Puberty Education Programme. Everything you wanted to know about your first period, and beyond

Transcription

1 Puberty Education Programme Everything you wanted to know about your first period, and beyond Just for Girls

2 Contents From girl to woman Puberty You re finally on your way to becoming a woman what an incredible and exciting time of your life! From girl to woman The change in your life 3 Your period - What is it? This booklet is for you to keep a summary of the topics covered during your lessons and provides details of where to go for further information. Inside these pages you will discover lots of explanations to help you understand the changes you will undergo as you become a woman. It is full of helpful hints and tips which are used by girls all around the world who have been through exactly the same experiences as you and who use femcare products too! 4 Get a hang of your cycle 5 The whole story 6 Your time - The right time 7 Being irregular is totally regular 8 Discharge 9 PMS and Cramps 0 Common questions about periods Your protection Don't get caught by surprise! How to choose the best pad for you? 3 How to use a pad? 4-5 The Always Ultra Range 6 What is a tampon? 7 How to choose the best tampon for you 8 It s so easy with an applicator 9 The Tampax Pearl Range 0- Some extra attention with tampons: TSS What is a Pantyliner? Your wellbeing 3 Emotional Health 4 Healthy Living Period Calendar Did you know that talking to each other, sharing and exchanging stories is a big part of what makes us women? We encourage you to share this booklet with your parents/carers, ask them questions and learn from their experiences. After all, they have been through the same things and will make you see, it is nothing to worry about! Yours, Anna The Always Expert Tea m

3 The change in your life Over the next few years, you re going to experience some major physical changes but don t worry, they are completely normal and don t all happen at once! Your period - What is it? Want to know more? Visit These changes are known as puberty and usually start between the ages of 9 & 4 years old. Keep in mind the time puberty kicks in is different for each girl, for some it happens early, while for other girls it takes longer. Your Changes During puberty, your ovaries produce hormones responsible for some changes in your body. Tick the boxes that apply to you and check out our info tips below... Your breasts start to grow maybe it s time to think about trying some bras. You become taller You begin to grow body hair Your body develops odour as your body changes it s important to use deodorant and maintain good personal hygiene You experience new emotions and feelings you will notice that boys are developing them too! You may get vaginal discharge this is a completely normal and healthy part of being a woman. See page 8 If you ticked all the boxes, your first period has probably started or is just around the corner. For more information visit Before we start talking about the what, the how and the when, here s the most important thing you need to remember getting your period is a very normal and natural thing! Your monthly period will begin during puberty; it is the days of the month when you begin to shed tissue, fluid and blood (also called menstrual discharge) from the lining of the uterus (also known as the womb) in readiness for an egg to be released from your ovaries. How often does it happen? How long does it last? Well, that too changes. Every woman is different but for most girls and women it happens once each month and lasts between 3 and 7 days. 3

4 Get a hang of your cycle The whole story Ok, I get what puberty and my period is, but what is my menstrual cycle? Your Uterus 5 Fallopia n Tu be Eggs Your period is part of a natural cycle called the menstrual cycle which the body goes through to enable a woman to have a baby. Your menstrual cycle is basically the time between the first day of one period to the first day of the next one. The average time this takes is 8 days, but anywhere between and 35 days is normal. Then the cycle starts again! Your menstrual cycle is made up of 4 different yet very important phases, each with its own unique role. Pre-Ovulation A woman s body has two ovaries that contain thousands of eggs (ova). 3 4 Endometriu m Oestrogen, the female hormone, tells the ovary to release an egg every month. The ovaries take turns releasing eggs - the left ovary one month, the right ovary the next. At the same time, the soft lining (endometrium) 3 of the uterus 4 -the place where a baby can grow - starts to thicken. 6 Vagina 7 Uterus Ovary Menstrual F low Ovulation After the egg is released it travels along the fallopian tube 5 to the thickening endometrium. If a sperm, which is the male reproductive cell, fertilizes the egg, a baby develops. During ovulation your vaginal discharge may change in volume and texture Want to know more? Ask the Expert at 3 Premenstrual When the egg isn t fertilized, it breaks down and the endometrium isn t needed. As a result, hormone levels drop causing the endometrium to shed. This is also the moment when you can experience period pains known as PMS (see p. 9) Menstruation The endometrium leaves the body through the vagina 6 as a reddish fluid containing blood. 7 This is your period

