Hey there! So, you’ve probably heard about periods, maybe from friends, family, or health class. And must have been thinking of what will happen when you get your first one. Don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit nervous or curious – that’s normal! Your first menstrual cycle is a big moment, and it’s okay if you have questions.  In this article, you will get to know all that you need to handle your first period with confidence.

Let’s dive in;

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for your first period. Just arrange for your pad and other female hygiene products. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen, might also be handy to keep around. If your first period happens at a time when you do not have access to your sanitary pad, toilet paper will work fine as a temporary fix. If your first period comes while you are at school, don’t worry; your school nurse or teacher will have a pad or a panty liner. Note that experience will vary among different people and what is normal will also vary. If you ever have any concerns about your menstrual cycle, always check with your healthcare provider.

The first period, known as Menarche, is an eventful happening in the life of any young girl. It marked the beginning of productive years, typically occurring at 10-15 years of age. Menarche is most often preceded by signs of puberty, like breast development and the growth of pubic hair, and it is usually lighter or more irregular compared to later periods.

Menarche may be considered with mixed feelings and at times is even celebrated in many cultures as a rite of passage. More important than everything, is being educated about menstruation and proper hygiene is crucial during this time. Let us talk more about the First Menstrual Period. 

Experiences during first periods vary widely in terms of symptoms; some people have very mild or no noticeable symptoms while others might experience more pronounced discomfort.

Common symptoms can include:

• Abdominal cramping
• Breast tenderness
• Lower back pain
• Digestive issues (diarrhea or nausea)
• Light-headedness

These symptoms are usually short-lived. To manage discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help. A heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen or lower back may provide some relief.

Pads should not be worn for more than 4 hours. Changing your pads regularly will help to avoid leaks, discomfort, and of course- noticeable odors. Here are some tips to help you determine when to change:

• Monitor fullness: Check your pad during bathroom visits to assess how quickly it’s filling.
• Pay attention to comfort: If your pad feels wet or uncomfortable, it’s time for a change.
• Consider pad absorbency: Some pads are thicker and designed to hold more fluid, potentially allowing for longer wear. However, don’t rely on this feature alone.

If you’re unsure,  checking the guidelines on the pad packaging can provide a good starting point for change frequency.

Typically, the duration of your first menstrual period should be between 2-7 days. The flow may vary:

• It could be very light, with only a few spots of brownish discharge.
• It might begin and end with brownish spotting, with brighter red blood on days of heavier flow in between.
• The amount and color can change throughout the period.

Remember that experience differs from person to person, and what’s normal can vary. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.

You can barely predict the date when the other period begins. Although the average cycle length is considered to be 28 days from the initial day of your period to the next, anything between 21-35 days is considered normal.
Have a “menstrual diary” and in it, note when you start your period, how many days it lasts, and the feelings of discomfort you have each time. Keep doing this and eventually, you will see a pattern that might help predict when you can next expect it.

The timing of the first period can be affected by factors such as nutrition, genetics, and overall health. 

However, If you have not had your first menstrual period at the age of 15, or it’s been more than 2-3 years after breast development begins without menstruation, then you should see your doctor. 

Also, early menstruation at 9 or 10 often indicates early development,  and it’s advisable to see a doctor to exclude any underlying medical issues. In both cases of delayed or very early periods, a medical check-up can provide reassurance or necessary treatment if required. 

Conclusion

There you have it. Your first period may seem challenging but with the right attitude and practice, it shouldn’t cause you problems. Get yourself Amigapad- your sure period companion, as you prepare for your big moment.

Don’t forget, there’s no shame in asking questions or seeking help. Talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, guardian, or school nurse if you have questions or concerns. They’ve been through this too and can offer great advice. Your body is doing something incredible, and it’s okay to need some time to adjust. As you move forward, keep your head high and know that this is just the beginning of many exciting changes to come. You’ve got this.

On average, you will use five pads per day. But the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this.  Many factors can influence the number of pads you use. Below are some of them:

• Exercise: Working out on your period can be tricky. You know how sweaty things can get and you would need to change your pad. Also, there is a higher chance that your pad will shift out of place during the exercise. So, if you are planning to exercise, get some extra pads. 
• Heavy flow days: Usually, the first day or two of a period is the heaviest. So, you may need to change more often on those days. If you know you always have it heavy all through then you should always be prepared. It’s all about understanding your body and knowing when you have heavy flows.
• The weather: When the weather is hot, you should arrange extra pads. Because you will be more sweaty and it won’t be good to get too damp, down there. 
• Your plans: Think about your plan for the day. Are you planning to spend the whole day indoors with Netflix, or are you planning to step out – Let’s say maybe an afternoon meeting or even a date? Having an extra pad may come in handy when stepping out, even if your pad is still dry.

