Sick of wondering what it’s like when
you
finally get your period, or how to choose what to use?
We’ve pulled together our Periods, Period best tips and tricks to
help you answer those crazy weird questions (we’ve heard ‘em
all!) and get in the know before Aunt Flo comes to town.
Q. My boobs are growing. I’ve got
hair down there. Where the heck is my period?
Q. What’s up with discharge, and
does it mean I’m gonna get my period soon?
A. Discharge is the fluid your
cervix and vagina makes to keep clean down there.
Healthy
discharge is clear or milky white in color and doesn’t have a
strong odor.
It’s a sign of your body’s increasing maturity, and most girls
start getting it 6 months to a year before their first period. If
your period doesn’t quickly follow the discharge, though, don’t
be worried!
There is no way to predict exactly when you’ll get
your period, so just know that it’s on it’s way.
Q. What if I get my period during
school or camp or a sleepover?
A. Being prepared for your
period will keep you from worrying about getting it at inconvenient
times.
If you’re at camp or
on vacation or
at
school, try keeping a discreet period-prep kit in your bag, trunk
or locker. Toss some pads and tampons inside as well as a fresh pair
of undies, a Ziploc bad for soiled panties and Midol or another pain
reliever, just in case.
CLICK HERE for 10 ways to prep
for your period.
Q. Should I start using pads or
tampons now?
A. Some girls hate the feeling
of discharge dampening their panties, so they use pantiliners before
they get their actual periods. While you can certainly give this a
try, you should know that
some girls are easily irritated by
wearing pantiliners day in and day out. As long as you head to
the bathroom if you’re feeling crampy or wet, there’s really no
reason to start using these products before you get your period.
For more deets,
CLICK HERE for
our guide to pads and tampons.
Q. Will people know when I’m on my
period? That would be so embarrassing!
A. Unless you announce it over a
loudspeaker or wave your pads around on your way to the ladies’
room, no one should know when you’re menstruating. Worried about
smelly pads? CLICK HERE to get the hygiene deets you need to
stay fresh 24/7.
Q. How should I talk to my mom about
it?
A. OK, talking about boobs and
bras and periods and pads doesn’t exactly make for comfortable
dinner table conversation, but
that doesn’t mean you can’t
talk to mom about important things. Find a quiet time when you
two can be alone together without annoying sib eavesdroppers and just
spill: “Mom, I want a bra. Mom, I just got my period. Mom, I’d
really like to start using tampons.” Once you get it out, you’ll
be fine, promise!
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 6/7/2011 8:00:00 AM
POSTED IN period 101, be period prepared