Going through puberty can be very rough. It is likely that you have probably heard other people talk about getting their period, or you may have learned a little bit about it in health class. The idea of getting your first period can seem quite frightening, especially if you are not sure what to expect. There are also a number of myths about periods that you are probably not too sure about. Here are some answers to questions about menstruation that you may be looking for.
When Will You Get Your Period?
If anyone has told you that they know when their period will come, they are wrong. There is absolutely no way to tell when you will get your periods. It generally occurs between the ages of nine and fifteen. The most common time is 12-13. One of the best ways to predict when your period will come is to find out when your mother, aunts, and grandmothers got theirs. Even if you can try to figure out the age when it will occur, there is absolutely no way to guess the week or month.
How Long Will Your Period Last?
It is important to keep in mind that no one’s period is exactly the same. While one of your friends may only get their period for three days, you could end up having yours for five to seven days. Some girls and women also only have a very light flow of blood, whereas other girls experience a very heavy period. Over time, you may begin to see a pattern. If your menstrual cycle is very irregular and varies from month to month, you should talk to your mother about scheduling a gynecologist appointment for you.
Can You Shower With Your Period?
There has been a ridiculous myth going around for years now that you cannot shower when you have your period. Showering when you have your period is very important. You should try to shower more frequently than you normally do at this time of the month because good hygiene is very important. If you do not shower, you will probably begin to notice a funny smell down there and it may lead to infection.
Should You Use Pads or Tampons?
Most girls tend to feel more comfortable wearing pads when they first get their period. However, there are some girls who are fine with wearing tampons right away. The best thing that you can do is try out both options to see which feels the best for you. Keep in mind that you do not need to stick with one or the other, as you can always change your mind later on.
How Often Do You Change Pads or Tampons?
Pads should be changed every four to six hours, while tampons should be changed every two to three hours. Keep in mind that if you do not change tampons often enough, you may experience a potentially deadly disease called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Pads, when worn long enough, can also cause TSS. Even when your period is light, it is important to change pads or tampons regularly.
It can seem very embarrassing to get your first period, but it is important to keep in mind that this is something that you will want to celebrate. Getting a period is a fact of life. If you are the first one of your friends at school to experience menstruation, you may feel like the only one. You are not alone though. Every girl will get her period at some point.
