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Family Planning Center
healthy choices, healthy lives |
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Your Questions about Your Period Questions
about Your Period: Q:
Is it okay to wear a pad & tampon, if it's your first time using a tampon? A:
That is perfectly okay! When first starting out with tampons it is a good
idea to also wear a pad (a thin pad would work just fine) until you get use to
the flow of your period and tampon absorbency. It's important to change
your tampon often (every 4-6 hours), when a tampon reaches maximum absorbency
there may be an over flow which is why wearing a pad is important. Once
you get the hang of it, a pantiliner may be all you need. Tampons are
great, but remember to be careful when you're using them, don't keep them in to
long (could lead to TSS...scroll down to read more about TSS), only use one at a
time, give your body a break and wear pads sometimes...especially to bed.
Good luck! Q:
Hi, I was just wondering, if you use a tampon and you haven't started yet, what
will happen? A:
Well, I'm not quite sure what you mean by what will happen? But here's a
few things that might help you out:
1. If you've never used a tampon before start small, starting small will
help you get use to inserting them and how they feel. Also make sure
you're using the correct absorbency for the flow of your period...that is very
important.
2. Using a tampon shouldn't be a painful process. You may be a little
nervous at first which may cause discomfort--just relax and with time you'll get
the hang of it. If you feel discomfort while the tampon is in you, remove
it and try again.
3. Read the directions! Each box you buy should have instructions on 'how
to use a tampon,' as well as info on how long to keep them and TSS. TSS
(toxic shock syndrome) is a rare disease that is often linked with tampon use,
something to not be scared of, but aware of.
4. And....check out www.tampax.com,
the site is loaded with tons of information on your period and tampons. Good
luck! Q:
What do girls experience before their period? What happens? A:
Pain and discomfort during menstruation vary from one woman to the next.
Some lucky ladies are hardly bothered by their periods-where as other females
experience a handful of unpleasant symptoms. Some common ones include:
pain in the abdomen, pain in the vagina, feeling nauseous, sweating and fatigue.
Fortunately there are some helpful ways to relieve these unfortunate side
affects: during your period, stay away from drinks that are high in
caffeine (coffee, tea, soda, cocoa), avoid stress (if possible), take a few
minutes during a stressful situation to take a deep breath and refocus your
attention on something positive. Exercise, stretch, try yoga, it may help
with aches and cramps-plus it's good to stay fit anyway. If you have
cramps-try a heating pad and if all else fails there's always pain-relieving
medicines. If you're especially tired during your period this may be why:
low iron levels are a common reason for women feeling tired, your body stores
80% of its iron in red blood cells. Therefore the loss of red blood cells
during your period can cause fatigue. Try to eat iron enriched foods
during your period to boost your iron and energy level, here's some suggestions:
bran flakes, chick peas, beans, tofu, spinach, whole grains, and for a sweet,
molasses cookies! Q:
Is it normal when you use a tampon and it feels a little uncomfortable?
A: Yes,
using a tampon can sometimes be uncomfortable. If/when you are first
starting out with tampons, you may be a little nervous, which may make it more
difficult to insert it, but don't worry, you'll be fine, just relax and
eventually you will get used to it. Sometimes you may feel discomfort when
the tampon is in you, if so, take it out, try again or switch over to a pad for
a while. Also, if your tampon is dry when you take it out, it may cause
discomfort, so make sure to use the right size (absorbency) tampon for the
amount of blood flow you are having. Make sure you don't leave your tampon
in for an extended period of time ( it is recommended to change then every 4 to
6 hours), sometimes leaving them in can cause infection or TSS. Check out
this website for more info on Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): http://www.mckinley.uiuc.edu/health-info/womenhlt/tox-shoc.html.
One last thing, make sure you read and look at the directions that you will find
in the tampon box, the directions will help you insert it correctly which will
hopefully limit discomfort.
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Quick Q&A Links:
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