This is a collaborative post: There is a horrifying amount of misinformation about periods and period management. In many places, people consider it an uncomfortable subject for polite conversation. However, this hesitance to talk about a natural biological occurrence leads to many young teenagers never learning about the various ways to manage their period.
For parents with children about to begin puberty, it is a crucial time to learn what makes a good first period starter kit and how to educate your child on period management.
1. Menstrual Pads
Pads are one of the most common methods for managing a period. They stick to your underwear and absorb blood flow. There are a variety of menstrual pads with different absorbency levels, but some are too thick and may show under skin-tight clothes. Menstrual pads can also shift, which could lead to bloodstains. Many people who play sports choose to wear a tampon or a tampon paired with a thinner pad. Most people buy thinner pads for the day and thicker options for the night. Overall, pads are one of the more comfortable and less expensive ways to manage your period. However, they are not the most eco-friendly option.
2. Tampons
Tampons are another extremely popular method of period management. However, they can be intimidating for people beginning to menstruate for the first time. Some people find that it hurts to use a tampon, which is why it is crucial to make sure you are getting a size that fits. Also, tampons must be changed regularly, or there could be severe health consequences.
Plenty of people who regularly exercise love tampons because they don’t shift and only leave blood stains if they have been left in for too long. They are perfect for people who hate the feeling of pads, although they are slightly more expensive. Tampons typically come with a plastic applicator, which is bad for the environment. There are tampons without an applicator, but they are applied manually, which might be tricky for some users.
3. Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are a total gamechanger. Reusable, good for the environment and much cheaper than disposable sanitary wear, you can find out more here. Use in combination with period underwear for a leak-free, hassle free period.
4. Period Underwear
Period underwear is less common, but it is a great reusable way to manage your periods. Additionally, a first period starter kit should include period underwear because they are comfortable and not as intimidating as tampons. According to WUKA, “…First Period Starter Kits & Packs were created to ensure a stress-free start to periods. They have everything your teen/tweens need to start their period with confidence.” Period underwear is exactly like regular underwear, but with an additional layer that collects blood. They come in many sizes and absorbency levels, just like pads. While they may be more expensive upfront, they save a lot of money in the long run and are much better for the environment.
Can You Control Your Period?
There are many reasons you would want to control your period. For some people, blood flow can last as long as eight days. To speed up your period, do activities that get the blood flowing faster. Active exercise is a fantastic way to speed up your period. Also, be sure to avoid using tampons. Tampons actively block the flow of blood and can prolong a period.
Can You Stop Your Period?
It is possible to stop your period in the long term with various birth control methods. One popular method is taking combined birth control pills that limit estrogen and progestin. Doing this keeps the lining of the uterus thin. The lining of the uterus is what will grow and fall off, causing bleeding in a regular cycle. Suppressing ovulation halts the growth that leads to a period. While this method is fairly effective, it is not guaranteed to work all the time, and it is crucial to consult a medical professional first.
Just like any other biological cycle, periods are different for each individual. Period management should be unique to everyone. Take the time and experiment to find out what works best for you in a way that keeps you healthy and makes you confident.