To ask that if you have heavy and irregular periods, how do you manage leaks on day 1?

[LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet]

TMI warning!

So my periods are consistently irregular. They can be anything from 18 - 33 days apart. I have no warning signs - none at all. No pains, no gut feeling. The only way I know they’ve started is a huge gush on day 1 that 9 times out of 10 ends up in a massive leak. My periods are extremely heavy from the first moment they appear and I have to hope that on day 1 I am at home or very close to a toilet and wearing black.

Today I have spent the best part of my morning in a pub toilet, standing in my knickers at the sink with my hoodie wrapped round my waist, trying to wash my jeans, which were absolutely covered. Hoping and praying no one would walk in - we came out for breakfast so it was super quiet and only one woman came in and sympathised while I was drying them under the hand dryer , but it was still mortifying. To make matters worse due to a prolapse after having my DC, the blood gets everywhere not just on the crotch.

I have been to the doctors to try and get help, but I was literally laughed at and told periods are tough and part of being a woman. I’ve tried various contraceptives but all of them had horrible side effects so I gave up.

What do other people do if they experience the same? Short of wearing a sanitary towel every single day I don’t think I can take this any more, I leak at work, I leak at the school run and I feel like I’m forever having to think of cunning ways to sneak out places without my bum being seen. I’m completely fed up

I have a similar issue, although possibly not as heavy. I essentially use period knickers from 2 weeks after my period or if I have run out, I use a sanitary towel and regular underwear. I also take a mentral cup, feminine intimate wipes and spare underwear in my bag. I find the menstrual cup very handy as unlike a tampon, it doesn't cause an issue if you use it while not on a period.

Good luck. I highly recommend the period knickers & menstrual cup combo.

Get back to your doctor and go and see a gynaecologist. Do not let them dismiss you, you've obviously got a problem and it needs to be sorted.

I bloody hate the way women's gynae issues are just brushed under the carpet...

Also, have you tried to track your ovulation in your cycle? I find mine is always after ovulation, which gives me a bit of a grace period. I went to the gp and had all sorts of appointments. Turns out it's just ovulation bleeding... or so if been told. Apparently is unusual but does happen.

Do you want more DC? If not get an ablation it transformed my life.

I’ve had so many experiences like the one you describe.

I always used to have a change of clothes in car/at office. I’d take a long scarf out with me so that I could drape it down my back over my bottom and worst case could wrap it like a sarong to get to bathroom.