Most girls start menstruating between the ages of 9 and 15. However, you cannot know the exact date and time of your first period (menarche). You may feel scared and uncomfortable at the idea, but you can prepare yourself in time for this event. Having all the accessories ready and knowing what to expect can make your first period a little easier.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Get the Appropriate Accessories
Step 1. Choose products to absorb menstrual blood
Pads, internal and external, or the menstrual cup are all suitable for this purpose and avoid staining clothing. Most girls start by wearing sanitary pads, but you can try different products until you find the one that best suits your needs. Sanitary pads and internal pads are available in different sizes. The products that have the words "light" or "super-thin" on the package are suitable for women with a light or low flow, while those defined as "super", "maxi" or "night" are useful for heavy losses.
- All menstruation products are accompanied by proper instructions; read them before using them.
- It takes practice before you start to feel comfortable using such products; take your time and don't get frustrated.
- Do not use perfumed or fragranced products, as they can irritate the skin and vagina. Also avoid perfumes and sprays for intimate hygiene.
Step 2. Learn how to use a tampon
It is a cotton "plug" that must be inserted into the vagina, once inside you should no longer feel it. Most women sit on the toilet, squat or lift one leg to put it on. Find the most comfortable position for you; you shouldn't feel pain during insertion, but you may experience some discomfort the first few times.
- Wash your hands before putting it on.
- Relax during the procedure, it may be more painful if you are tense.
- It is easier to insert the internal pad with applicator.
- Change it every 3 to 4 hours.
- You don't have to keep it more than 8 hours; during the night it would be better to use a tampon.
- The internal ones are great when swimming or doing sports.
- Use the string on the end to remove it.
- Do not throw the applicator down the toilet.
- If you're having trouble, ask your mom or a trusted friend to help you.
Step 3. Learn how to use the tampon
This is placed on the underwear and is equipped with an adhesive strip that keeps it in place. You can use the models with wings to feel more confident and better protect your clothing and panties.
- Change it every 3 to 4 hours.
- The tampon is safe to use at night.
- Don't throw it down the toilet, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash can.
- Do not go swimming when you are wearing it, as it absorbs water and becomes bulky and bulky.
- If you have trouble using it, ask your mother or someone you trust to help you.
Step 4. Evaluate the menstrual cup
This accessory is made of rubber, silicone or plastic and is inserted inside the vagina; it has the shape of a small bell and is reusable. You may think it's large and the idea of inserting it into your vagina might be scary, but it actually fits your body perfectly. As with the tampon, you shouldn't feel discomfort once the cup is inserted, although it is generally more complex to use than other solutions and takes longer to learn to handle.
- Read the instructions that are included in the package to find the best insertion technique; the directions explain how to put it on, take it off and clean it properly.
- Always wash your hands before putting it on and taking it off.
- You can keep it all night and up to 12 hours.
- To remove it, put your fingers inside the vagina and pinch the cup; in this way, the "sucker" effect is canceled and the cup detaches from the vaginal walls. When you have managed to grab it, pull it out and empty it into the toilet. Wash it with a mild, unscented soap and warm water before inserting it again.
- If you have trouble using it, ask your mother or a trusted friend to help you.
Step 5. Use a panty liner for added protection
This is a very thin pad that you can wear when you put on the internal tampon or menstrual cup; protects clothing and underwear from any blood leaks. You can also wear it when you have a light flow and don't want to keep tampons, tampons or menstrual cup.
Step 6. Prepare a kit with all the accessories to take to school
It may contain the devices you have chosen to use for menstruation (such as pads, tampons, menstrual cup and panty liners), as well as a spare pair of panties just in case; you can also decide to keep some spare clothes for safety. You can store the kit in your backpack, bag or school locker.
- Talk to your mother or some other adult you feel comfortable with to help you prepare the kit.
- Take it with you when you spend a night at a friend's house.
Method 2 of 3: Know What to Expect
Step 1. Talk to your doctor
During your visit to his office, he undergoes a physical exam and can tell you how the development phase is progressing. He can roughly know when your period can start and can help you be more prepared. Take the opportunity to ask him all the questions and doubts you have about menarche.
