Although touchy topics such as impotence and masturbation are no longer considered unmentionables thanks to television, the subject of menstruation is still deemed taboo. "Early on, we're taught to be embarrassed about this natural bodily function," notes Hilda Hutcherson, MD, an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and author of What Your Mother Never Told You about Sex. "Menstruation is viewed in a negative light ‑- it's called 'the curse' or 'on the rag' ‑- even though menstrual periods are natural, normal and a sign of health."

Since there's almost an unspoken code that you don't dish about your period ‑- especially if something truly embarrassing has happened ‑- you may think you're the only one who's dealt with a mortifying menstrual moment. But after reading the following real women's stories, you'll know you're not alone when it comes to coping with a period-related disaster.

It's a Dirty Job
"I was at a business meeting with a client. I was at the end of my period, so I (a supersize girl) was wearing a regular-size tampon. At a break in the meeting, I went into the bathroom and discovered I'd had a final surge of blood that my tampon just couldn't absorb. I bled all over my underwear and right through my pants! I couldn't just ditch my client, so I freaked out. I took off my pants and underwear and tried to perform some personal hygiene triage. Thank God I had an extra tampon in my bag. I put my pants back on and exited the stall with my bloody panties in hand. I had to dump my underwear in the bathroom trash can and try to wash the outside of my pants while worrying that someone would walk in. Luckily, I had worn dark pants and a longish shirt. Suffice it to say, I could not concentrate on anything for the rest of the meeting. All I wanted was to get out of there so I could head home to clean off."
--Melinda Simmons, 37