We all experience our periods in different ways. Some of us struggle with cramps and mood swings and others have a heavy flow—and some of us get all of the above. But we have one thing in common, and that is leaks.
It’s just the worst to wake up to a stained bed sheet or have to check your clothes after standing up. If this is happening consistently, you may have heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) due to uterine fibroids. It’s not something to worry about, but you may want to bring it up at your next doctor’s visit. But for now, we’ve got a few tips to help you avoid unwanted stains and the embarrassment that goes along with them.
Pick the right pants. We all have our go-to period panties, right? The ones we only wear during that time of the month. To make sure they are doing what you need to do, you’ve got a good fit. We know you want comfort, but if they are too big, they will shift and leak easily. So, go for a snug fit with full coverage, this is no time for a thong, ok?
Sleep on it. We hate to say it, but there is no sleep position that’ll guarantee you won’t leak. But laying on your side can take some of the pressure off of your abdominal muscles while creating a good barrier. Plus, wear fitted pj’s to keep your underwear from moving around. You may also want to try a nighttime pad, they are designed to trap liquid to keep you comfy all night long.
Try something new. Tampons and pads are clearly the essentials but there are a few new items out there that you may want to try. Period underwear is specifically designed to keep you dry, clean and leak proof. You can purchase them based on your flow in a variety of styles. Or what about a menstrual cup? They create a great seal and can be worn for up to 12 hours.
Now, if you have uterine fibroids that are causing excessive bleeding or other problems, like leaks, it’s best to talk with your doctor about treatment. They will have some great ideas to help you avoid any future fiascos. So, keep a record of your cycle and don’t be afraid to mention your heavy periods at your next visit.