You don't have to feel embarrassed about these topics; the doctor is used to it and is able to help you
Step 2. Pay attention to physical symptoms
Before menstruation begins, you may feel sore breasts, cramps, abdominal swelling, and develop acne reactions. However, keep in mind that you may not even have any symptoms on your first cycle.
- Ask parents for permission to use an electric warmer or pain relievers to manage symptoms.
- Over time it will become easier and easier to tell when your period starts.
Step 3. Know when your period is about to begin
Usually, menarche (the first menstruation) occurs around 12-14 years of age. It is a loss of blood from the vagina that can be different colors, from red to brown and also have lumps. If you are 15 and haven't had your period yet, you need to talk to your parents and doctor about it.
- If you feel like your underwear is wet, go to the bathroom and check if your period is starting.
- The first menstruation can last only a few days and manifest itself with a very light flow; you may only notice some reddish and / or brownish loss that lasts 2 to 7 days.
- Consider wearing a panty liner if you suspect that your period may be imminent. this way, you can protect your clothing until you put on the tampon or use other devices.
Step 4. Try to predict when your next period will begin
The monthly menstrual cycle begins on the first day you lose blood and usually lasts between 21 and 45 days, although on average it is 28 days. It may be helpful to use a calendar or a smartphone app to keep track of your period. This allows you to recognize typical patterns and know when your next period will begin.
- Write down the day they start and count the days that pass before bleeding again; by doing so, you can know the length of your menstrual cycle.
- At first, you may not even have your period punctually every month; it may take up to 6 years for the cycle to settle.
- See your gynecologist if you have your period less than 21 days or more than 45. You need to be examined even if you have had a steady period, but now it is starting to be irregular.
Method 3 of 3: Handle Common Problems
Step 1. Be prepared for possible spills
Sometimes, blood can stain clothes; you don't have to worry about it, it is a situation that happens to all girls at one time or another. If you are at home, change immediately; if you are away from home, you can wrap a jacket or sweater around your waist to hide the stain and then change the tampon or pad.
- You can also take a change of clothes if you left it in the locker or kit.
- Rinse your underwear and clothes as soon as possible with cold water and then wash them in the washing machine; this way, you should be able to get rid of the stain.
Step 2. Know what to do if you don't have a replacement available
If you don't have a tampon or tampon with you, ask a friend, teacher, or janitor. You can also call the parents and ask them to bring you some. If you are really desperate and don't know how to do it, fold a handkerchief or toilet paper and put it on your underwear to protect your clothes.
- In some school bathrooms, dispensers are available that provide sanitary pads or tampons.
- Toilet paper or a handkerchief are a temporary solution; try to get a sanitary napkin as soon as possible.
Step 3. Get changed when you are in school
You may need to ask for permission to leave the classroom to insert and / or change the tampon or tampon. You can tell the teacher: "I have to go to the bathroom, I'm indisposed"; he will understand that you are menstruating.
- In most bathrooms there is a basket inside the individual cabins, where you can throw the sanitary napkin, the panty liner or the applicator of the internal tampon; if in the cabin you are in it is not available, wrap the product in toilet paper and throw it in the one that is in the common area of the bathroom.
- Remember that all girls have their periods - you're not the only one who has to change the tampon when she's at school.
Step 4. Know that you can do everything normally even during your period
Many girls are worried that they will not be able to swim or play sports during their period or fear that other people may realize they are menstruating. None of this is true; no one else can understand that you are "in those days" unless you say it yourself.
- Other people cannot smell menstruation; as long as you change your sanitary pads regularly, everything is fine.
- Put on tampons when you go swimming or doing sports, they are much more comfortable than the external ones and allow you to move with greater agility.
Advice
- It is completely normal to feel nervous and uncomfortable about the onset of menstruation; with time things will get better.
- If you have a very heavy flow, you need to change your tampon, tampon, or menstrual cup more often.
