Do not feel embarrassed by any questions you may have. Your doctor is used to questions and is there to help you.
Ask your parent about a heating pad or taking pain medicine to help with your symptoms. The older you get, it will be easier to tell when your period is coming.
If you feel any wetness, go to the bathroom to see if your period has started. Your first period may only last for a few days and be very light. You may only see some reddish and/or brown spots. It should last from two to seven days. [5] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source You can wear panty liners if you suspect that your period may be starting soon. This will protect your clothes until you can use a pad or tampon.
Mark the first day your period starts, and then count the days until you bleed again. This will help you figure out the length of your cycle. Your periods may not come every month when you first start your period. It may take up to six years before you have a regular cycle. [7] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source The average length of menstrual cycle during the first year is about 32 days. [8] X Research source See your doctor if your period comes more often than every 21 days or less often than every 45 days. Also see your doctor if your period was once regular, but you begin to have irregular periods. [9] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source
All menstrual products come with instructions. Read them before you use the products. It will take practice for you to feel comfortable using the products. Take your time and don’t get frustrated. Do not use scented menstrual products. These products can irritate your skin and vagina. [17] X Research source Avoid perfumes and sprays as well.
Wash your hands before inserting the tampon. Relax when you insert the tampon. It can be painful if you do not relax. Using a tampon with an applicator will make it easier to insert. Change your tampon every three to four hours. You should not wear a tampon for longer than eight hours as this puts you at risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). It may be best to wear pads when you are sleeping. The reason for not wearing tampons at night is they absorb moisture. This makes the tampon become larger. Since you sleep for a long time usually the tampon will be larger and possibly a little more difficult to remove. The tampon will also not hold that much, so it may leak during the night. Tampons are good for swimming and sports activities. Use the string on the end of the tampon to remove it. If the string breaks, it is ok. You can gently use your fingers to find the end of the tampon and remove it. [19] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DOBoard Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. Do not flush tampons or applicators in the toilet. If you are having problems, ask your mother or someone you trust to help you. Using a small amount of water based lubricant may make it more comfortable for you to insert the tampon. This is especially useful if this is new to you.
Change your pad every three to four hours. Pads are safe to wear overnight. Do not ever flush your pad down the toilet. Wrap them in toilet paper and put them in the trash. Do not go swimming in a pad. The pad will absorb the water and become bulky. If you are having problems, ask your mother or someone you trust to help you.
Read the instructions that come with the cup for the best way to insert the cup. Instructions will tell you how to insert, remove, and properly clean the cup. Always wash your hands before inserting and taking out the cup. Menstrual cups can be worn overnight and for up to 12 hours. To remove a menstrual cup, put your hands inside your vagina and pinch the cup. This will release the cup from your vaginal walls. Once you grip the cup, pull it out and then empty the cup into the toilet. Wash the cup with mild, unscented soap and warm water before reinserting. If you are having problems, ask your mother or someone you trust to help you. Water based lubricants can be used with a menstrual cup. This may make it easier to insert and remove the cup, especially when your period is lighter.
Talk with your mom, sister, aunt, or another woman that you feel comfortable with. They can help you be prepared. Take your kit with you if you spend the night at friend’s house too.
You can also keep a change of clothes in your locker. As soon as you can, rinse your underwear and clothes with cold water and then put them in the washing machine. You may be able to get rid of the stain.
Some schools have tampon and pad dispensers in the bathroom. The toilet paper and tissue will not last for long. Try to find a pad or tampon as soon as you can — the school nurse is your best bet. Remember that the nurse is a healthcare professional and you don’t need to feel embarrassed to go to them and ask for help.
Many bathrooms have a small trashcan in the stall that you can throw your used pads, panty liners, and tampon applicators in. If you cannot throw it away in your stall, wrap the used product in toilet paper and then throw it away in the bathroom trashcan. Most girls will have their period. You will not be the only girl changing her pad or tampon at school.
Other people cannot smell you when you are on your period. As long as you change your pads and tampons regularly, you will be fine. Wear tampons when you are swimming and playing sports. They are more comfortable than wearing a pad and will allow you to move around better. [32] X Research source
