How To Survive Your First Period

Usually a girl gets to know about menstruation, or as commonly referred to as their period well before they actually get it. Friends mums discuss it, or else they might have heard about it on TV channels or family members. However, when they actually do get their period, they might not be as calm or knowledgeable about what to do as they thought they would be. Don't worry if you start early; it's really just natural.

Step 1  

Get information. Search any one of the sanitary napkin web sites. Find information that you need to know, and they might even offer a coupon for free box of Sanitary Napkins. Learning more about it, and the changes it will make to your body, will make you more informed and more confident.

Step 2  

Buy supplies. Visit a drug store, or a Supermarket, to check out the various supplies they have for you to use comfortably. Buy one pack of Sanitary Napkins, for a size that will fit your body. It is medically recommended that do not use tampons on the onset of menstruation. Store them in your room, or in the bathroom, as long as you can have access to them when you need them. Consider reusables, such as pads and menstrual cups.

Step 3  

Tell your mother. Share the great news with her, or a friend or a family member. This is a major change in your life, you have become an 'adult' now, and time for being excited. There are also other changes that will occur in your body, that you should learn about. Understand that you might get cramps, or feel uncomfortable. All this is normal, and expected.

Step 4  

Put on a pad. Information should have been given to you at the Kotex Sanitary Napkin web site. Many other sites will also give you the same information or ask your mother.  

• Pull your panties down to your knees.
• Unwrap the pad and keep the wrapper with new pads. Be environmentally friendly by using it later to wrap a used pad.
• Place the pad so the big side is where your butt goes. The sticky side, will stick firmly to your panties.
• Pull your panties all the way up. Make sure you do this in private. It may feel uncomfortable (kinda like a diaper), so walk around the bathroom to get used to the feel. It will mold into your body in a short time. Depending on the flow, you probably will have to change the napkin a few times a day.

Step 5  

Dispose of the used sanitary napkin Rolling it up, and wrapping it in toilet paper. Never toss it down the toilet. It will clog. When you change in a store bathroom, they have a metal rectangular box in each bathroom stall. It is usually attached to the wall where the toilet paper goes. Place the wrapped, used napkin and place it inside and close the lid. Use a new napkin, and be on your way.

Tips

• If you are embarrassed to buy the sanitary napkins, for the first time, casually walk up to the counter, perhaps with another purchase, and place it on the counter. Look at nearby candy while the clerk rings up the stuff. Pay, then say thank you and grab the bag and walk away.
• Once you begin menstruation, expect to get it again, about every 28 days.[Note: The first year or so that you get your period, it might be irregular. But just be prepared] Some get it earlier or later. Mark down the regularity, and note the date on a calender. This way, you will know when your next period is due. It is important to know what is regular for you, and what is 'late'. In the beginning however, a girl is usually irregular. Be prepared by having sanitary supplies tucked in a purse, backpack or locker.
• There is nothing scary about getting your period if you have been informed about it. Just put on the napkin, and go on with whatever you were doing prior to getting your period. For severe cramps you might need a Tylenol or Midol.
• Most of the time a girl starts her menstruation at age 12, but at times it might be as early as 8 years old or as late as 16. [If you dont get it at age 16 or 17, then you need to see a gynecologist]Read about it in books, or search the web for information well before you actually get it, and when you do get your period , you will know exactly what to do.
• Once your period starts, keep a little calendar or write the day that it starts. Also note how many days it lasts and anything different then your previous periods. Some girls like to use little free advertisement calendars that fit in their little carrying case of supplies. Simple marking like S for start, H for heavy, C for cramps, L for light and E for end are easy but use what works for you. This way you will know when to expect your next period. Also, your doctor usually will ask you about your menstrual periods at your physical exams and appointments: How old were you when your periods started? When did your last period start? How many days do they last? Any cramping? Depending on the situation you might be also asked about how pads or tampons you use in a day, the color or consistency of the flow. While you may be embarrassed sharing information about your period, periods are normal for every girl and your doctor or parent is only interested in keeping you well.
• Mood swings also occur durring the time of your periods. Don't freak out, get over-excited, or get angry; it's natural. Also, if you get angry and snap at a male, tell him you've been having a bad day; don't tell them that you are going through a period right now, because they will probably gag and tell their friends (its not an excuse to be angry, in they're eyes). Don't fret about telling girls the info for they will understand the changing of your moods.
• To be prepared, typically once you enter middle school start carrying around a couple of pads, and you'll thank your self you did!

Warnings

• With tampons, there is risk of a very rare, but serious disease called TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). Be sure to read the instructions in the tampon box, and if you experience any of the symptoms, go to a doctor immediately. This disease is highly uncommon, however, and should not deter you completely.
• Extremely heavy bleeding and/or cramps so bad that prevent you from doing everyday things are not normal, and if you suffer from either consider talking to a doctor.
• You should never wear tampon when you are not having a period