Getting your Period:
Most young girls get their period for the first time between the ages of 9 and 16. If your friends have gotten your period and you haven’t, do not worry! It will come when your body is ready. This usually happens around the time you have reached 100 pounds. You will also notice your breasts and hips have started to develop, and you have started to grow underarm and pubic hair. Sometimes, genetics will help decide when you get your period for the first time as well. The first time you get your period, you should tell one of your parents, so that they can make sure you have your supplies and answer any questions you might have. If you get your period for the first time at school, you can go to the Nurse’s office if you feel comfortable.
When you get your period, it can last a different amount of time for each girl. The average amount of time is between 2 and 7 days. Getting your period, which is also known as menstruation, is your body’s monthly chance to create a baby. An egg travels from your ovaries down a fallopian tube towards your uterus. If the egg has been fertilized by sperm, which happens during sex, then your uterus will build the lining to help protect and develop the baby for the next 9 months. If the egg isn’t fertilized, then the lining from the uterus leaves your body, along with blood and body fluids, known as your period. This process will happen about every 28 days, but this number can change for every girl.
Your period flow can be light, heavy, or in between. Sometimes the blood will be different colors of red, sometimes bright red, sometimes darker or more brown. You can also see some dark clumps or clots of blood. All of this is normal. You can also have a clear or creamy white discharge during your cycle, which can leave yellowish stains on your underwear.
Before you get your period, some girls experience symptoms that are your body’s way of letting you know that your period is coming. This could include headaches, bloating, moodiness, pimples, food cravings, breast tenderness, and menstrual cramps. Cramps are caused when your uterus is contracting, and you might feel uncomfortable around your lower stomach and in your lower back. You can get them before your period, during your period, or even after your period. All of these are normal. If you feel like any of these symptoms are really uncomfortable, and affect you going to school or participating in a sport, you can take over the counter medication. Make sure to talk to your doctor before taking anything.
Tampons and Pads:
During your period, you can choose to use either tampons or pads. Which one you choose is up to you!
If you are wearing a tampon, you will find that you may have to use difference absorbancies (which are based on how much blood the tampon can hold) throughout your period. If you find that you are bleeding heavily, you will have to change your tampon more often, and use a higher absorbency. You want to make sure you choose an absorbency that is comfortable, but doesn’t cause any leaking. Also, you should make sure to only use a tampon for 4 to 8 hours before changing it. If you are about to go to sleep, make sure to put a new one in before going to bed, and change it again as soon as you wake up.
If you insert a tampon the correct way, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. Most tampon boxes have instructions with images to help make sure you are inserting it properly. You can also review technique with a parent, if you feel comfortable, or with your primary care physician. If you can feel the tampon, it is possible that it hasn’t been inserted far enough into the vagina. If this happens, remove that tampon and try again with a clean tampon.
If you prefer pads, they also come in different absorbancies based on how heavily you are bleeding. These are simply a disposable pad that is sticky on one side to stay on your underwear. They will help keep you dry and prevent odor, and should be changed as soon as you no longer feel dry. You can also wear light versions of pads if you are spotting before or after your period. Whether you choose to use tampons or pads, it is important to make sure to change them regularly to avoid the possibility of bacteria building up, which can cause a bad smelling odor or leaks. It is also important to maintain your hygiene while you have your period, making sure to shower or take a bath regularly.
Pregnancy:
Once you have gotten your period, it is possible to get pregnant – you can even get pregnant while you have your period. That is why it is important to make sure that you only start having sex when you feel ready and educated about contraception. If you have missed your period, it could mean that you have gotten pregnant.
When to Go to the Doctor:
Once you have started to get your period, it will take some time for you to learn what is ‘normal’ for you and your body. What is common for your friends might not be the same for you, and that is okay. But there will be times where certain symptoms should be checked by a doctor. If you experience anything from the list below, ask your parent to schedule an appointment with your doctor.
If you are bleeding heavily for several days, and it is painful
If you have missed your period, and think you might be pregnant (because you have been having sex)
If you have missed your period for several months in a row
If you are bleeding in between your periods (sooner than every 28 days)
If your discharge is green, or has a really strong smell
Medical Advice Disclaimer – The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.
