5. Menstrual Hygiene – Products and Care
You’ll discover there are lots of period products to choose from: pads (sanitary napkins), tampons, menstrual cups, or even special period underwear. It might take trying a few before you find what works best. The key is hygiene: change or empty your product regularly, even if you don’t feel soaked through yet.
The CDC recommends changing pads at least every few hours and not flushing tampons or pads down the toilet (wrap them in toilet paper and throw them in the trash instead). Using a pad or tampon for too long (more than 8 hours) can increase the risk of irritation or infection.
- Pads are easy to start with (just stick to your underwear). Always wash your hands before and after changing to stay clean.
- Tampons go inside the vagina and let you be more active (even swim!). You should change a tampon every 4-8 hours. If you’re new to tampons, begin with a lighter absorbency and slowly try bigger sizes as needed.
- Menstrual cups (like the one shown above) are reusable and cost-effective. They must be emptied and rinsed every 8-12 hours, and cleaned well between cycles. Some girls love them for being eco-friendly and having a long wear time.
On any day of your period, wear comfortable, breathable underwear (cotton is great) and clothes that make you feel good. Change your pad or tampon before any long outing or bedtime to stay dry and fresh. When you shower, you only need to wash your external genitals (the vulva) with plain soap and water – avoid douching or putting anything scented inside, as that can upset your natural pH balance.
Staying hydrated and continuing gentle exercise throughout your period can also help reduce cramps and bloating. Tracking your flow and symptoms (for example in a phone app) will make you feel more in control. Knowing roughly when your period comes each month lets you prepare (keep spare pads/tampons in your bag) and plan ahead (like avoiding scheduling a big exam on your heavy days).
5. Menstrual Hygiene – Products and Care
You’ll discover there are lots of period products to choose from: pads (sanitary napkins), tampons, menstrual cups, or even special period underwear. It might take trying a few before you find what works best. The key is hygiene: change or empty your product regularly, even if you don’t feel soaked through yet.
The CDC recommends changing pads at least every few hours and not flushing tampons or pads down the toilet (wrap them in toilet paper and throw them in the trash instead). Using a pad or tampon for too long (more than 8 hours) can increase the risk of irritation or infection.
- Pads are easy to start with (just stick to your underwear). Always wash your hands before and after changing to stay clean.
- Tampons go inside the vagina and let you be more active (even swim!). You should change a tampon every 4-8 hours. If you’re new to tampons, begin with a lighter absorbency and slowly try bigger sizes as needed.
- Menstrual cups (like the one shown above) are reusable and cost-effective. They must be emptied and rinsed every 8-12 hours, and cleaned well between cycles. Some girls love them for being eco-friendly and having a long wear time.
On any day of your period, wear comfortable, breathable underwear (cotton is great) and clothes that make you feel good. Change your pad or tampon before any long outing or bedtime to stay dry and fresh. When you shower, you only need to wash your external genitals (the vulva) with plain soap and water – avoid douching or putting anything scented inside, as that can upset your natural pH balance.
Staying hydrated and continuing gentle exercise throughout your period can also help reduce cramps and bloating. Tracking your flow and symptoms (for example in a phone app) will make you feel more in control. Knowing roughly when your period comes each month lets you prepare (keep spare pads/tampons in your bag) and plan ahead (like avoiding scheduling a big exam on your heavy days).
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