A period leak can feel enormous when it happens , especially when you are wearing football shorts and surrounded by teammates.

But leaks happen. They can happen when your period starts unexpectedly, when your flow is heavier than usual, when a period product moves, or simply because you did not realise it was time to change it.

A leak is not something to be ashamed of.

What should I do first?

Find someone you trust and tell them you need a moment.

That could be your coach, another member of staff, a parent, carer or another trusted adult.

You do not have to announce what has happened in front of everybody.

You could say:

“Can I speak to you privately?”

or:

“I’ve leaked and I need to change.”

Then go to a toilet or private changing space where you can sort out what you need.

What if someone else notices before I do?

This can feel embarrassing, but remember that the person telling you may simply be trying to help.

If a teammate quietly lets you know, you can thank them and go and change.

If someone laughs, points it out loudly or tries to embarrass you, that is not okay. Tell your coach or another trusted adult.

Periods are normal. Nobody deserves to be teased because of one.

What if there is blood on my shorts?

If you have spare shorts, change into them somewhere private.

If you do not, ask whether the club has spare kit or whether a parent or carer can help.

You might be able to rinse a small stain with cold water, but you do not need to start washing kit in the middle of training. A waterproof or washable bag can be useful for taking stained clothing home.

And you do not need to apologise for getting blood on your own clothes.

Does leaking mean my period product didn''t work?

Not necessarily.

Every period is different. Flow can change from one day to another, and it takes time to learn how often you need to change a product.

A leak may simply mean you needed to change earlier, your period arrived unexpectedly or that particular product was not the best fit for what you were doing.

You can use it as information for next time , not as something to blame yourself for.

Can I go back and play?

If you have changed, feel comfortable and feel well enough, yes.

A leak on its own does not mean you have to stop playing.

But if you are also in a lot of pain, feel dizzy, faint, very tired or generally unwell, tell an adult and take a break.

How can I feel more prepared next time?

A few small things can help:

  • carry spare period products;
  • pack spare underwear and, if possible, shorts;
  • check your product before a match or long training session;
  • notice where the toilets are when you arrive;
  • tell your coach if you need to leave the pitch to change;
  • use the product that feels most secure and comfortable for you.

This is about reducing worry, not trying to guarantee that a leak will never happen.

What if I seem to leak a lot?

Occasional leaks are common.

But if you regularly bleed through products very quickly, need to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours, often bleed through clothes or bedding, or your periods are stopping you doing normal activities, tell a parent or carer and speak to a healthcare professional.

Heavy periods can be treated and are worth getting support for.

Remember

If you leak, the most important things are simple:

Get some privacy. Change what you need to. Ask for help if you need it.

Then, if you feel well enough, football is still there waiting for you.

Want to know more?

These Health Hub pages can help: