SUBMITTED STORY
When I first got my period at school it felt weird. I hated it. I did not like having to constantly move around. I just wanted to sit in one place. It was the worst when I would have P.E. Occasionally I would be allowed to sit out (depending on how nice the teacher was). Our school would provide pads but you would have to ask at the reception which was kinda awkward and not very discrete (I have thankfully never had to ask as I always made sure to carry extras just in case). A school I moved to, would have them in a box outside the nurses office and the head of year office which was nice. I think during school, being on your period felt like a massive burden and somewhat embarrassing at times like being in a mixed school and all. I would be paranoid in case I leaked on to a chair and someone saw haha. I don’t know why but opening a pad in one of the bathroom stalls with people around had to be the most nerve racking thing. I feel like it was embarrassing having others know you were on your period. It was silly stuff like that. Asking your friends to see if you’ve supposedly leaked had to be the funniest. I think it got better and less embarrassing when I finally realised that there’s nothing to be ashamed of and it’s perfectly natural, every woman experiences this. Now I don’t care and I feel okay with telling people that I am familiar with that I am on my period. I don’t use it to get out of things but people can be more understanding at times when you tell them e.g when you want to cancel on something. When my friends and I are both on our period at the same time- we have a little joke that we are blood sisters haha. I just find that funny. To all those reading this and are younger, please know that periods are not something to be ashamed of. Do not be embarrassed. Also they get better and more manageable as you get older. Using a period tracker, making sure to take pain relief, stocking up early on pads and having a heat pack are all life savers 💜
Anonymous, 19 – Birmingham