While you may have signs that your first menstrual period (menarche) is on its way - mood swings, thicker vaginal discharge (in these cases it's best to use a panty protector!) And cramps - there's no way to know for sure. when the first menstrual period will arrive. On average, it appears in girls between the ages of 10 and 16. If you are of an age where you expect it, then you would do well to prepare a kit containing what you need for when it occurs, and take it with you in case your first period starts when you are away from home.
This is a rough guide on what should be included in your first menstrual cycle kit …
Steps
Step 1. Get a handbag
You will need something to take the kit with you. A makeup bag is perfect, as it has a zipper and is small enough to fit in a larger bag, but big enough for the essentials. Choose a handbag you like. It can be so discreet that it resembles any other make-up container or, if you're braver, it might have 'MENSTRUATION KIT' written in large letters on the side. It is up to you to decide.
Step 2. Panty liners or sanitary napkins
Put panty liners and pads in your kit. Since you may not have a heavy flow the first time, you may only need to have panty liners, but it wouldn't hurt to have a couple of different pads either. If you want to use cloth pads the first time, or at least give it a try, get the same number you would use with disposable pads. At first, it is recommended that you try visiting online communities like Etsy.com to find cheaper brands, try out different styles, and save money. Change pads every 4-6 hours, so put enough pads in the kit for one day, i.e. 2-3 panty liners and 2-3 normal-sized pads.
Step 3. Swabs
It is best not to bring tampons in your kit, as it is likely that your period will be too light to use tampons. Also, the flow tends to change, so until you know how abundant it will be, you can't tell which type of absorbency is safest for you. If you use tampons, remember to change them every 4-6 hours and alternate them with tampons. So, take 1-2 mini tampons, 1-2 regular tampons and 2 regular tampons with you.
Step 4. Menstrual Cups or Soft Cups
Menstrual cups are internal like tampons, but safe to use right from the start and for any type of flow. Unlike tampons, the cups can be worn for 12 hours, with no need for replacement, and there is no risk of leakage as can happen with other solutions. Plus, they can be worn before your period arrives, so you don't even need a first cycle kit in this case. They are for more practical women and, therefore, not for everyone. Softcups are similar to menstrual cups, so they perform similarly in terms of safety and convenience, but can be more complicated to use. They are available in disposable and reusable versions for a single cycle, as they can be worn for 12 hours. In fact, you may only need one, but it would be nice to also have tampons when using softcups.
Step 5. Bring some money with you
In case you don't have enough stock with you, you can find sanitary pads in drugstores, supermarkets, detergent and grocery stores, large and small.
Step 6. Replacement Linen
Inconveniences happen, so having a pair of panties in your kit is a really good idea when you start to have your period. Just bring some underwear, simple, comfortable, clean, but maybe avoid the white one! Just put the old underwear in a bag, then, when you get home, rinse it under cold water and treat it with hydrogen peroxide before washing, to prevent it from staining.
Step 7. Containers for used items
Panty liners, tampons, tampons and soft cups do not rinse - most public restrooms have bins for used sanitary products. However, sometimes they aren't there or if you're at a friend's house you probably won't feel comfortable using their litter box. Therefore, disposable bags are a good idea. Usually in health food stores you can find scented bags suitable for this purpose. If you use reusable sanitary products, such as a cloth absorbent, then a small ziplock bag or wet bag is best for carrying used items.
Step 8. Painkillers
Cramps can be prevented, but until you learn how to manage them, bring some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, with you. You will only need 2-4. You can also use clary sage oil, rubbing it on the lower abdomen, and raspberry leaf tea, which has a beneficial effect. So, put some tea bags in the kit for when you are away from home. In addition, heat packs are ideal to carry for menstrual cramps, along with a sheet with instructions on which points to stimulate with acupressure to relieve cramps.
Step 9. Spray deodorant for the body
Menstruation is not dirty, but menstrual flow has a smell that can turn bad depending on what health products you use and how often you change sanitary pads - until you are used to managing this period better, a good deodorant spray for the body, after using the bathroom, it can make you feel more confident. Remember not to use it on the genitals.
Step 10. Wipes and handkerchiefs
Do not use baby wipes, hand wipes, or even so-called intimate wipes on the genitals, as they can cause irritation and infection, but these types of wipes are useful to have in your kit in case blood gets on your hands. It is also good to have handkerchiefs on hand to clean up in case of leaks or in case there is no toilet paper in the bathroom.
Step 11. Calendar and notepad
Your first period is a big deal. Even if you're not celebrating it, it's helpful to note the date on a calendar. Menstrual flow occurs on average every 28 days, although it varies from person to person and can be irregular for the first few years. It's a good idea to write down on a calendar when it shows up, so you have a better idea of when the next one is coming. You can also get an app to track your period on your phone if you prefer to save space in your bag.
Step 12. Something nice
Some girls' parents give their daughters special gifts to celebrate menarche or give them some books on menstruation. It is wise to talk to your parents about what you would like to receive or if you would like a book that will help you understand your menstrual cycles better. It is recommended that you celebrate with something nice to celebrate the big day or, if you may not be so eager to have it, a bar of chocolate can make that moment a little more bearable - either way your kit is ready to help you and it doesn't have to be just functional.
Advice
- If you are in school and don't have the kit, just ask a few classmates. There will most likely be other girls in the class who are having periods around the same time as you.
- If you have to be in school when your first period comes and you find that you don't have what you need, you can always ask a friend or teacher you trust. Don't be embarrassed.
- Remember that menstruation is neither shameful nor embarrassing. This is certainly not something to show off, but don't think it's the end of the world if someone notices your kit. Having it will only show that you are mature enough to be prepared for life's events, so just say "So what?" And carry on as usual.
- Menstrual cycles are good or bad, depending on how they come. There is nothing you can do during this time. Something negative is avoidable and there are many positives - don't let the attitude of other girls / women affect how you perceive them.
- If your period starts when you don't have the kit with you, ask a friend or other woman for a tampon, go to the store, or use the toilet paper folded in your underwear.
- Get a good menstrual cycle book to prepare yourself. An excellent book is Alexandra Pope's 'Menstruation'.
- Bring a spare pair of pants with you.
- Check out some menstruation kits for sale. For example, see the one proposed by "La Bottega della Luna", by visiting this page.
Warnings
- If you normally have friends rummaging through your bag, now is the time to set some limits so that they no longer rummage through your stuff to find your kit in the future.
- Store most supplies at home, in your bedroom or bathroom cabinet if it is a well-ventilated area, while in the kit keep only the essentials for when you are away from home.
- Remember that tampons are not a good idea to start with, at least for the first six cycles. The ideal would be to stick to tampons or use safer alternatives, such as menstrual cups.