5 Being irregular is totally regular Your time - The right time Am I normal? it ldn t Shou appened h have y now? b Whe re is my perio d? ave all Why h iends r my f eirs? had th Relax; the real answer is that there is no right time for everyone! Most of you will get your period between the ages of 0 and 6, but your period will start when your body is ready. If you haven t started by the time you are 6 why not chat to your nurse or doctor for reassurance. As a rough guide, your periods will probably start: A bout years after your breasts start to develop Soon after you grow pubic hair After you start to notice some vaginal discharge Your body can give you several signs a few days before your period comes (although not all women experience these symptoms): y our breasts may become a bit heavier and feel a bit sore you may feel tired you may feel a bit tearful and argumentative you may get a few cramps in your tummy 6 Like many girls, your period will most probably be irregular at first. You could have one period then wait as long as six months for the next one! Don t worry about it this is perfectly normal and natural. It can take a while before your body settles into its regular cycle. In fact, it may take up to or 3 years! Keep a track of your cycle Whether regular or not, it s always useful to keep track of your cycle. Each month mark the first day of your period Count the days from the very first days of one period and the very first day of the next one that s how long your menstrual cycle is Once you have calculated the total length of your cycle (e.g. 8 days), you can open your calendar to mark your period due dates for the upcoming months :34 PM Calendar September 04 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Light flow Heavy flow Discharge PMS Today List Day Month Check out our interactive period calendar at 7

6 Discharge PMS and Cramps 8 You may have already noticed that you occasionally have some transparent or whitish fluid traces in your underwear. This is vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is the fluids that come from various organs like the vagina, the cervix or glands located nearby and is released through your vagina. This usually starts a few weeks before a period. Vaginal discharge is perfectly normal and natural, a healthy sign that your body is functioning properly. It helps maintain the moisture of the vagina and protects against infection. If your vaginal discharge smells unpleasant, is yellowish or darker, is thick or causes itching and burning this could be a sign of infection. Don t be embarrassed, this will happen to almost every woman at some point. In this situation go and see a doctor who will be able to recommend the proper treatment. Get protected! If you have been experiencing vaginal discharge you may wish to stay protected using a pantyliner. Need more tips? Visit PMS is short for Pre Menstrual Syndrome. It is the name given to the symptoms some girls experience before their period. It can happen to 4 days before your period starts and comes from all the hormones running around your body. 0:00 PM What happens when I have PMS? These symptoms can be physical and emotional - you may get moody, achy, have food cravings or breast tenderness. Although this can be annoying and inconvenient remember that these symptoms are only temporary and you will feel back to normal in no time! Why do I feel pain during my period? Some women hardly notice any discomfort during their period, other may experience cramps. You get cramps when your uterus contracts slightly to get rid of its lining. You may feel them during your period in your lower abdomen, lower back or even legs. Not to worry! Cramps are normal and there are many ways to get relief. Why not try... Rubbing your tummy with your hand to make it warm Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen Take a warm bath Do some light exercise Got more questions? Why not Ask Anna at Send 9

7 Common questions about periods aboutyou Amy: Will anyone notice when I have my period? About You: Not unless you tell them! Amy: Should I tell someone when my period comes? About You: You can if you want to! It is an exciting thing to happen. Remember that all women have periods, so they know all about what to do and how to help you. You will need to tell someone so that they can give you some pads or tampons and to give you some advice. Amy: What if I have my first period when I m at school? About You: Virtually all girls are taken by surprise when they get their first period even if they are quite well informed so don t worry. It s a good idea to carry a pad and some clean underwear in your bag just in case. But if you haven t got a pad, ask a friend or a teacher to help you no-one will mind. Most schools keep some spare pads for times like this. Amy: Will I smell when I have my period? About You: Menstrual fluid can start to smell when it comes into contact with air. This will not be noticed as long as you change your pad or tampon regularly and wash yourself regularly too. SEND Pa ntyliners Pads Don't get caught by surprise! Co mpa k Pearl Ta mpon Before your cycle becomes regular, your period may catch you by surprise. It s a really good idea to always be prepared, just in case, especially when you are at school or out with friends. But how do I get protected? During your period you will need some extra protection. Choosing the right protection is very important. There are three means of protection: Pads, Tampons and Pantyliners. Pads are an external means of protection as you wear them in your underwear. Many girls choose to use pads for protection on their first periods, as they are very comfortable. It s a really good idea to keep a pad in your bag just in case, especially on the days you expect to start your period. See pages for more details. A tampon is an internal mean of sanitary protection, which means it goes inside your body (in your vagina). Tampons are very discreet and once you are used to them they are very convenient. See pages 6 for more details. Unlike pads and tampons, which are especially designed to use during your period, pantyliners are designed to absorb moisture and can be used as needed to help you protect your underwear from discharge. See page for more details. 0