YES, you can wear sanitary pads overnight. You just have to know your flow and wear the pad that will suit you.

It is not advisable to wear scented pads. Scented pads might seem like a fast response to deal with unpleasant odors that sometimes ooze out during menstruation but the disadvantage far outweighs the benefits. 

Pads containing fragrance may cause skin irritation or allergic irritations. This can be intense if you have a sensitive skin. Some scented pads contain chemicals that can be harmful. And in some cases, scented pads can disrupt your vagina’s natural pH and cause infection.

Using a pantyliner all the time is a great option if you can afford it but ensure you consult your healthcare provider about all time use. Pantyliners are designed to be worn comfortably. So, having them on at all times won’t cause inconvenience. Here are some reasons why wearing pantyliners at all times may be a good idea: 

• Catch Surprise Periods: Have you ever been in a situation where your monthly flow comes at a time when you least expect it? With pantyliners, you can’t be caught off guard. No big messes, no embarrassing moments.
• Manage Discharge: Using pantyliners is a very effective way to manage vaginal discharge. 

Also, liners can be a good way to protect against bladder leaks. Liners effectively manage light bladder leaks or urinary incontinence if you have a sensitive bladder. 

Absorb Postpartum Flow: If you recently gave birth, using liners can help you manage the light postpartum flow that comes a few weeks after giving birth.

Vagina odor is one of the most frequent menstrual health problems that women experience. While it is normal to notice a slight change in smell during menstruation (usually a result of hormone changes), you can minimize the odor. 

To combat vagina odors, a good hygiene routine will be of great help to reduce the odor. Here are some things you can do:

• Dress for Comfort and Air Flow: Go for cotton undergarments and loose breathable clothing. These choices allow air circulation and keep moisture away. As much as you can, avoid synthetic material and tight outfits as they can trap bacteria and sweat, potentially causing odor issues and heightening infection risk.

• Take regular showers: Having a shower routine can assist you in staying clean and free of odors. At the very least, take a shower once during the day when you are on your period. And while showering pay attention to your Vulva.

Gently wash the vulva with mildly warm water and mild, unscented soap. Rinse very well. Avoid harsh or perfumed products on sensitive skin. After washing, pat the area dry with a fresh, clean, and soft towel.

• Change your pads frequently and wear clean underwear: This routine will help reduce bad smells, keep bacteria under control, and lower the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

• Avoid Dangerous Habits and Products: Most of the so-called “feminine hygiene” products can be really harmful. They tend to disturb the pH within the vagina and the friendly microbial balance inside it, which in turn again can lead to infections and foul smells. Stay away from douches, harsh cleansers, and perfumed soaps in the genital area.

Vaginal scrubs and douching upset your vagina’s pH balance, washing the good bacteria located in your vagina away, thereby causing infections, irritations, and paradoxically giving off stronger odors. Similarly, the use of scented feminine products and such things as fragranced pads and toilet paper can causally result in an allergy reaction, irritation, and, paradoxically, more odor. Choose only natural unscented products for superior vaginal health.

• Consult a Doctor: While it is normal to have a slight odor change, strong or persistent period odors unrelated to hormonal changes or hygiene may be concerning. They signify underlying health problems and warrant medical attention. Some particularly worrying scents include rotten, fishy, or intense metallic smells.  The odors could indicate an infection or other health issue. For instance, a fishy smell might just be an indication of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis while a metallic smell might indicate that Your period blood contains iron.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

1. An odor that lingers or intensifies after your period ends
2. Itching, burning sensations, or discomfort
3. Infection indicators such as abnormal discharge or color changes
4. Possible sexually transmitted infection symptoms

There you go, ladies! Using the right sanitary pad all boils down to personal preferences. And the beautiful thing is that there are a plethora of options to choose from.  Amigapad offers a variety of sanitary pads, packed in 3,7,9,14, and 30, with both cotton and mesh pads available. You will always find the pad that suits your unique body, lifestyle, and preferences. You

So, take your time, don’t just settle for anything. Take a stop at Amigapad shop to get the best fit for you!