9 Stealth Ways to Transport Your Tampons

Yahoo Health
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Discretion doesn’t have to be boring—period. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Why is it that getting your period always seems to coincide with the exact same night you’re going to a concert where security will be checking purses…or the work trip where you’re surrounded with male colleagues? It’s annoying enough that you’re facing three days to a week of cramps and that generally yucky feeling. Must you also face the embarrassment of trying to smuggle a tampon or pad to the bathroom like it’s illegal contraband? Stress no more. Here are nine perfect ways to keep your feminine products on the DL and maybe even have fun while you’re doing it.

1. A Lipstick Tube
Love that cool tube your fancy lipstick came in and a little devastated that the lipstick itself has run out? No need to toss it just yet! Embrace your inner DIY diva, clean the tube out with some water and Q-tips, and voila—you’ve repurposed it into a compact tampon holder!

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<p style=“ color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;”><a href=“https://instagram.com/p/qidgkrCtYO/” style=“ color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;” target=“_top”>A photo posted by Cosmetic Manufacturer (@lipstickchemist)</a> on <time datetime=“2014-07-17T04:17:36+00:00” style=“ font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;”>Jul 16, 2014 at 9:17pm PDT</time></p>
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2. A Decorative Case
Some of the fabric cases that are intended for holding tampons and pads are actually really cute and come in a wide variety of colors and fabrics. They also look like wallets, though, so just make sure you’re grabbing the right item when you go to pay for your snacks at the game. Here’s a super fun tie-dye case available from KelleyThreads on Etsy:

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(Photo: KelleyThreads/Etsy)

3. In Your Sleeve
When it comes to a surreptitious hand-off from a female friend or a workplace run to the bathroom, the sleeve is a good old reliable standby. If you’re not wearing a long-sleeve shirt, tucking it into your waistline is also a solid option.

4. A Sunglasses Case
You finally threw down for some expensive shades, and in classic you form, you lost them three days later. The upshot is that you still have the case they came in and can use it to hide tampons and pads, all while appearing sun-safe and ready for a day at the beach.

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<p style=“ color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;”><a href=“https://instagram.com/p/36fINolPGr/” style=“ color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;” target=“_top”>A photo posted by Kate Buckingham (@akrasiagirl)</a> on <time datetime=“2015-06-14T15:01:39+00:00” style=“ font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;”>Jun 14, 2015 at 8:01am PDT</time></p>
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5. A Travel Mug
Want to keep a few tampons in your car just in case? Throw a couple in an old travel coffee mug. No one is going to open that to see what’s inside, and it will keep your feminine products nice and warm.

6. A Pencil Pouch
You haven’t used a pencil since before you bought a pad of the “i” kind, but you still have that cute pouch you used in art class in college. Keep a couple of tampons or pads in there, and erase your fear that they’re going to fall out of your purse every time you open it.

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<p style=“ color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;”><a href=“https://instagram.com/p/39nAcRxQGC/” style=“ color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;” target=“_top”>A photo posted by piaskytte (@piaskytte)</a> on <time datetime=“2015-06-15T20:08:13+00:00” style=“ font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;”>Jun 15, 2015 at 1:08pm PDT</time></p>
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7. A Hollowed-Out Book
If you’re feeling crafty, check out a tutorial on how to create a hollowed out book. They’re classy-looking, sophisticated, and a smart way to appear even more well-read than you already are.

8. Inside a Hat
If nature calls while you’re on a hike or spending the day at the park, a hat can work as an incognito way to get to the restroom without broadcasting to the world exactly what you’re doing in there. Talk about using your head.

9. A Fanny Pack
Whether you’re out dancing or on a daytime adventure, fanny packs are definitely not just for your dorky uncle anymore. They come in all kinds of cool shapes and materials and can look awesome with a hot blouse and skinny jeans. They’re also the perfect way to stash products, along with your cash and cards—all while keeping your hands free and your mind off of whether you’re about to drop more than sick moves on the dance floor.

More from Women’s Health:

8 Major Period Problems—Solved

How Your Period Affects Your Runs

This Artist Uses Period Blood in Her Work—See the Stunning Images

By Tess Barker