Menstrual leaks are common, rarely discussed openly, and easier to handle with a simple plan — here is what causes them and what to do.
Menstrual leaks happen to many women and girls, yet the subject is still treated as taboo in a lot of households and workplaces. A lifestyle guide published by The Ghana Report sets out what causes a leak and five practical ways to handle one when it happens away from home.
A period leak is simply menstrual blood passing through a pad, tampon or cup and staining clothing. Because it is rarely talked about openly, many people are caught off guard and embarrassed when it happens in public.
What causes a leak
The causes are not always obvious. Three come up most often.
Underlying health conditions. Women living with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that affects the ovaries, often have unpredictable cycles. Flow can swing from very heavy to amenorrhoea — the absence of a period for more than three cycles in a row. In the heavier months, leaks are more likely.
How the product is positioned. A pad that sits crooked will not cover where it needs to. Sleeping makes this worse because the body shifts position through the night. Menstrual cups carry the same risk if the size or fit is wrong.
Heavy flow. Some teenagers and women approaching menopause experience menorrhagia, the medical term for unusually heavy bleeding. Oestrogen levels, hormone imbalances, pregnancy and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the possible causes.
Five ways to manage a leak in public
1. Get to a washroom quickly. As soon as you suspect a leak, check. If there is a stain, dab it with cold water and a little soap, dry the spot as best you can, then wash your hands.
2. Cover up temporarily. A sweater tied around the waist hides the back of trousers or a skirt. A long shirt can be stretched down over the stain. A long jacket is the easiest fix of all because you can simply keep it on.
3. Add protection. Doubling up on pads lowers the risk of a repeat. If a pharmacy or shop is nearby, period underwear is another option — it is designed to be highly absorbent, holding far more than a tampon, though it costs more upfront.
4. Change clothes if you can. Buying a fresh pair of trousers and bagging the soiled ones removes the worry for the rest of the day. Keep doubling up on protection even after changing.
5. Plan your journey home. Sitting through a long trotro or bus ride in stained clothing adds stress. If you can drive, do. If not, a taxi or ride-hailing trip home is worth considering.
Above all, there is no reason for shame. A menstrual cycle is not something anyone controls, and open conversation is part of normalising it.
