Have you ever heard of a feminine product called pantyliner? In general, pantyliners are products similar to sanitary napkins, which are thinner and smaller in size, and can be used to absorb less volume of menstrual fluid and blood. Some women often wear it before menstruation arrives, during menstruation to prevent leakage in those who are wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, and before menstruation ends when blood volume begins to decrease. If soon you will experience your first period, there is no harm in considering the possibility of wearing pantyliners. In addition, pantyliners can also be used as an alternative to lighter and more comfortable pads when your menstrual blood volume starts to decrease.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms of the First Period
Step 1. Identify the symptoms of menstruation if you are 10 to 15 years old
Remember, everyone has a different biological cycle. Therefore, just because your friends and relatives have had their first period doesn't mean there's something wrong with your body! In fact, the first period in women generally occurs at the age of 10 to 15 years. Some women even experience it at a younger or more mature age than this range, and the situation is completely normal.
See a doctor if your first period doesn't come after you turn 15. While this may be normal, in some cases, periods that don't arrive until a person turns 15 may indicate an internal problem that needs to be taken seriously, such as nutritional deficiencies or weight gain
Tip: Be grateful if your first period occurs later than other women! Although menstruation is a very normal and positive biological cycle, you need to put more time and energy into maintaining personal hygiene after experiencing it. Therefore, enjoy the period before your first period and rest assured that the moment will come when your body is really ready.
Step 2. Assume that your period will occur within 2 years after your breasts begin to grow
If you are currently wearing a miniset or feel that your breasts are starting to grow, chances are that your first period will be in the near future. Most women experience their first period within 2 years after their breasts begin to grow.
In fact, breast size can not be used as an indicator of the first period. In other words, you can also menstruate even though your breast size is not too big. On the other hand, women with large breasts may only experience menstruation in the next year or two
Step 3. Get ready for your period if you notice any discharge from your vagina
If there is mucus-like fluid (mucus) that comes out of your vagina, it means that your first period will probably take place within the next 6 months. Generally, you can see the presence of this fluid in your underwear or when you urinate.
If the discharge is bothersome, wear pantyliners to absorb it. In addition, pantyliners can also function as emergency pads if your period lasts earlier than predicted
Step 4. Assume that your period will occur within one week of the onset of premenstrual symptoms
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS) are the biggest indicator that your period is about to start. However, because premenstrual symptoms are not experienced by all women, you may not feel anything during this time. For information, some premenstrual symptoms that commonly appear are:
- Having cramps in the stomach area or lower back
- Feeling bloated
- Experiencing increased production of acne
- Feeling pain in the breast area
- Feeling tired
- Experiencing mood fluctuations, such as suddenly feeling angry, sad, or anxious
Method 2 of 2: Using Pantyliner After Menstruation
Step 1. Put on pantyliner before your period starts
If you start to experience menstrual symptoms, or if your calculations show that a new period is about to start, try wearing pantyliners. At least, if your period turns out to be earlier without you realizing it, the blood that comes out can be absorbed by the pantyliner instead of seeping into your underwear. Once the volume starts to increase, you can replace the pantyliner with a tampon or pad.
Tip: Try monitoring your menstrual cycle with the help of a calendar or an online fertility app. Both can help predict your next period, so you can start wearing pantyliners a day or two before your due date.
Step 2. Use pantyliners for extra protection when you wear a tampon or menstrual cup
Both are feminine products that must be inserted into the vagina to collect blood and other fluids that come out during menstruation. However, sometimes leakage still occurs, especially if the volume of menstrual blood is very large or when the tampon and cup are not inserted properly. To prevent unwanted things from happening, try wearing pantyliners so that potentially leaking blood can be absorbed into them.
Remember, tampons and menstrual cups are extremely effective when used correctly. However, if you are not used to using it, feel free to coat it with pantyliner to ensure no blood leaks out
Step 3. Replace the pads with pantyliners when the blood volume begins to decrease
Generally, the volume of menstrual blood will decrease towards the end of the period. This cycle is perfectly normal, but make sure you wear a pad to catch any excess blood. Because sanitary pads are generally thick in texture and uncomfortable when worn, try replacing them with pantyliners in the last few days so that your feminine area feels more comfortable but the rest of the menstrual blood can still be absorbed properly.
For example, if your period generally lasts 5 days, try wearing pantyliners instead of pads or tampons on the fourth and fifth days
Step 4. Change the pantyliner every 3 to 4 hours
Remember, this step must be done to prevent menstrual blood from leaking and/or emitting an unpleasant odor. Remove the pantyliner from the inside of your pants, then roll the pantyliner from the hem to the innermost part and wrap it in toilet paper. After throwing away the old pantyliner, open the plastic wrap of the new pantyliner and attach the adhesive part to your pants.
- If blood volume begins to increase, replace pantyliners with tampons or pads. On the other hand, if the blood is no longer coming out or the amount is very low, please stop using the pantyliner.
- Make sure your period is completely over before you stop using pantyliners. In fact, you may need to wear pantyliners for 1 to 2 days after feeling your period is over. For example, if your period generally lasts 6 days, stick to pantyliners on the seventh and eighth days.
Tips
- If you have any questions regarding your first period, don't hesitate to ask a trusted adult such as a parent, guardian, teacher, or a relative who is older than you.
- Keep new pantyliners in your bag or purse. Because they are so small and thin, pantyliners don't require as much storage space as pads or tampons, making them easier to carry around. As a result, you don't have to bother if you suddenly need it, right?
Warning
- Don't just wear pantyliners when the volume of menstrual blood is high! Remember, pantyliners can't provide maximum protection, and wearing them when your period is heavy will only make blood seep in your pants and clothes.
- Never throw used pantyliners in the toilet hole so they don't get clogged afterwards.
