How to Prevent Leaks and Stains During Heavy Flow Days

Periods bring a lot of hassle such as cramps, mood swings, odour, bloating, tiredness, and more.

If you have to worry about leaking even while using a sanitary pad, it makes things worse!

Heavy flow days sometimes come with the risk of visible blood stain on your underwear or your pants. In fact, over 86% of women around the world have experienced a period mishap. But it doesn’t mean you need to learn from the situation. You can always prevent these unwanted period stains with precaution. Here we bring to you some quick and useful tips that will answer the age-old question of how to stay dry and confident during your heaviest days:

Having the Right Kind of Protection for Heavy Flow

While every woman knows her period schedule, it’s equally important to track your flow. Since the blood flow can peak during the first two or three days of your cycle, it can be tough to manage. That’s why it’s suggested to carry some extra-absorbent sanitary pads along with some extra pads when going out.

These sanitary pads come in different sizes and thicknesses. For the heavy flow days, choosing the longer or overnight pads with wings can offer extra coverage and reduce shifting.

If you have sensitive skin that gets rashes too easily, go with chemical-free pads or organic pads as they are made from natural cotton and are free from synthetic dyes or fragrances. These kinds of pads are designed to provide great absorbency while being gentle on the skin, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin.

During the heavy flow days, even a minor mistake can cost a lot. For example, sitting in an inappropriate position in the office chair for a long time can cause embarrassment due to leakage. This is where using period underwear serves the purpose. They are specially designed underwear pieces that come with multiple absorbent layers. They can be either worn alone or used as a backup alongside a pad.

Change Timely to Avoid Overflow and Odour

Long office meetings or college classes without being allowed to use the toilets can be a nightmare for a woman in her initial period days. These are the situations that can easily cause leakage during heavy flow days. While it’s tempting to wear a pad or tampon and not change for the next few hours, this increases the risk of leaks, discomfort, and even unpleasant odours. When you’re in the heavy flow days, it’s always smart to keep changing your pad every 3 to 4 hours.

Period underwear is a good choice, but it’s also important to change it once it feels damp or after 6 to 8 hours. Make sure to keep in mind the flow type to determine how much the pad can absorb to save you from stressful situations and maintain good hygiene.

Layering Up for Confidence

Sometimes, it’s really going to be a long time, and you know that you won’t have time to change the pad even during heavy flow days. This is the time when you should follow the “layering up” rule, which can be a practical solution for your problem.

Using a sanitary pad under your period underwear can provide double protection, reducing the chances of leaks even during intense activity or overnight. Panty liners are also an ideal choice to be used with tampons or cups. To be safer, go with darker clothing on heavy days to avoid any accidental stains, giving you an added layer of confidence.

Preparation is Key: Tracking and Packing

Though not always, we all know when our periods are expected. When you have an upcoming travel plan during the period days, you can always plan ahead and manage your heavy days with less stress. Use period tracking mobile apps or a calendar to anticipate when your flow will be heaviest, allowing you to pack your bag accordingly. 

To be ready for the tough times, make sure to have a small kit with a sanitary pad, organic pad, and even an extra pair of period underwear. This ensures you are always prepared and it’s also a kind gesture to help out friends who might suddenly need supplies.

Accepting and Managing Leaks

No matter how well you stay prepared, leaks can still happen. But when they do, it’s wise to handle the situation calmly. Visit the nearest restroom and change your pad without being rushed and clean up as best as you can with wipes or tissues. In case you notice any stain on the clothing, rinse the area with cold water as soon as possible to remove as cold water helps prevent the blood from setting into the fabric.

If the stain happens at home, use a good stain remover or simply grab hydrogen peroxide to lift stubborn stains. Carry a long scarf or cardigan to tie around your waist, especially when you are wearing light-coloured clothes.

Evolving Your Period Care

Not every human body is the same, so their menstrual needs also vary. For some women, periods may be just like other normal days, while others may experience heavy cramps or massive flow due to hormonal changes, health conditions, etc. Make sure to keep track of changes in your period flows to make the required changes in your pads. For example, based on the changes in flow, you may need to upgrade to more absorbent sanitary pads.
When leaks are consistent, consider investing in high-absorbing period underwear, as they’re a more reliable and efficient backup choice.

Concluding

Dealing with period leaks or heavy flow days isn’t just about staying clean, but also about being confident during your period. Being prepared and vigilant is the key to taking control of your menstrual health.

Remember, periods are normal and will be there until you reach the menopause. By being prepared, you can avoid the hassle, so choose the suitable products and also carry some additional supplies to handle the situation during emergencies.