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Period Supplies

Once your period starts, you will need to decide which supply method works for you. There are many choices, and it may take some experimenting with different products before you find which one you like the best.

Here's a general idea of what's available.

Pads

Pads are rectangles of absorbent material that attach to the insides of a girl's underwear. They're sometimes also called sanitary pads or sanitary napkins. Some pads have extra material on the sides (called "wings") that fold over the edges of your underwear to better hold the pad in place and prevent leakage.

Many types are available: Super, slender, overnight, with or without wings, deodorant, maxi, mini…pads may seem a bit confusing at first because there are so many different kinds. One of them has to be right for you!

Some girls have periods with heavier bleeding, and others have lighter periods with less bleeding. Pads come in several different thickness and absorbencies for heavier or lighter menstrual periods or for day or nighttime use. That way, girls who have a lighter flow do not need to feel like they are wearing a pad that is bigger than they need—and girls with a heavy flow do not need to worry that they will leak through their pad.

Most pads that you buy in stores have a sticky strip along the bottom. You peel off the strip that covers the adhesive, press the pad into your underwear (wrapping the wings around the sides). This type of pad is disposable. Once you have removed the pad, wrap it in toilet paper and put it in the trash. Don't flush a pad down the toilet—even the smallest pad may back up the toilet.

It is also possible to buy reusable pads that can be washed after each wearing—these are usually available in natural health stores or online. These kinds of pads clip onto a girl's underwear (or have a special holder that clips on). Some women choose to use these pads because they think they are better for the environment or because they save money. It is all a matter of personal preference.

No matter what kind of pad you choose, it is best to change pads every 3 or 4 hours, even when your flow is not very heavy. Regular changing prevents buildup of bacteria and eliminates odor. Naturally, if your period is heavy, you should change pads more often because they may get saturated more quickly.

Tampons

Unlike a pad, which catches menstrual blood after it leaves the body, a tampon absorbs blood from inside the vagina. A tampon is also made of absorbent material, but it's compressed into a tiny tubular shape. Like pads, tampons come in different sizes and absorbencies for heavier and lighter periods (words like "super" or "ultra" on the packaging usually mean that a tampon is designed for girls whose flow is heavier).

Tampons can also come with or without deodorant. Again, using these is a matter of personal preference. There is no real need for deodorant in a tampon, since regular changing usually gets rid of any odor. And girls should be aware that, for some people, the deodorant in tampons could irritate the vagina.

It is easy to use a tampon, but you do need to learn how. After washing your hands, follow the directions that come with the tampons carefully and be sure to relax. Some tampons come with an applicator—a plastic or cardboard tube that guides the tampon into the vagina. Other tampons are inserted with the fingers. Some girls find that using an applicator-style tampon (especially one with a rounded top) and a slender-sized tampon makes it easier at first. It also helps to first try a tampon on a heavier flow day, so that the tampon slips in easier.

A tampon needs to be changed every 4 hours or when it is saturated with blood. Because you cannot see a tampon like you can a pad, you will need to remember when it is time to change or you may get spotting or leakage on your underwear or clothing. Pull gently on the string that is attached to the end of the tampon until the tampon comes out, wrap it in toilet paper, and throw it in the trash. Do not flush a tampon down the toilet&mash;even when the box says a tampon is flushable, some tampons can still cause problems in some plumbing systems.

If it is time to change your tampon and you can't find the string, do not worry! A tampon cannot get lost inside you. You will need to reach in with your finger to find the string. It may take a minute to do because the string might be a bit hard to grab.

Avoiding Problems

One thing to remember about tampons: It is very important that you change them every few hours and that you wear the absorbency type that is right for you. Never put a tampon in and leave it in all day or all night, thinking that you will not need to change it because your period is so light. Doing this puts girls at risk for a rare but very dangerous—and sometimes life-threatening—disease called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

TSS results from a bacterial infection that may occur when using super-absorbent tampons, especially if they are left in longer than is recommended.

Symptoms of TSS include high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, a feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness, and a rash that looks like a sunburn. If you ever have these symptoms while wearing a tampon, remove it and tell a parent, school nurse, or other adult immediately. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible. The body can go into shock with TSS if someone waits too long to seek medical treatment.

Remember, though, that TSS is very rare and most women never become ill from using tampons, especially if they follow the guidelines for changing them regularly.

Tampon or Pad?

When deciding what type of protection to use, it is really up to you. Some girls like tampons because they are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Tampons and cups are also helpful for girls who participate in sports like swimming, since you cannot wear a pad in the water.

Some girls prefer pads because they are easy to use and it is easier to remember when to change them since you can see them getting soaked with blood.

Many girls switch back and forth: Sometimes they use tampons and sometimes they use pads, depending on the situation, where they are going to be, and their menstrual flow. Some girls use pads at night and tampons during the day. And some girls with heavy periods use tampons together with pads or pantiliner for added protection against leakage.

If you have any concerns or questions about your period, talk to your provider.