Hear from others how they recommend preparing for a situation where you might not have a bathroom nearby to change your tampon.
I totally understand this! I get performance anxiety, too. The first way to get past your fear is to practice more with tampons. The more comfortable and experienced you are with them, the less stressed you’ll be putting one in in public. Next, you can start wearing tampons out only when you know you’ll be able to find a bathroom. Going to school, the mall, out to dinner -- these are places where you know there will be a restroom. If you’re going someplace where you aren’t sure if there will be a bathroom, you can plan ahead by wearing a pad instead or changing your tampon just before you arrive so you won’t have to change it while you’re there. And remember, if you really need a bathroom to change your tampon, it’s OK to ask for help. Tell someone you’re with (like your mom or teacher) or someone in charge that you have an emergency and need to use a bathroom immediately. They should be willing to help!
I have definitely found myself in public situations with no bathrooms, and the trick to handling these while on your period is to plan ahead. This is the time to wear a liner, or even a smaller pad (if you know you’re going to be there a while, for example) with your tampon.
I’m trying to imagine where you would be for an extended period of time without bathroom access. My issues usually come up at my son’s baseball games. Usually you can find a coffee shop or even a gas station if you’re really desperate.
It can take a while for most girls to become comfortable with the “logistics” of their periods. When, where, and how to change their period products is a concern that many girls share with you. My recommendation is that if you choose to wear tampons, that you also wear (and carry with you) panty liners. This way, if you have trouble finding a bathroom, you’ll have back-up protection in place, and this should buy you a little more time! Also, if you find it hard to get comfortable enough to insert a tampon when you are in a public restroom, it is totally fine to use pads instead. Try to remember that dealing with your period can be a big adjustment. By taking it a step at a time and doing what feels most comfortable for you NOW, you will begin to feel more secure and confident (and hopefully a lot less afraid!).
From one day to the next, and even from morning to evening, the amount of menstrual blood your body sheds changes. Learn how to pick the right absorbency for your period.
Learn MoreKnowing the right kind of product for your flow will help you be prepared so you won’t waste product on light days and you won’t ruin clothes on heavier days.
Learn MoreHaving your period is totally natural and normal and you don’t have to feel alone or shy about it.
Learn MoreThis is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
Check out these smaller-sized pad with heavy-flow absorbency. U by Kotex Teen® Pads are totally perfect for your younger girls learning the ropes and have vibrant colors with cool patterns.
View ProductSay hello to your new favorite pad for heavy flow days. U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Pads feature Xpress DRI® Core for crazy, fast absorption to help stop leaks.
View ProductGo from compact to full-sized protection in one quick move with U by Kotex® Click® Tampons. Perfect for travel and pocket-sized, to go where U go!
View ProductThis super-thin pad has some crazy fast absorption that you can trust. And with its added length and uniquely shaped wings. It'll keep you comfortable while helping stop leaks dead their in tracks.
View ProductTracking is simple! Use our FREE Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts.