In the months or years before the menarche, many girls try to find out about it at school, talk about it with their friends, wonder what it will be like and when it will happen. But when your period comes, it can be a shock. If you have the right knowledge, are prepared and remember that you have no reason to be embarrassed, you will be able to survive your first period.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use a sanitary napkin
Step 1. Lower the briefs to the height of the knees
Sit on the toilet so that the blood drips into the toilet, not the floor or clothes.
Step 2. Open the tampon
Don't throw away the wrapper - it's perfect for wrapping up and throwing away the soiled tampon later.
Step 3. Peel off the back protective sheet to expose the sticky part of the tampon
It is usually a long piece of waxy paper that covers the adhesive at the bottom of the pad. The sanitary napkin wrapper itself can perform this function, so you will simply have to open and detach it.
Step 4. Center the tampon on the middle part (the crotch) of the briefs, which is the area between the legs
The widest or largest part of the pad should go to the back of the panty, in the buttock area. Make sure you stick the adhesive securely to the fabric of your underwear.
- If the tampon has wings, remove the protective sheet and fold them under the center of the briefs, as if the tampon hugs the underwear.
- Make sure the tampon is not placed too far forward or back - it should be centered on the panties.
Step 5. Pull up your panties
It can be uncomfortable at first (like you're wearing a diaper), so walk into the bathroom to get used to the feeling. You should change the tampon every 3-4 hours (or sooner if you have a very heavy flow). Changing the tampon also allows you to avoid leaks and makes you feel fresh.
Step 6. Throw away the used tampon by rolling it up and placing it in the wrapper
If you have thrown away the wrapping, just wrap it in toilet paper. Are you in a public place? Look for a small basket on the floor or attached to the cabin wall. Throw the used sanitary napkin in the trash, never down the toilet, although the packaging tells you it is possible to do so. It will clog the pipes.
If you are at home and have pets, you should dispose of used sanitary pads in a lidded bin or bag. Dogs and cats in particular are attracted to the smell of blood. If your dog eats the tampon, not only will it be embarrassing, it can also be dangerous for the animal
Method 2 of 3: Prepare for the Menarch
Step 1. Prepare for what's to come
The more informed you are, the easier it will be to stay calm when you have the menarche. It will likely be very light and the secretions may not even resemble actual blood. You may see drops of bright red on your panties, but the leaks can also be brown and sticky. Do not worry: the blood will not flow in gushes. During a normal cycle, a woman loses only about 30ml, roughly the same amount of liquid contained in two bottles of nail polish.
- Talk to your mom or older sister about it. It can help you know when you might have menarche. Not everyone has the same experience, but a girl's period often begins around the same age as her mother or sister.
- If you can't talk to your mom or older sister about it, talk to a trusted aunt or friend who is already on her period.
- As your period begins, you may feel a wet sensation in your panties. You may also feel secretions flow from your vagina, but there are girls who don't notice anything.
- If you suffer from haemophobia and you don't know how you will react, try to think this way: the blood does not flow because you have been cut or injured in another way, far from it, it means that you are healthy.
Step 2. Buy everything you need
At the supermarket, you can find an entire shelf dedicated to feminine hygiene products (panty liners, tampons, internal and external pads). Don't get overwhelmed by all these options - by learning about the flow, you will better understand which product is right for you. To start, look for tampons that aren't too bulky or noticeable and that have light to medium absorbency.
- It's easier to use tampons at first - you already have enough thoughts without worrying about how to insert a tampon.
- Before the menarche, practice with tampons. If you notice leaks on your panties, take them as a reference point to understand where the central part of the tampon should be placed.
- If you don't want to buy pads for now, ask your mother or aunt to give you some to practice and save a couple for your period. Also put aside the ones you find in women's magazines.
- If you prefer to use a tampon or a menstrual cup during your first period, you can. Whatever protection you choose, the important thing is to be comfortable.
- If buying sanitary pads makes you feel embarrassed, put other products in the cart as well; as the cashier passes them, pretend to be busy looking at the candy. Remember that in any case the cashier does not care what you buy, among other things, a pack of sanitary pads will not surprise him or shock him.
Step 3. Store pads in your backpack, bag or gym bag for emergencies
With all the time you spend in school, playing sports, going with your friends, or engaging in other activities, it's possible, even likely, that you'll have your period while you're away from home. Knowing that you always have sanitary pads available can make you feel calmer.
- If you are afraid of the tampons falling out of your backpack or fear that someone will open it and find them, keep them in a make-up pouch or case.
- You can hide a pair of briefs and an airtight plastic bag in your backpack. You will need it if you have your period at school and need to change. You can rinse the stained panties with cold water, put them in the bag and take them home.
