way it's supposed to. Unfortunately, periods are also quite messy, and they can sometimes pop up in unexpected moments. To make sure you're always prepared, follow our guide on how to make a period kit!
Steps
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Get a small bag or purse. [1] X Research source You need something to serve as your kit! But make sure it is big enough to hold pads and, if you use them, tampons. It would be handy if it had compartments!- You might not want a bag that is too big if you plan on carrying it around with you.
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Get some menstrual products. Usually, your first period is very light and just spotting, so pantyliners are perfect. For a heavier flow, you'll want pads or tampons. Alternatives are menstrual/soft cups , period underwear or reusable, cloth pads. You'll need about three liners and three pads or tampons to last you through a work or school day. Be sure to change your pad every 4-6 hours and your tampon every 6-8 hours. [2] X Research source- Try out different levels of absorbency for products to find out what works for you. [3]
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Expert Source
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. It is likely you will need different absorbencies for different times of your period. - If you plan on using period underwear or reusable pads, take along an extra bag to keep used ones in.
Advertisement - Try out different levels of absorbency for products to find out what works for you. [3]
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Expert Source
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
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Add pain medications. There's a high possibility you'll get period cramps, which aren't pleasant. Ibuprofen works well to reduce the pain and it may reduce flow for some people. [4] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. Make sure that you don't exceed the daily limit listed on the label. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Usually you can take one or two 200mg tablets at a time up to three or four times daily. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source -
Add a small calendar and pen. If you're unsure of when exactly your period is, write down the date every month until you find your pattern. [7] X Research source Keeping a diary for this purpose is also very useful. You can also take note of other symptoms you experience throughout the month to get a better idea of what to expect. -
Include extra underwear. [8] X Research source Extra underwear can be helpful, especially if you stain your current pair of undies. In this case, you'll want a Ziploc bag to hold your stained panties.- You may find that wearing period underwear before and during your period can help prevent stains. You can wear them with or without another period product.
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Add in an extra pair of bottoms as well if you have space. This is in case your period is exceptionally heavy and your product leaks through to your clothes. It can be uncomfortable to be wearing blood soaked clothes.- If this is a regular problem, consider doubling up on period products, changing your product to something that doesn't leak, or taking birth control for lighter periods.
- Be aware of the hormonal changes that occur with the consumption of birth control pills. Only use it if you know the pros and cons. [9] X Research source
- Talk to your doctor if you experience a lot of leakage and excessively heavy flow! [10]
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Expert Source
Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. This could be the sign of an underlying condition, such as endometriosis or fibroids.
- If this is a regular problem, consider doubling up on period products, changing your product to something that doesn't leak, or taking birth control for lighter periods.
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Get some hand sanitizer. It always helps when the bathroom's out of soap! -
Include some flushable wipes. Make sure that they are biodegradable and not scented. Scented products can cause vaginal irritation. -
Add in a small plastic bag to hold soiled underwear and/or pants. A plastic bag can also be useful if there is not a place to dispose of a used tampon or pad (on a hike, at the beach, etc.) -
Put in some spare change, in case you forget to refill your kit and need to get some from a machine. -
Put in some chocolate (optional), especially dark chocolate - make sure it's in a Ziploc bag as well. The chemicals in chocolate can help with your cramps and satisfy that craving you're probably having. [11] X Research source
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QuestionI'm nervous about losing a tampon up there. What happens if the string breaks?Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.Don't worry! Your tampon won't actually go anywhere or "get lost." If the string breaks, you can just reach up and pull it out. Wear a glove and use lubricant to be safe and make the process easier.
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Tips
- If you're in school, make sure you and your friends have extra kits in your lockers just in case one person forgets. You will always have a friend to help you out.Thanks
- If you want to be more discreet, try putting your products in a glasses case or your pocket.Thanks
- Keep a kit in every bag you have, so you don't have to keep replacing them.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Come up with a secret code among your friends for when you're on your period and need their help. For example, your code might be saying, "Hey, can I use your red pen?" This can help prevent any embarrassment or awkwardness when you're around other people.
- Don't be embarrassed or scared to walk up to your teacher and tell them you need to go to the restroom. If they for some reason ask why, you can quietly tell them it's a girl emergency or that it's your time of the month.
- If you have your first period at school and don't have a kit, ask your teacher if you can go to the nurse's office to get a pad or tampon. They typically also have medication and heating packs that can help with cramps.
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Warnings
- Never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours. Doing so could cause toxic shock syndrome.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Small bag or purse
- 2-5 pads depending on your normal needs
- 1-2 tampons
- Panty liners
- Pain medication
- Underwear
- Pants, shorts, skirt, or any other comfortable extra clothing
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
Snacks
- Money
References
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/daughters-first-period-how-to-prepare#1
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/pads-tampons.html
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374944
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/how-and-when-to-take-ibuprofen/
- ↑ https://youngwomenshealth.org/askus/how-do-i-keep-track-of-my-periods-each-month/
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/daughters-first-period-how-to-prepare#1
- ↑ https://americanpregnancy.org/preventing-pregnancy/birth-control-pills/
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.insider.com/foods-to-eat-when-you-have-cramps-2018-5#10-top-all-your-hard-work-off-with-some-dreamy-dark-chocolate-10
About This Article
Article Summary
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To make a period kit, first get a small bag with a zipper that you can take on the go discreetly, like a pencil case, make-up bag, or small clutch. Start with 3 sanitary pads or tampons, which should be enough to get you through the day if you get your period. You should also add some ibuprofen (like Advil), which can help with pain from cramps, as well as an extra pair of underwear in case you need to change. It's also a good idea to include a plastic bag in case you need to store stained underwear or used sanitary items, and a to-go pack of cleansing wipes just in case. Finally, don't forget to pack something that will cheer you up in the moment if you need it, like some candy or gum. To learn what to do if you run out of pads or tampons, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I got my first period when I was on vacation in another state. I was so unprepared. When I got home, I found this article and I was so excited that I had my very own period kit that I made myself. Now I always have it with me and it has been such a lifesaver, especially since I almost always get my period when I'm on vacation or right before a big event. I also made my friend one who just got her period! 2 things that I would recommend to add to this kit are tissues and candy!" ..." more
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"I got my first period when I was on vacation in another state. I was so unprepared. When I got home, I found this article and I was so excited that I had my very own period kit that I made myself. Now I always have it with me and it has been such a lifesaver, especially since I almost always get my period when I'm on vacation or right before a big event. I also made my friend one who just got her period! 2 things that I would recommend to add to this kit are tissues and candy!"
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"I haven't gotten my period but I've had discharge for 3 months, and want to be prepared. I've done a lot of sex ed., so I won't be scared or surprised when I get it. The only thing I'm scared of is asking my mom about panty liners for discharge, because it's staying my underwear a lot."
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"This helped me as It showed and helped me prepare step by step for what I will need in my period kit as I had no idea what to do out in public.This article also has good advice of how to get through your first cycle too! This was by far the best website."
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"I have a 12-year-old daughter who is most likely close to having her very first period. I love the idea of making her a First Period Kit! I have never heard of this, but I really think it's a great way to show her that we mothers totally understand."
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"I'm a teen and I wanted to prepare for my period, but I didn't know how. What I did was search how to get prepared, and it said to make a period kit. I searched how to make a period kit, and wikiHow popped up. It helped me a lot. "
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