Story About How to Change My Pad

January 2025 | Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Story About How to Change My Pad - Darker Skin

This is how I will change my sanitary pad.

I will go to the bathroom for privacy.

I can keep clean pads and underwear in a bag so I can bring the supplies to the bathroom with me.

When I go to the bathroom, I will pull down my pants and my underwear. I will sit on the toilet.

I will take the dirty pad out of my underwear.

I will fold it in half so I do NOT see the blood. Then I will wrap it in toilet paper.

I will throw the pad and toilet paper in the garbage can.

I will NOT throw it into the toilet.

I will make sure there is no blood on my underwear. If there is, I will need to put on clean underwear.

I will get a new, clean sanitary pad out of my bag.

I will open the wrapper and take the pad out.

I will remove the paper so I can see the sticky tape.

I will put the clean pad in my underwear with the sticky side touching my underwear.

I will make sure the pad sticks to my underwear.

I will throw the paper away in the garbage can.

I should also use the toilet and wipe to make sure I am clean.

I will pull up my underwear and pants.

I will take my bag of supplies with me when I leave the bathroom.

I will wash my hands.

If I have questions or need help, I can ask a parent.

To access all visuals on this topic, please see our Menstruation (Period) Visuals page.