How To Deal With Getting Your Period For the First Time

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Getting your period is an exciting milestone, but it can also be kind of scary. Don't freak out—here's what you need to know.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Basic knowledge of the female body
Some thin maxi pads, pantiliners, or tampons
An extra pair of underwear

Step 1: Know the basics

Somewhere between 8 and 14, you'll start to go through puberty, a process where your body matures. If you're a girl, part of puberty is getting your period, also known as menstruation. Once a month, your uterus will shed a mix of blood and tissue that will exit your body through your vagina. On average, a period lasts for 3 to 7 days each month.

Tip: Everyone's different, so you may be older or younger than the average age range when you first start menstruating. Your period may also last for a slightly longer or shorter time.

Step 2: Understand the cycle

Each month, your ovaries release an egg that travels through your fallopian tubes to your uterus. While this is happening, the lining of your uterus thickens. If a sperm fertilizes the egg, it can attach itself to that thickened lining and begin to grow into a baby. If the egg isn't fertilized, there's no need for the extra lining, so your body sheds it.

Tip: The first day of your period also counts as Day 1 of your menstrual cycle, which usually lasts between 28 and 30 days, but can take as many as 45 days.

Step 3: Watch for physical signs

Be on the lookout for physical signs. If you've started developing breasts, curves, & pubic hair, your period isn't far away. In the days leading up to it, you might start experiencing discomfort: stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, bloating, headaches, or mood swings. These are all completely normal symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and may also continue during your period.

Tip: Common over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can reduce the symptoms of PMS.

Step 4: Get some supplies

Once you have an inkling the big event is on its way, start carrying some thin maxi pads, pantiliners, or tampons—and a spare pair of underwear—with you wherever you go.

Tip: Using a tampon for the first time can be tricky. Don't be afraid to ask an adult or an older friend about it before trying to insert one.

Step 5: Know how to recognize it

When your period finally arrives, it may be a lot less dramatic than you expected. You'll probably see some light spotting—just a few drops of blood—or a brown stain in your underwear.

Tip: Mark the start and end of your period on a calendar. After a few months, you'll be able to measure how long your cycle is—and predict within a day or two when your next one will start.

Step 6: Avoid swimming

Unless you use tampons, avoid swimming. Maxi pads are designed to absorb liquid, so they swell like a balloon the minute they hit the ocean or pool.

Step 7: Talk to someone

Don't hesitate to get any lingering questions answered by talking to someone you're comfortable with. Your mom, a close female friend or relative, a school nurse or counselor, or even one of your parents' friends can provide great help and guidance.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• dealing
• girls
• handling
• health
• healthbeauty
• menstruation
• puberty
• tampons
• teenagers
• teens

[madvonvanity69]

boys you dont know how luck you are

[SuperBrooklyndodgers]

im a boy why am i watching this?

[girlygirlyblonde]

a puppet? seriously?

[spike2080768]

I was 115

[darkforeverxy2]

100 pounds..im 64 pounds owo

[Dancer4ever000]

@vampandmermaids12 I'm 14 and just got mine last month. You might be a late bloomer like me. And trust me, it's not glamorous or fun at all.

[Isabella12057]

You can swim with pads in the pool, only if it has colorine or another chemical inside the water that is. I use pads and went in the pool and no blood was shown, nor was the pad swollen, just wet.

[zzzzy101]

Dang I call tell I am about to start it

[vampandmermaids12]

i am 80 ponds and 11! say what and i am in 5th grade the lightest 1! how do u guys have it so fast. well i am having my 12 b day soon soooo.... ya

[vampandmermaids12]

@pigglet4822 i agree!

[lolmycatiscrazy]

@MissMaryIsHere Same here. I'm seventy two pounds, and I've had it for three years...?

[CoconutsButterApple]

I had my period since yesterday