How to be ready, what to expect and how to deal!

For most girls, menstruation, or your period, is an initiation into womanhood. It is literally your body’s way of preparing you for that next phase in your life. It’s a pretty big deal and, so for the as yet uninitiated, here is your girl’s guide. Your questions answered.

When can you expect to get your period?
Most girls will get their first period between the ages of 9-16. But, having said that, it can be earlier or later. We are all complex little individuals, and so it varies.

What does getting your period mean?
It’s your body’s way of kicking your reproductive system into gear. That basically means that your body is gearing up to be able to conceive – fall pregnant and have babies, which in effect is what women’s bodies are ultimately designed for.

Does it hurt?
Period pain, in the form of stomach cramps, is fairly common. It usually occurs a few days before your periods and gets better as your period begins. Generally girls that experience very heavy periods are more likely to get period pain and this could be due to the uterus trying to force out blood clots that may not have thinned. A hot water bottle on the area may help ease the cramping, or teas such as mint or ginger can help. Or, you can take Nurofen to ease the pain if it’s really bad. If you are experiencing severe pain or it is getting worse, get it checked out by a doctor to make sure it’s not something else.

How often does it happen?
When you first start getting your periods they may be all over the place – ie not regular. Once your body gets into the pattern you can expect to get your period every month. This too can vary but most women are on a 28-day cycle.

What happens?
A small amount of blood (equivalent to one teaspoon) is released from your uterus, through your vagina at intervals over 3-7 days. Your uterus (also known as a womb) is located inside your body and between your belly button and vagina. When a woman gets pregnant, this is where the baby grows.

Every month the uterus makes a special lining designed to nourish the cells that eventually grow into the baby. If the woman doesn’t get pregnant, that lining is released and you get your periods. The next month the uterus will grow a new lining and the process starts all over again.

Tampons or pads?
It depends on what you are more comfortable with. Tampons are placed inside your vagina to absorb the blood flow. Pads are worn on the outside in your pants. A bulky pad may mean that you have to be careful about what you wear vs a tampon that is hidden. If you do opt for tampons be sure to change it regularly – at least every two hours to avoid bacterial infection. The most severe infection is Toxic Shock Syndrome – which is not specifically linked to tampon use, but if you don’t follow good hygienic practices, can lead to this. TSS is a form of bacteria that releases toxins (poisons) and can lead to serious illness. Wash hands before and after inserting a tampon and regular tampon changes are important.

Organic tampons are best as they are made from certified organic cotton, meaning no chemicals have been used in any stage of manufacture so you know that you are not putting anything inside your body that has been contaminated with chemicals. We recommend, Organic Tampons or Jolie tampons.

What is ovulation?
This is closely related to menstruation. Most girls won’t ovulate until they have had their periods for a while. Girls have two ovaries, and each of these contain thousands of eggs, known as ova. During ovulation an egg is released and it travels down the fallopian tube toward the uterus.

If that eggs meets sperm (the stuff that comes from the boy’s penis and contributes to baby-making) – you can become pregnant. This usually involves having sex with said boy but sperm are great swimmers so it pays to be CAREFUL!

Best advice is to wait until you are mature enough to deal with something as full on as sex. You have plenty of time for that and there is absolutely no rush! Enjoy the freedom that comes without complicating life with sex!

The Real Deal

Separating truth from fiction!

You can’t get pregnant while you have your periods
NOT TRUE!! You absolutely can still get pregnant so don’t risk it!

You shouldn’t swim or take baths when you have your period
NOT TRUE. You can do whatever you normally do but obviously is you are swimming then you need to use a tampon.

You shouldn’t exercise when you have your period
NOT TRUE. In fact, exercise can sometimes help alleviate cramping and soreness.