How do teachers deal with that time of the month

[Earlycareerteacherr]

This is honestly a very real question. On my timetable I have days with back to back lessons. I just have no idea when I’d get to go to the bathroom.

My times of the month are really rough so I’m just wondering how you guys deal with them when you’re really busy and don’t get a second to use the bathroom?

If it comes to it there is always someone who can sit in with a class for 10mins if you need the loo.

You don’t usually have more than two lessons (so two hours) in a row without a break or lunchtime in between so there is always time to nip to the loo. If you come on a period unexpectedly then you can generally leave a class for two minutes (“just realised I left something on the photocopier”) either unaccompanied if sensible or with a TA / passing colleague / next door with the door open if not.

Don’t overthink it. It doesn’t take long for your bladder to become accustomed to the timetable and your period can generally be sorted at the same time.

I usually double up. My periods are really heavy for the first two days of every period since having DS. I tend to use a super tampon and a night pad. Seems to be working and keeps me safe from any potential leaks.

If it's really urgent, my TA will cover while I rush to the loo. I teach KS1 and our TA is always with us, though.

In most schools, there is a max of 2 hours or so between breaks. E.g. at my school, the longest stretch would be from 8.25am when reg starts to 10.45am when break starts.

So, I would ensure I used the loo just before reg and then go at break. Hard if you move rooms.over break but I find it's perfectly doable.

You do get used to it though. The hardest time for me was when I was pregnant (no periods obviously!). DS was a big baby! I mostly managed though or just asked a colleague to stand with the class.

I've had this problem. The school I work at no longer had morning playtime last academic year due to Covid , so some children came in at 8.30 as part of a staggered start, and lunch was at 12 so by the time I had got children settled it was 12.10. In normal times playground duty will mean there is no break so can be seen issue during non covid times.
I have had to ask a teacher next door to watch both classes at times when I am having a period. It causes lots of stress and I don't think management consider these issues. I have also flagged down a passing ta as well, or have asked one to cover my class for a few minutes at a pre arranged time. Not ideal but had to be done. My Dr put me on tablets to reduce the flow but I still need to change midmorning.

I use a cup

I always wear clothes with pockets so that I know I have something on my person and therefore can go to the toilet to change at any time. That has been in between lessons before (secondary) whilst leaving the kids lining up outside for 2 mins.

I love the idea of someone always being there and breaks!
This year I've had my class from 8.45 until 12.15 including over playtime as I had to supervise their play everyday because of covid bubbles. No TA. Tough luck!

I have struggled with this. Over bubbles i've had my class from 8.30 till 12.30 and had to supervise them at break and lunch. I've hadvto ask the teacher opposite to stand-in the corridor while I go to the loo and often change trousers. I keep trousers at school because I am perimenopausal and can flood.

I've asked to see a menopause policy in September.

And I do think it's a real issue, particularly in primary now we mostly don't have TA's.

Huge issue for secondary. Full day of teaching and duty at break also have no TAs.

Best conversation I have ever overheard in my teaching career.
Male SLT: we can’t help noticing that you are often late for lessons.
Female colleague: yes, I am. Have you noticed any pattern to this?
Male SLT: er….no.
Female colleague: I am late when I am on my period as I am changing my tampon. But no problem, I can be on time. Just checking though: are you happy for me to bleed down my legs in front of the children?
Male colleague: oh….er……erm…

Sometimes we just have to go to the loo! Even if that means we will be slightly late for the next lesson.

I use a moon cup and period pants and do sometimes have to pop to the loo between lessons. If I’m late then my class just waits (teacher in the next room can keep an ear out).
If slt ad an issue I would do as the above point and explain that I am bleeding heavily from my vagina. That’d end the conversation pretty quickly!

Honestly? I have a Mirena coil and don’t have periods. It is life-changing.

As a PP said I also have the mirena and it have been utterly life changing- from flooding through clothes in 30 mins and a heavy period lasting a week to a light period lasting 3 days where I can use a regular tampon.
I made this change for me though- not for ease at work.
I highly recommend it as I don't need to change often. Maybe only at lunch.
Hope that helps

I also have a Mirena, it does take a few months to settle down.

I haven’t had a period in years. Marvellous thing.

Break, lunch and period pants.

@WhenSheWasBad

I also have a Mirena, it does take a few months to settle down.

I haven’t had a period in years. Marvellous thing.

Snap. Was horrific before.

I double up by wearing period pants as well as a pad. I’m primary and I never have a TA with me but there is always the option of asking the teacher next door to temporarily watch from the doorway if I’m desperate.

Secondary so no TA. I got a diagnosis of menorrhagia so I got a classroom close to a toilet advised my occupational health. I let the prior class go immediately on the bell and have an activity on the board. I dash in, sort myself out and come back as fast as I can. It helps that my line manager gets the same