Never wear a tampon longer than eight hours or wear one that is more absorbent than you need, as this can lead to a rare but serious condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome.
The user removes the cup every four to 12 hours, pours the collected blood into the toilet or sink, and washes the cup before reinserting.
During your heavy days, you may need to change it every hour or two. On light days, don’t go more than three to four hours without changing it during the day. Again, never leave a tampon in for more than eight hours, even for overnight wear, and never wear a tampon that is a higher absorbency than you need to reduce your risk of TSS. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Keep a tampon or pad with you in your purse, locker, and/or car for emergencies. Keep a supply of tampons or pads in your bathroom so that you won’t have to run to the store when your period starts. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend for a tampon or pad if you need one. Even a stranger in the bathroom will likely be willing to help you out if you are in need.
Use a mild soap or body wash on your whole body, including your vulva, and rinse well. You do not need to use a special soap made for your genitals; these are a marketing gimmick meant to exploit your self-consciousness about your period. Remember, it is natural to have a body that smells like a body, and genitals that smell like genitals. You should never clean inside your vagina, such as with douches. Your vagina is a self-cleaning organ that naturally produces the right balance of mucus to flush out any contaminants, and a douche or wash can disrupt your pH balance and lead to infection. [3] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source
Use the wipe as you would toilet paper after using the restroom, wiping only on the outside of your body. Be sure to discard it in the trash can, as they are not made to flush and can clog sewer lines. Baby wipes are made for an infant’s sensitive skin, so they should not sting, but discontinue use if they burn, itch, sting, or you get an infection.
Wear cotton underwear. Cotton is a natural fiber that allows air to circulate properly, which can help prevent sweating and smells. You should also avoid wearing thongs during your period, which can transfer bacteria from your anus to your vagina and cause infections. [4] X Research source Change your underwear if they become damp with sweat or fluid, or at least once a day.
Use the recommended amount of detergent and be sure you wash everything, including your underwear, daily. If blood gets on your clothing or sheets, rinse with cold water as soon as possible and then rub with a laundry pre-treatment product such as Spray n Wash or Shout. Let it sit for a few hours to overnight, then wash on warm with your regular detergent.
Blood has a normal, slightly metallic smell to it. This is normal, but if it bothers you, consider wearing tampons or menstrual cups, or changing your pad more frequently. If the smell is very strong, fishy, foul, or is otherwise abnormal for you, and you have been washing daily, there is probably an underlying cause. If you wear tampons and notice a strong odor, you may wish to check for a retained tampon. This occurs when you forget to remove your tampon, and the old tampon is still in your body. It is impossible for a tampon to get “lost” in your body, so if it’s still in there, you should be able to locate and remove it easily. Insert a clean finger into your vagina and feel for the string, then pull it out. If you find you cannot remove it, see your doctor immediately.
BV is sometimes accompanied by itching or burning, but other times there are no symptoms except a foul smell. You will need to see your doctor for a prescription to treat BV. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
While most people can use a regular deodorant during their period, others find that it is not sufficient. Both body odor and vaginal odor can be influenced by diet, and some foods like garlic, coffee, and fried foods are known to have an effect on the smell. If your diet contains any of these or other pungent foods, consider eliminating the food to see if the smell improves.
This can be especially problematic if you tend to wear disposable pads, which trap bacteria, blood, and sweat between the layers of plastic. In this situation, consider wearing a tampon or menstrual cup, which is inside the body, or change your pad more frequently.
Your first period usually comes about two years after the very first signs of puberty, which are usually breast buds (slightly swollen and protruding nipples, not actual breasts), and a few months after the first signs of armpit and pubic hair. [7] X Research source Your first period can start at any time but might be accompanied by sore breasts, mood swings, or pain in your lower abdominal muscles called cramps.
The first time you get your period, you might feel worried or self-conscious. But look around. About half of the entire world’s population has, used to have, or will have periods during their lives. It is one of the most normal human processes imaginable. Most people begin their period around age 12[8] X Research source and experience menopause around age 51,[9] X Research source which means that they will experience 39 years of monthly periods or about 468 total periods!
A “menstrual cycle” actually refers to the entire fertility cycle, usually 28 days, that results in a period once a month. Every month, your body prepares to become pregnant. Over the course of the month, the body creates a nutrient dense lining for the womb to nourish a potential embryo, then releases an egg which travels down to the womb area, and if it is not fertilized by sexual intercourse, it leaves your body along with the lining of the womb, which appears as bloody fluids as it leaves through the vagina. As your body prepares for your period; you might experience general symptoms known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which can include bloating, tiredness, moodiness, food cravings, headaches, and cramps.
