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108 Comments | Add Yours

4 steps to a pool-perfect period

 

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Your bestie is dyin’ to go to the pool, but that monthly nuisance just showed up to put a damper on your swimmin’ style. You’re thinkin’ of making some excuse – you only have to put her off for a week, after all – but why wait and miss this perf sunshine? Here are four steps to avoid the stress of that oh-so-annoying period and still have a rockin’ time at the pool or the beach.

 

 

Pad for as long as possible

If you’re heading to the pool or the beach, but ya know that you’re gonna be layin’ out for a while before you jump in the water, don’t be afraid to keep a thin pad on ‘til you hit the waves. That way you won’t have to worry while you’re playing beach volleyball, and all you have to do is take a bathroom break to remove it (and pop in a tampon if necessary) really quickly before you get wet.

 

Keep track of time

The day before ya get wet ‘n wild, pay attention to how heavy your flow is and how often you’ve gotta change out your tampon. Then the next day, whether you’re layin’ out, swimming laps or surfing, check the time every once in a while, and make a trip to the ladies’ room if ya need it. But just so ya know, here’s a sweet secret about swimming: Water pressure tends to put the brakes on your period for a bit. So if you’re runnin’ to the bathroom but find that the sitch isn’t as dramatic as you thought, let a li’l more time lapse between breaks.

 

Doesn’t hurt to double-check

Every time ya leave the ladies room, just take a quick peek to be sure that your tampon string is safely hidden by your bikini bottoms, since they don’t provide quite as much cover as you’d normally have with shorts or pants. You definitely don’t wanna go runnin’ back to the waves with a string that might provoke questions from your BGF, so just take those extra few secs to avoid awkwardtown. Tip? You can always trim the string a li’l shorter to prevent it from slipping out.

 

Don’t sweat the small stuff

At this time of the month, you may think that “period” is written all over your lovely face, but don’t worry, sistah, because it’s definitely not. Some gals get grouchy when their period rolls around, but no one said that you have to let it get ya down. If you act like your normal, fun self, nobody but you is gonna know that anything is goin’ on. And if you pretend that everything’s fine, you’ll start really havin’ fun and even fool yourself!

 

So gals, what are your best excuses to slip off to the bathroom when you’ve got your period by the pool?
 
 

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BY CARRIE RUPPERT ON 6/25/2012 12:00:00 AM

POSTED IN period 101, be period prepared, how to use tampons, how to use pads, puberty

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MOD MOD MOD
PLEASE HELP ME!
Today........ I was just at home watching TV and i felt like i was dripping 'down there' so i went to the bathroom, and i saw this big red spot on my underwear. Is this my period? I havent had the period talk with my mum yet so idk what to do. I put on a pad, but idk how long im supposed to leave it on cause my rents took a vacay to florida for the week. HELP PLEASE... and my stomach hurts reallyyy badd! What am i supposed to do about my stomach? And i have a pool party to go to tomorrow so how can i go swiming?

 

Hey girlie,

Yes, this does sound like your period! Since you can't talk to your mom about what to do, is there someone else (a friend who has their period, an older sibling/cousin, a friend's parent that you trust, a school nurse) you can talk to and ask questions? Either way, check out our Periods, Period question for lots of info: http://www.girlslife.com/category/periods-period.aspx To answer your questions:

- Usually, you can leave your pad on for about 5-6 hours. But if you're using a regular sized pad and your period "flow" is heavy, you'll have to change it more often and might leak onto your underwear. The best thing to do is to check it often and be prepared to change your pad way more regularly.

- For your stomach, try taking 2 Advil, Midol, Pamprin, or Tylenol. These will help make the pain less intense! You could also get a hot water bottle or a microwavable heat pad and rest it over your lower belly. The heat helps your muscles relax.

- To swim during your period, you CANNOT use pads. You'll need to learn how to use tampons - check out our tampon guides here: 

http://www.girlslife.com/post/2010/10/08/How-To-Use-Tampon.aspx

http://www.girlslife.com/post/2011/04/19/Tampon-trouble-It-still-hurts.aspx 


Lauren C.

report

by Jennamaize13 on 8/5/2012 1:40:20 AM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
I got my first period cramps on Thursday, and they were the first ones I ever had! But, no period. On Friday night, I was babysitting and I went to the restroom. I saw a little red dot, but I was really confused, because I knew it was spotting, but I was wondering if it meant my period was coming? My Mom said, "Meh, must've just been thread or something." So I just forgot about it. But last night, I went to the bathroom, and there were more little red spots (like maybe this big ".") and there were some really little red smears mixed in with my discharge. I know that was definitely spotting. Also, I got cramps last night. Does this mean my period is coming REALLY soon? Or do I still have a while? I'm around 100 pounds, I have spotting and cramps (obvi), armpit and pubic hair, and I have horrible acne and a TON of discharge right now. Please reply ASAP! Thank-you!

 

I think you're getting your period VERY soon. Especially since you have so much spotting and are feeling cramps. I would stock up on tampons and pads if I were you. xoxo kerra


Kerra S.

report

by purple10115 on 8/4/2012 7:12:33 PM

 
 

MOD MOD MOD MOD!
so i just got my period, today! and it's so new to me haha, but i am using pads, and we are going camping on a lake soon. my favorite lake. i really wanna swim, but i can't. should i try tampons or menstral cups? PLEASE HELPPP!

Hey girl,

You could try tampons, but don't worry if you can't get the hang of them on your first period! You can still hang by the lake and join the camping fun Smile

Meghan D.

report

by vintage50 on 8/3/2012 10:23:08 PM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
I am going to a cross country camp when I will have my period. We will be doing a ton of activities all day such as swimming, hiking,campfires, etc. How will I be able to change my tampon discreetly because I do not want to carry a tampon pouch around all day. How can I sneak them with me?

 

Hey chica! You'll probably be carrying a backpack around for your towel, water bottle, and sunscreen, so just slip it in there.  If not, ask your counselor to hold onto it.  She'll be able to hand out he stuff when you need it and keep it hidden away when you don't.  xoxo 


Kate G.

report

by Catlover4723 on 8/3/2012 12:02:20 PM

 
 



MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
I'm turning 14 in 2 months, and I think I'm going to get my period this week or in 3-4 weeks because yesterday, I got these really weird cramps that were super low. So I asked my Mom about it, and she said that those were period cramps! Those were my first period cramps (and I am still getting them today!) I also am getting REALLY heavy discharge, and I have all the signs of my period. I get all the period symptoms around the same time my mom gets her period, so that's why I think it's either this week or in 3-4 weeks. You get cramps like 2-3 days before your period, right? Is it the same thing with your first period? I never had period cramps before yesterday... sorry this was so long Laughing Please reply ASAP!




Hey girlie,

Some girls do get cramps just before their periods, that's true! And some girls get cramps before their very first period too, but others don't. It's different for every girl! It sounds like you're right on track and moving through puberty in a healthy way, but unfortunately it's totally impossible to predict when you'll get your period! Even cramps aren't a sure sign, because you could get cramps without a period (or they could be gassy cramps - they kinda feel the same sometimes). Just keep an eye on it and try to relax. You'll know when you get your first period because you'll see the "evidence" in your undies! In the meantime, learn lots about periods and stock up on supplies so you're never caught off guard <3 It'll come when your bod is ready!
Lauren C.

report

by purple10115 on 8/2/2012 11:05:03 PM

 
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