Many girls spend the months or years leading up to their first period studying it at school, talking about it with their friends, wondering what it will feel like and when they will experience it… but when it does come, they can still be surprised. By seeking information, being prepared, and remembering that you have nothing to be ashamed of, it will help you get past your first period.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing Pads
Step 1. Lower your panties down to your knees
Sit on the toilet so any dripping blood will fall into the toilet and not on the floor or your clothes.
Step 2. Unwrap the pad
Don't throw away your sanitary napkins -- they're perfect for wrapping and disposing of used sanitary pads when you replace them with new ones.
Step 3. Remove the back cover to reveal the adhesive portion of the pad
Usually there is a long piece of paper with a smooth, waxy surface covering the adhesive on the back of the pad. The bandage wrap can also serve as a back cover, so the adhesive will come off right away.
Step 4. Place the bandage on the middle (pubic part) of the underwear, or the part that runs between the legs
The wider part of the pad should be at the back of the pants, towards the buttocks. Make sure the bandage adhesive is firmly attached to the underwear fabric.
- If the pad has wings, open the adhesive cover and fold it down the middle of the panties, so that it looks as if the pad is hugging the panties.
- Make sure the pad is not too forward or too backward--the pad should be in the middle of the underwear.
Step 5. Put the panties back on
It may feel uncomfortable at first (like wearing diapers), so walk around the bathroom to get used to wearing them. You should change your pad every 3-4 hours (or sooner if you are having a very heavy period). Changing pads will help keep blood from seeping through and keep you feeling clean.
Step 6. Discard used sanitary napkins by rolling them up and placing them in the wrapper
If you throw away the wrapper, just wrap the pad in toilet paper. If you're in a public place, look for a small trash can that sits on the floor or against the bathroom wall. Dispose of soiled sanitary napkins in the trash--never throw sanitary napkins down the toilet, even if the label says so. This action will clog the pipeline.
If you are at home and have pets, it is a good idea to throw your sanitary napkins in a trash can with a lid or in a trash can usually picked up by a garbage collector. Cats and especially dogs can be attracted by the smell of blood on sanitary pads. Dogs who eat tampons or pads are not only embarrassing but can also be exposed to harm
Method 2 of 3: Preparing for First Menstruation
Step 1. Know what you're getting into
The more information you know, the calmer you will be when you have your first period. Your first period may not be heavy at all, and the discharge may not even look like blood. It's also possible that your period looks like bright red drops on your underwear, or is brown and sticky. Don't worry that you'll spit out blood--during your period, a woman usually loses only 30 ml of blood. It's the same as the contents of two bottles of nail polish.
- Talk to your mother or older sister. They may be able to give you an idea of when you will have your period. Although not exactly the same, girls usually have their first period at the same age as their mother or older sister when they got their first period.
- If you can't talk to your mother or older sister, talk to the school nurse or a friend you trust who has had your period.
- When your period comes, you may feel wet in your underwear. You may even feel fluid draining out of your vagina, or you may not feel anything at all.
- If you have a blood phobia and are worried about your reaction, think of it this way: menstrual blood is not like the blood that flows out of a cut or injury. Menstrual blood is actually a sign that you are healthy.
Step 2. Purchase supplies
Drugstores or grocery stores usually have a special section that sells feminine items (pads, tampons, or pantyliners). Don't be dismayed by the sheer number of options available--as you learn about your own period, you'll understand which product is best for you. For starters, choose pads that are not too thick or easily visible and which have light or medium absorbency.
- Pads may be the easiest for you to use on your first period--you've got enough to think about without having to worry about figuring out the right way to use a tampon.
- Practice wearing pads in your underwear before you have your first period. If you notice a whitish discharge in your underwear, use it to estimate where the pads should be placed.
- Some websites offer vouchers or even sample "starter packs" of menstrual supplies if you need them.
- It's okay if you prefer to wear a tampon or menstrual cup during your first period. The most important thing is that you are comfortable with whichever protection you choose.
- If you're shy about buying sanitary pads, just head to the cashier with a few items, and keep yourself busy with the sweets on display while the cashier counts the groceries. Keep in mind that the cashier doesn't really care what you buy and it's not new or surprising to the cashier to have someone buy sanitary pads.
Step 3. Store sanitary pads in backpacks, purses, gym bags and lockers just in case
With so much time you spend at school, exercising, going to friends' houses, and other activities, you're more likely to have your period when you're not at home. You'll feel better knowing that there are pads available wherever you go.
- If you're worried that someone might look in your bag and find a pile of sanitary pads or scattered items, use a make-up bag or pencil case to store menstrual supplies.
- You may want to hide a piece of underwear and a resealable plastic bag in a locker just in case you get your period at school and need to change. You can wash dirty underwear in cold water and store it in a bag to take home.
