How to Manage Your Period

Talk to a parent or guardian.

Tell your mother! Your parents will be able to talk you through what's happening if this is your first time. Your mom can buy you the supplies you need.

Consider buying pads.

If you are young or this is your first period, pads would be the best option. Your mother can show you how to do this, or if you are to embarrassed to ask her, simply pull your panties down to your knees, unwrap the packaging, slide off the sticker on the bottom of the pad and stick it to your underwear. The round side will go at the front.

Learn about tampons.

If you use tampons: unwrap the packaging, make sure the string are hanging down and insert the tampon about half a finger up your vagina. Remember that your vagina is not straight, it goes back towards your spine, so you might need to insert it vertically. If the string breaks off, don't panic! Just put some lubricant on your hands and gently feel for the tampon so you're able to pull it out.

Keep your supplies in your bathroom and bedroom.

Keep the supplies next to the toilet in your bathroom, or in your bedroom. You should also leave some supplies in a little make up bag that you can keep in your bag or your locker at school just in case you get your period. You may want to include Midol or Ibuprofen for cramps. Remember that to dispose of the supplies you need to: fold the pad up (or just leave the tampon like it is) and throw it in a bin, or the box you see in public toilets or school toilets. Make sure you have enough tampons so you can change them out every 4 hours or so.

Be aware of how long periods last.

Your period may consist of about 2-3 heavy days, 2-3 medium days and 1-2 light days. On a heavy day you need to change the pad every 2-3 hours. On a medium day, 3-4, and on a light day, 4-5. You can buy pads in different absorbencies, but never leave a pad there too long, as you will start smelling an unpleasant odor. Never leave a tampon in for more than 8 hours (2 on heavy days) as you will be at risk or TSS (see warnings). Also if you are going to use tampons you cannot use them all the time, as you need to give your vagina some time to air. Never use tampons at night, as might sleep through your night, therefore not changing your tampon for 8-12 hours.

Try different brands and supplies.

Keep buying different brands of pads, tampons, or other period products until you find the one that you like best. Remember that every person is different, so try several different brands, not just the popular ones.