The Perils of White Pants

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OK, I've done a board search and couldn't find an answer. I hate to ask this question, but honestly, this has not ever come up for me. And I really need advice.

Being a 43 year old woman, my menstrual cycle can be a teensy bit unpredictable -- but I can count on a couple of days a month in which I need to have ready access to a bathroom every couple of hours or else I need to change clothes.:eek: Up to this point in my life, I have managed to a) not wear white pants and b) have pretty ready access to facilities.

So... tomorrow is my first actual day with a patient. Our uniforms are white (why on earth, I have no idea, did someone think it was prudent to stick woman in white pants...). And lucky me, it's that time.

How do others handle this? Our instructors haven't said a word (about much, actually) and we won't get instruction about how to handle breaks (if even there will be any), etc., until pre-conference. And I sort of need a plan before then.

And (possibly TMI): I wear a tampon and a maxi, and still I find myself having emergencies. My gynecologist knows this and doesn't have any concern. I take iron for anemia. I begged her to take my uterus (because I'm finished using it) but she said no. I'm even considering incontinence underwear. ANY advice would be much appreciated.

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I dont think its too much to ask to duck into the ladies room every couple of hours. I doubt you could do it every 20 minutes, but if that was the need, you'd probably be passing out from blood loss. :) If its a concern, definitely mention it to your teacher (hopefully your CI is a woman!) but I'd really be suprised if they expected you to go more than a couple of hours before using the bathroom.

As for white pants... look at it this way. If you DO get them messed up, they are the only color that is bleach-to-heck'able. Thats why I love white scrubs anyways. :D

and maybe bring a spare just in case.

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OK, I've done a board search and couldn't find an answer. I hate to ask this question, but honestly, this has not ever come up for me. And I really need advice.

Being a 43 year old woman, my menstrual cycle can be a teensy bit unpredictable -- but I can count on a couple of days a month in which I need to have ready access to a bathroom every couple of hours or else I need to change clothes.:eek: Up to this point in my life, I have managed to a) not wear white pants and b) have pretty ready access to facilities.

So... tomorrow is my first actual day with a patient. Our uniforms are white (why on earth, I have no idea, did someone think it was prudent to stick woman in white pants...). And lucky me, it's that time.

How do others handle this? Our instructors haven't said a word (about much, actually) and we won't get instruction about how to handle breaks (if even there will be any), etc., until pre-conference. And I sort of need a plan before then.

And (possibly TMI): I wear a tampon and a maxi, and still I find myself having emergencies. My gynecologist knows this and doesn't have any concern. I take iron for anemia. I begged her to take my uterus (because I'm finished using it) but she said no. I'm even considering incontinence underwear. ANY advice would be much appreciated.

Considering that you are done with your baby making I can feel your frustration! Honestly you may want to consider the pill, not one of the seasonale just a standard generic pill, so if you have insurance it would be maybe $10 a month. There is a ton of research to back up the pill helping reduce the flow and duration of your period as well as make it more regular. Maybe this isnt an option for you for one reason or another because your OBGYN didnt offer it or you didnt want to have to take a pill but I thought I would throw it out there, nursing school is stressful enough it sucks when you need to worry about something else too. My mother had this problem for the first 25 years she had her period and said that the pill was a life saver and she wished she did it sooner. She did the same thing with the tampon and pad, sometimes every hour and had lots of clots. Anyway, good luck and try to remember you dont have to deal with this and even if the pill is not an option there are others but you need to advocate for yourself with your doctor and tell em you've had enough! Oh another thought, my mother (now this sounds silly) but she used to wear a pir of spandex shorts ( the shiney kind that repell sweat/fluids) under her clothers to hold the pad in place firmly and add an extra layer incase of leaks - I am sure they come in white. GOOD LUCK!!!! :)

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OK, I've done a board search and couldn't find an answer. I hate to ask this question, but honestly, this has not ever come up for me. And I really need advice.