- It's also a good idea to keep a small bottle of ibuprofen or other painkiller in your locker, just in case you have stomach cramps. But first make sure that your school allows students to bring drugs so you don't get into trouble.
Step 4. Watch for changes in your body that could signal that your period is coming
There's no one definite sign that can tell you that your period is coming--you won't really know for sure until you have your period--your body may be signaling that your period is coming soon. Stomach or back pain, cramping in the lower abdomen, or sore breasts can be signs that your body is telling you that you're about to have your period.
- The youngest age for a woman to have her first menstruation is 6 years old and the oldest is 16 years old. Most have their first period at the age of 11 or 12 years.
- Usually women have their first period two years after their breasts develop.
- You may notice a thick, white discharge in your underwear for 6 months before having your first period.
- Your first period usually comes after you reach 45kg.
- If you weigh under 45kg, it can delay your first period. If you weigh over 45kg, you may experience your first period early.
Method 3 of 3: Having Your First Menstruation
Step 1. Don't panic
Remind yourself that this is experienced (or will be or has already been) by half the world's population-- every month ! Think of all the women you know. Your teachers, movie stars, actresses, policewomen, politicians, athletes--they've all been through this. Take a deep breath, calm down, and congratulate yourself on reaching an important point in your life.
Step 2. Make a temporary pad if you get your period when you are outside
If during recess at school you notice bloodstains on your underwear, know that help is not far away. If there's no soap in the bathroom, you can go to the school nurse, health teacher, counselor, or teacher you like and trust.
- Until you can get a pad, wrap a few sheets of toilet paper around the pubic area of your underwear. The tissue will absorb the blood and act as a temporary pad until you can get a new one.
- Ask a friend you trust if he or she can lend you a pad. If there are other girls in the bathroom, don't be shy about asking them! They may all have been in your position and would be happy to help.
Step 3. Cover the see-through blood by tying the jacket around the waist
Usually in the first period of blood that comes out very little, so it is unlikely that the blood will penetrate your subordinates. Still, this does happen occasionally, but it's not a big deal. Cover your bottom with a sweater, jacket or long-sleeved shirt that can be tied around the waist.
- If you're at school, go to the school nurse or the office and ask if you can call your parents for a change of clothes.
- If the worst happens, you can still wear sweatpants instead.
- If you're changing subordinates and someone asks about it, just say you spilled something on your subordinate and had to change clothes. Not a big problem.
Step 4. Talk to your mother or go to the school nurse if you start having stomach cramps
Not all women experience cramping, and some may experience only minor discomfort, but you may experience intense pain in your lower abdomen. The school nurse will provide you with pain medication, a heating pad and a place to rest until you feel better.
- Exercising can reduce cramps. Even if you feel lazy to move, try not to skip gym class. Exercising may help you feel better.
- Try some yoga moves to reduce pain. Start with a child's position. Sit on your knees so your butt is over your ankles. Stretch your upper body forward, extending your arms until your stomach is above your thighs. Breathe slowly and relaxed while closing your eyes.
- Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce cramps.
- Drink warm water to stay hydrated and reduce bloating and cramps.
Step 5. Tell your parents
While you may feel uncomfortable telling your mom or dad, it's important that they know. They can help you get your period supplies and take you to the doctor if you are worried about something or feel something is wrong. If you have irregular periods, very painful cramps, or acne, birth control pills may be able to keep your hormones stable, and you should see your doctor for a prescription.
- Even if it feels awkward, your parents will be happy that you let them know. Their love and concern for you, as well as your health are important to them.
- Even if it's just you and your dad, don't let him not find out. Your father knows that you will eventually get your period. Although he can't answer all your questions, your dad can help you get menstrual supplies, and can take you to talk to an aunt or other woman you can trust.
- If you're still feeling shy, try texting or writing your mom so you don't have to talk face to face.
Step 6. Mark the date on the calendar
Your periods may initially be very irregular--it may only last for two or nine days, it may also come once every 28 days or twice a month--but it's important to keep track of it. Your doctor will start by asking about your menstrual cycle and explaining any concerns you may have about the length of time, how much blood is coming out or things between your periods.
- You can use one of the many applications available on smartphones to record menstruation.
- By taking notes, you are better prepared when your period comes. You can wear a pantyliner when you know that your period is near.
- Knowing when your period is coming can be useful when you're making plans (you may have to postpone going to the beach until your period is over).
Warning
- Using tampons puts you at risk for a rare but serious disease called TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). Don't wear a tampon for more than 8 hours. Be sure to read the directions for use on the tampon box, and if you experience any of the symptoms of TSS, see a doctor immediately.
- never ever wear tampons if you are not menstruating. Wear pantyliners if you have irregular periods and are worried if your period suddenly comes.
- Excessive blood flow and/or stomach cramps that are so painful that you are unable to carry out your daily activities may indicate something is wrong. Tell your doctor about these symptoms.
