Education Hub

How-To Guides

Simple, step-by-step instructions for period products.

This section is designed for young people and their families. Everyone's body and experience with periods is different — if anything here feels confusing or you want to talk it through, a trusted adult, parent, school nurse, or healthcare provider is always a great person to ask.

Step by step

Choose a guide

Using a Pad

1
Choose your pad
Pick a pad size based on your flow — light, regular, heavy, or overnight. When in doubt, start with regular.
2
Peel the backing
Remove the paper backing to reveal the sticky side. If it has wings, leave the wing tabs folded for now.
3
Place it in your underwear
Press the sticky side onto the center of your underwear, centered front to back. Fold the wings around the edges and press them down.
4
Change regularly
Change your pad every 4–8 hours, or sooner if it feels full. Never wear the same pad for more than 8 hours.
5
Dispose properly
Wrap the used pad in the wrapper from the new one (or toilet paper) and place it in the trash. Never flush pads — they clog pipes.

Using a Tampon

1
Wash your hands
Always start with clean hands before touching a tampon or inserting it.
2
Unwrap and check
Remove the wrapper and make sure the string is hanging freely from the bottom of the applicator.
3
Get comfortable
Find a position that works for you — sitting on the toilet with knees apart, or standing with one foot raised on the toilet seat.
4
Insert gently
Hold the middle of the applicator, point the tip toward your lower back at a slight angle, and push in until your fingers touch your body. Then push the inner tube up to release the tampon.
5
Pull out the applicator
Remove both tubes of the applicator and dispose of them in the trash (not the toilet). The string should hang outside your body.
6
Change every 4–8 hours
Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours — this reduces the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). If the string is hard to find, stay calm and reach in gently to locate it.

Using a Menstrual Cup

1
Wash your hands and cup
Rinse the menstrual cup with clean water before each use. Before your first use ever, boil it for 5 minutes.
2
Fold the cup
The two most common folds are the C-fold (fold in half) and the punch-down fold (push one side in). Try both and see which feels smaller and easier.
3
Insert at an angle
Aim toward your lower back (not straight up). Relax your muscles as much as you can — tension makes insertion harder.
4
Let it pop open
Once inside, release the fold and rotate the cup slightly. You should feel or hear a small 'pop' as it forms a seal. Gently tug the stem — there should be light resistance.
5
Wear for up to 12 hours
Cups hold more than pads or tampons and can be worn for up to 12 hours, including overnight.
6
Remove and rinse
Pinch the base (not the stem) to break the seal, then gently pull out. Empty into the toilet, rinse with water, and reinsert. At the end of your cycle, boil it clean.

Using a Menstrual Disk

1
Wash your hands
Always start with clean hands.
2
Squeeze into a figure-8
Pinch the sides of the disk together so it forms a narrow oval shape for easier insertion.
3
Insert toward your lower back
Push the front edge up and back until it tucks behind your pubic bone. The disk should sit flat across the vaginal canal.
4
Check placement
Run a finger around the edge of the disk to make sure it's fully seated and the rim is tucked behind the pubic bone all the way around.
5
Wear for up to 12 hours
Like a cup, disks can be worn for up to 12 hours. Some people find them easier during sex than cups.
6
Remove carefully
Hook a finger under the front rim and tilt the disk level (keeping it flat) to avoid spills. Empty into the toilet and dispose of in the trash — disks are single-use.

Be prepared

What to keep in your backpack period kit

Getting caught off guard at school is stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. A small pouch tucked in your backpack means you’re always ready, whether it’s your own period or a friend who needs help. Here’s everything we recommend including:

2–3 pads or tampons

Pack your preferred product plus one backup of a different type in case your flow is heavier than expected.

Small zip pouch or pencil case

A discreet pouch keeps everything together and makes it easy to grab and go to the bathroom.

Pain reliever

Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with cramps. Check school policy before bringing medication.

A spare pair of underwear

Leaks happen — especially when you're first getting started or your flow is unpredictable. Keep a pair in a small bag.

Small pack of wipes or tissues

Unscented baby wipes are gentle and useful for freshening up if there's no soap available.

A small chocolate or snack

Optional, but a little treat for cramp days doesn't hurt. Dark chocolate also contains iron and magnesium.

Hand sanitizer

Helpful when soap isn't available — use before handling products.

Emergency contact card

Include a trusted adult's number in case you feel unwell and need to go home. Some students also add their doctor's name.

Need products to start your kit?

Beyond the Stigma provides free period products to students in the Los Angeles area. Reach out through our Contact page or Get Support page to request a starter kit — no questions asked.

Not sure what to use?

Choosing the right product for you

There’s no single “best” product — it really comes down to comfort, activity, and personal preference. Here’s a quick comparison:

Product	Best for	Wears / changes	Reusable?
Pad	First-time users, overnight, light days	Every 4–8 hrs	No
Tampon	Sports, swimming, active days	Every 4–8 hrs (max 8)	No
Menstrual cup	Heavy flow, cost-saving long term	Up to 12 hrs	Yes (years)
Menstrual disk	Heavy flow, during sex	Up to 12 hrs	No (single-use)
Period underwear	Backup protection, light days	Full day (varies)	Yes (wash & reuse)