- You can also put some ibuprofen tablets or other pain relievers in your backpack, in fact you may have cramps. Just make sure that the school rules allow you to bring medicines, so you don't have any problems.
Step 4. See if you have any physical changes that could indicate the arrival of your period
There is no single indicator: until the cycle starts, you can't be sure. However, your body can send you signals to let you know that it is preparing for menarche. Stomach or back pain, abdominal cramps, and breast pain can all be signs that should not be overlooked.
- Girls can have menarche between the ages of 8 and 16. In most cases, it usually starts around 11-12 years old.
- Girls generally have their periods within about 2 years from the time their breasts begin to develop.
- You may notice thick, white secretions on your underwear for up to 6 months before you have menarche.
- The cycle usually begins after reaching a weight of 45 kg.
- If you are underweight, this may delay the start of your period. If you are overweight, it can start earlier.
Method 3 of 3: Have the Menarch
Step 1. Don't panic
Remember that it happens (has happened and will happen) to half of the world's population every single month. Think of all the women you know. Your teachers, singers, actresses, policewomen, politicians, athletes - they all face it. Take a deep breath, relax and congratulate yourself on reaching this important milestone.
Step 2. If you are taken by surprise when you are out of the house, make a temporary sanitary napkin
If in the middle of the third hour you go to the bathroom and you notice that you have blood stains on your underwear, don't panic: you can fix it. Don't have a sanitary napkin? You can ask a nurse, teacher, or partner you trust.
- Until you can get hold of a sanitary napkin, wrap several layers of toilet paper around the crotch of the panties. It will absorb blood and act as a temporary lining until you can put on a sanitary pad.
- Ask a trusted friend if she can lend you one. If there are other girls in the bathroom, don't be afraid to ask one of them. They have probably been in the same position as you before and will be happy to help you.
Step 3. Hide the stains on the pants by tying a sweatshirt at the waist
The first few periods are usually very light, so it is unlikely that you will lose. However, it happens sometimes anyway, but it's not a tragedy. Cover your butt with a sweater, sweatshirt, or long-sleeved top that you can tie around your waist.
- If you are in school, go to the infirmary or ask a teacher if you can call your parents to bring you a change of clothes.
- In anticipation of any problems, put a spare pair of pants in your backpack.
- If you manage to change your pants and someone asks you about it, explain that you spilled a soda and stained them. Stay calm.
Step 4. If you start to have cramps, talk to your mother or go to the infirmary
Not all of them have muscle contractions, some have only a slight discomfort, but it is possible to feel intense cramps in the lower abdomen. If you are in school, the nurse or teacher can give you a pain reliever, a hot water bottle, or a place to rest until you feel better.
- Exercise can relieve cramps. While you don't feel like moving, try to do it. It can help you feel better.
- Try some yoga poses to relieve cramps. Start with that of the child. Kneel so that your buttocks rest on your heels. Stretch your torso forward, extend your arms and rest your belly on your thighs. Breathe slowly and relax with your eyes closed.
- Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve cramps.
- Drink warm water to maintain good hydration, but also to reduce swelling and cramps.
Step 5. Tell your parents
While the idea of sharing this information with your mom or dad doesn't excite you, it's important to let them know. They can help you buy the right products and take you to the doctor if they have any concerns or notice something strange. If you have an irregular period, unbearable cramps or acne, the birth control pill can help you keep your hormones in check, but only your gynecologist can prescribe it for you.
- Even though it's embarrassing, sharing this information with your parents will make them happy. They love you and care about you, plus your health is important to them.
- If you live with your father, don't keep him in the dark. Eventually he will learn that you are on period. While she doesn't have all the answers, she can help you buy the products you need and invite an aunt or other trusted woman you can talk to.
- If you still feel embarrassed, try texting your mom or writing her a letter so you don't have to talk to her directly.
Step 6. Mark the date on the calendar
Your period will likely be very irregular at first: it can last two days or nine, show up every 28 days or twice a month. For this, it is important to start keeping track of them. Your gynecologist can ask you questions about this and clarify any concerns you have about the duration, flow, or time between cycles.
- You can use a mobile app to track your period.
- Knowing when it will come will also allow you to prepare yourself and not get caught off guard. You can wear a panty liner when you know the date is approaching.
- Knowing when to expect your period can help you make plans (for example, you could postpone a trip to the beach the week after your period).
Warnings
- With the use of tampons, there is a risk of a serious, albeit very rare, disease called TSS (toxic shock syndrome). Never wear one for more than eight hours. Be sure to read the instructions on the package, and if you notice at least one symptom, go to the emergency room immediately.
- Never wear a tampon when you are not on your period. If it's uneven or you're worried about leaking, try using panty liners.
- Heavy bleeding and / or cramps that prevent you from living normally may indicate a more serious problem. Discuss these symptoms with your gynecologist.
