How to Sneak a Pad or Tampon to the Bathroom at School

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Your period is nothing to be ashamed of, but it’s totally normal to feel self-conscious about it. Sometimes being open with these matters is difficult. If you don’t want everyone at school to know that you're on your period, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through some tried and true methods for smuggling your pads or tampons into the restroom.

1

Keep your supplies in a bag

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    When you need to change, carry the bag or case to the bathroom with you and take it into the stall. That way, you’ll have total privacy when you take out your tampon or pad! [1]
    • If you can’t have the bag or case with you in class, keep it in your locker or put it in your backpack. You can grab it on your way to the bathroom.
    • You might also be able to tuck a small tampon or pad into a large wallet, a change purse, or your phone case.
    • Some schools have strict rules about what kind of bags or containers you can carry with you during school hours. Check the school manual or talk to the nurse if you’re not sure what’s allowed.
2

Wear an outfit with pockets

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    Choose something with large or loose pockets if you’re worried about people seeing the outline of your period products. Put a pad or tampon in your pocket before you start the school day, or slip one in from your backpack or locker between classes.
    • If you wear a school uniform that doesn’t have good pockets, find out if you can wear a jacket with pockets over it. Even if it’s too warm to wear it all day, you can just put it on when you need to go to the bathroom.
    • A jacket with zippered pockets or inner pockets is ideal for stashing things away.
3

Slip a pad or tampon into your clothing

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    Before hitting the bathroom, palm a pad or tampon from your backpack or locker and tuck it away somewhere in your outfit. Slip it under the waistband of your pants or skirt and hide it under your shirt, slide it between your boot and your ankle, or put it under a bra strap. [2]
    • If you have long sleeves, you can tuck a pad or tampon under the cuff or roll it up inside your sleeve.
4

Hide it behind other items

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    Pretend you’re hitting the snack machine or going to refill your water bottle at the fountain. Then, take a detour to the restroom and change your tampon or pad.
5

Conceal a small pad or tampon in your hand

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    If you have nowhere else to hide your products, your hand might work. Pretend you’re fishing in your bag or locker for something else, like a tube of lip balm, and discreetly grab your tampon or pad.
    • If you use pads, this will work best with thinner ones that you can fold, roll, or bunch up into a ball.
6

Change it between classes

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    If you don’t have enough time between classes, try hitting the restroom at lunchtime. You can also do it when you have to change before or after gym class. [3]
    • When you’re moving between classes, you can carry your backpack or purse with you. Bring your bag with you into the bathroom so you can take out your period supplies in total privacy!
    • If you’re worried that you won’t have enough time to change between classes, talk to the school nurse or a teacher you trust. Chances are they’ll be happy to help you or give you some advice.
7

Make a period kit for school

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    Even when you’re not expecting your period, have products on hand in your locker just in case. [4] In addition to pads and tampons, you might want to include:
    • A spare pair of underwear in case of leaks.
    • Disposable baggies that you can put pads or tampons in before throwing them away.
    • Wet wipes to help you freshen up whenever you change.
    • Painkillers, like ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), in case you get cramps. Check with the school nurse first if you’re not sure whether you’re allowed to bring medications to school.
8

Try a menstrual cup as a reusable alternative

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    Read the instructions on your cup so you know how often you need to take it out and rinse it. Most cups can stay in for 12 hours, so you’ll be set for the whole school day! [5]
    • Depending on how heavy your flow is, you might still need to wear a light pad or pantyliner in case of leaks. If your cup does leak, you’ll need to remove it and rinse it before putting it back.
    • Cups can be a little tricky to use at first, and you’ll need to find one that fits. It might take some practice to get good at putting it in and removing it.
    • If the cup isn’t right for you, there are other alternatives that might work. For instance, you can get period panties or even period boxers to keep you fresh on light flow days. [6]

Video

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Insert a Tampon Without Pain

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are tampons better than pads?
    Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
    Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
    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.
    Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
    Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
    Expert Answer
    It's all a matter of personal preference. They both work, so it's really up to you. Keep in mind, if you're using tampons, you shouldn't leave it in for more than 4 hours. If you do, you may be at risk for toxic shock syndrome.
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      Tips

      • If you’re caught by surprise and you don’t have any pads or tampons, ask the school nurse, a trusted teacher, or a friend who’s already started their period. There’s a good chance they’ll have extras on hand! [7]
        Thanks
      • Chances are nobody will notice the sound of a wrapper crinkling while you’re changing your pad or tampon. But, if you’re worried about it, try covering up the sound with the toilet flush.
        Thanks
      • Talking to other people about your period can feel embarrassing at first, but remember that you’re not alone. About half the people in the world menstruate, and it’s a totally normal part of life.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
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      Warnings

      • Don’t try to go all day at school without changing your tampon or pad. Not only will you risk a leak, but you could get sick from bacteria that build up in the pad or tampon during the day. Try to change every 3-4 hours, or more often if you have a leak. [8]
        Thanks

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      References

      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html
      2. ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/06/dont-let-them-see-your-tampons/394376/
      3. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html
      4. ↑ https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/periods-hygiene/periods#practical-preparation-for-periods-nav-title
      5. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/tired-of-tampons-here-are-pros-and-cons-of-menstrual-cups/
      6. ↑ https://www.seventeen.com/health/a20963434/trans-and-non-binary-periods/
      7. ↑ https://www.girlslife.com/fitness/your-bod/19195/period-101-dealin-with-aunt-flo-when-schools-in-session
      8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/changing-pads.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can easily sneak a pad or tampon to the bathroom at school without anyone noticing. Keep your supplies in a spare pencil case, small makeup bag, or wallet so no one will see them. Keep some in your locker and some in your bag so you’ll always have easy access to your supplies. If you’re in class when you need to go to the bathroom, you can just stop by your locker on the way. You can also hide a pad or tampon up your sleeve, down your sock, or in your shoe. If you need to transfer one from your bag, use the sound of your bag ruffling to disguise the sound of the plastic wrapper. For more tips, including how to avoid having to leave when you have your period, read on.

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      • Lacy Stevens

        Aug 15, 2017

        "I'm very nervous when I need to change my pad at school but I am so prepared for my next period just by ..." more
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