Sooner or later all girls will have their first menstrual period. Find out how to prepare for your period, and learn more about the female cycle.
Steps
Step 1. Find all information about the menstrual cycle
Search the library for texts or magazines, do a search on the web or talk to the members of the clinic closest to you, they will be available to help you.
Step 2. Visit the websites of the companies that produce sanitary pads, they may offer free samples
Ask your parents for consent first, but they shouldn't say no, because it's just about getting a freebie. Also do some research, consult the websites of the companies that produce sanitary pads and tampons trying to figure out which one might be more suitable for you. If you manage to get free samples, wait before purchasing them and only buy the brand you prefer.
Step 3. Search online for items to carry in your purse when you have your period
There are also ready-made kits with all the necessary material.
Step 4. Keep at least one sanitary pad with you in your bag, school backpack, or personal locker
So if you ever have your first period, or a friend of yours urgently needs it, you'll have a sanitary pad on hand. It's not nice to find yourself with stains on your clothes!
Step 5. Get used to having your period
If your first period is a bit irregular, put on some hygienic panties so you don't get dirty if your period returns when you least expect it. Mark the first day of your period on your personal calendar, so you can keep everything under control. If the calendar is in a common room, choose a very discreet sign, even a small dot can be enough to refresh your memory.
Step 6. Choose suitable panties on the days of your menstrual cycle
During your period, your panties may not be comfortable enough or give you the protection you need. Get suitable and comfortable briefs.
Step 7. Consider using a menstrual cup
It is a silicone cup that is inserted inside the vagina; its function is to collect blood instead of absorbing it.
- It lasts longer than a tampon: about 8 hours;
- It is a cheaper solution in the long term: it costs a few tens of euros and lasts for about 15 years;
- All you have to do is insert it inside, empty it when it fills up, rinse it and put it back in place.
Step 8. Talk to someone you trust, such as your older sister or mom
They will tell you there is nothing to be afraid of. Menstruation is simply part of growing up: without them, girls couldn't have babies in the future!
Advice
- If you like, you can experiment with sanitary pads. Try the tests you also see on TV, such as pouring water with food coloring onto an absorbent and comparing how much water it can hold without breaking or spilling. Put a tampon in a glass of water and watch how it expands. It can be a fun experiment to find out which sanitary napkin works best. Compare two different brands and make your own assessments.
- Confide in your mother, you may feel embarrassed but don't worry, she found herself in the same situation as you!
- If you have severe abdominal pain, take a period-specific pain reliever.
- Feel free to ask questions if you have any doubts, don't be ashamed.
- Always carry sanitary pads with you, and a spare pair of panties, if your period comes when you least expect it and you get stained.
- If your period comes suddenly, dry yourself with toilet paper and ask your teacher to speak to the janitor, or a counselor at your school. If the janitor is not there, confide in your teacher (if she is a woman) and ask her if she has a tampon.
- If you find yourself having mood swings before or during your period, don't worry, it's normal.
- Remember that your period may be irregular in the first few months, so don't worry and don't think you're sick. Also be prepared for stomach cramps or pains. If you think you are having problems then consult a doctor.
- Bring a spare pair of pants in your bag, or in your locker, in case of an emergency.
- Use the hot water bottle on your stomach.
- Don't feel uncomfortable if everyone notices your period, and don't freak out if you feel a little pain.
Warnings
- Since you start middle school, bring at least one tampon with you (internal ones are not advisable at the beginning), it is better to be ready for any eventuality.
- If you ever get stained on your clothes or bed sheets, wash them with cold water and not hot water. Hot water will fix the stain even more. Rub the stains with salt, the blood will be absorbed. If you have hydrogen peroxide, add it to cold water and let the fabric absorb it. There is a better chance that the fabrics will be clean again if you do these operations while the stain is still fresh.
- Always wash your hands before putting on a tampon.
- Never leave a tampon inside you for more than eight hours. It can cause infections!
- Choose pads recommended for very young girls.