Being a 43 year old woman, my menstrual cycle can be a teensy bit unpredictable -- but I can count on a couple of days a month in which I need to have ready access to a bathroom every couple of hours or else I need to change clothes.:eek: Up to this point in my life, I have managed to a) not wear white pants and b) have pretty ready access to facilities.

So... tomorrow is my first actual day with a patient. Our uniforms are white (why on earth, I have no idea, did someone think it was prudent to stick woman in white pants...). And lucky me, it's that time.

How do others handle this? Our instructors haven't said a word (about much, actually) and we won't get instruction about how to handle breaks (if even there will be any), etc., until pre-conference. And I sort of need a plan before then.

And (possibly TMI): I wear a tampon and a maxi, and still I find myself having emergencies. My gynecologist knows this and doesn't have any concern. I take iron for anemia. I begged her to take my uterus (because I'm finished using it) but she said no. I'm even considering incontinence underwear. ANY advice would be much appreciated.

presuming you have ins, i would think a D&C, or endometrial ablation should be in your future....def talk to doc about it.....good luck

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Specializes in ER.

i hear ya, loud and clear! but, you can always go to the bathroom every so often to check things. i wouldnt say anything about it to my instructor because #1 she might not be understanding, #2 she might use your going to the bathroom frequently as an excuse in the future. in nursing school, discretion is everything!

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Oh another thought, my mother (now this sounds silly) but she used to wear a pir of spandex shorts ( the shiney kind that repell sweat/fluids) under her clothers to hold the pad in place firmly and add an extra layer incase of leaks - I am sure they come in white. GOOD LUCK!!!! :)

I'd recommend full length leggings under a pair of pants. Not only do they help hold everything place and provide an extra layer of protection/coverage, but they can also provide extra support to your legs. And they prevent pantylines without suffocating your feet like pantyhose can.

If you're really worried about leakage, add a layer of those stretchy shorts under the leggings. You should be able to catch leaks before they make it to the outermost layer. You could keep an extra pair of shorts and pants on hand just in case as well.

I'd also recommend spending the extra money to buy white pants that are a more fitted design made of strong, thick material (versus shapeless, baggy, thin pants). They will fit better (again keeping everything in place better), wash better, and resist through spotting better. The thicker fabric can also make it easier to find a color of leggings that doesn't show through.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

Have you considered looking into the Diva Cup or Keeper? I have used one for years and have never had a leak. They hold quite a lot of fluid and all you will have to do it empty it out and go back to work, certainly not every 20 minutes. Just one more option you may have never heard about or considered before.

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I can only speak for myself, but my clinicals have never been as hectic as I was told it would be.. I've always had time to duck into the bathroom or grab a drink when I needed. As long as you've checked on your patient or patients and they are safe.. there shouldn't be a problem I wouldn't think.

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Specializes in NICU.

The other posters had great suggestions. The only thing I can think of to add is to bring along a sweater to tie around your waist, just in case :).

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I used to be on Loestrin 24 Fe. It made my periods very light and they only lasted 3 days. It is the best pill I have been on. Unfortunately, I guess I went through some hormone changes at 22 (is that normal?) and I started breakthrough bleeding every month and had to switch pills. Loestrin is a great pill if your Dr. thinks it is suitable for you.

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Specializes in Burn, Ortho, Trauma.

I also recommend discretion until you get a feel for your clinical instructor on the first day. They are not always who they appear to be.

The ideas you have been given are all good. I agree on the thicker pant and pantyhose underneath. I wouldn't go too crazy with layers because you'll sweat a lot! We get to wear a vest that covers our butt in the white pants. That has been my saving grace during that week of the month, which always seems to be on a clinical weekend. I even have a job interview with my clinical weekend while Aunt Flo is visiting this week! YAY!

good luck, you're a grown woman, you'll make it work. I promise. :)

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I haven't had the chance to wear white pants yet, but I do know about leaks because my flow is very heavy. So another vote for spandex tights. When I wear those even if my visitor makes it past the liner & undies, she won't go past the spandex. I was a soldier so there were ample times I could not get to the bathroom to make a change. Never once did anyone see anything obvious.

Give it a try!

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