8 How to choose the best pad for you? How to use a pad? 3 To choose your Pad, you should look at the following 3 features: The core of your pad for absorbency Extra protection zones that provide leakage protection The wings, so that your pad stays in place and protects you from side leaks Do thicker pads offer better protection? No not always. It depends on the material the core is made from. Some pads are manufactured with a super absorbent core made of millions of gel granules where the fluid is absorbed and turned into gel so that it hardly resurfaces. This means that the moisture is locked away so you feel clean, dry and protected. Because these pads (often called ultra pads) are really thin, they are both comfortable and discreet and yet they offer excellent protection too! So why not look out for the Ultra name to help find the one that suits you best? Take out the pad from it s plastic wrapper Follow 3 simple steps! Pull off the wrapper and 3 the paper strip that covers the sticky part of the pad and the wings. How to throw away a pad? Fold it up and wrap it in a toilet paper or in the wrapper from your new pad. How often should I change my pad? Change it every 4 to 8 hours or more often if your flow is heavy. If you re wearing a smaller pad or one with less absorbency, you may need to change it more frequently. Your pad may begin to leak if you wear it too long. Learn more at Attach the sticky part securely to the inside centre of your knickers. Put it in the rubbish bin. Never throw it into the toilet. If thrown into the toilet, the pad may clog it, causing the toilet to flood. 3

9 Use the product selector at The Always Ultra Range Always Ultra up to 00% leakage protection length of pad absorbency when to use Always Ultra Normal. cm Without wings. For light days. FOR DAY Teens recommended product Always Ultra Normal Plus 4.0 cm Suitable for moderate flow. Always Ultra Long Plus 8.4 cm Great for moderate to heavy flow and for extra protection. FOR NIGHT Always Ultra Night 3.7 cm The longest Always pad. For great protection during Night. Always Ultra Secure Night *versus Always Ultra Normal 3.7 cm Always' best ever Night protection, with 60% larger back*. 4 5

10 What is a tampon? How to choose the best tampon for you Learn more about tampons at Tampons are sanitary protection that are worn inside your body. A tampon is made of soft absorbent material compressed into a small oblong shape with a cord securely sewn through it for removal. It is held into place by muscular walls of your vagina and gently expands to absorb your flow. Many girls start using tampons when they go swimming and find them comfortable to wear when they are active during their period. Does it hurt? Not at all! Just relax; this will help you insert a tampon with ease. If it is uncomfortable you re probably not relaxed enough and haven t put it in far enough. This is very common, just remove it and try again with a fresh tampon. When can I start using tampons? Whenever you like! Some girls find it easier to use pads to start with, until they have settled into a routine with their periods. We recommend that the first time you try a tampon is during one of your period heavy days. Never insert a tampon when you are not menstruating. To choose your tampon, you should look at the following 3 features: Tampons with applicator or without applicator? The expansion of the core: some tampons come uniquely designed to gently unfold and fit your natural shape 3 Extra leakage protection 6 How often should I change my tampon? Depending on your personal need, change your tampon every 4-8 hours. If you would like to use a tampon overnight, insert a new tampon before you go to bed and replace immediately upon waking up. If you sleep for more than 8 hours, use a pad instead. Never use a tampon for more than 8 hours. What s the difference between a tampon with an applicator and one without an applicator? A smooth plastic applicator is designed to help make insertion comfortable and can help make sure your tampon is properly placed. An applicator can also help keep your hands clean. 7

11 Use the product selector at It s so easy with an applicator! The Tampax Pearl Range How to use an applicator tampon Always start with washing your hands. Unwrap the tampon and then pull the smaller inner tube out until it "clicks" and locks in place. Get into a comfortable 3 position and insert the applicator. Hold the outer insertion tube by the grooved ridges with your thumb and middle finger. With the removal string hanging down, insert the tip of the applicator into your vagina at a slight upward angle, approximately 45 degrees. Slide the outer insertion 4 tube all the way into your vagina until your fingers touch your body. Still holding the applicator, 5 push the bottom of the smaller tube into the bigger tube. Once the tampon is 6 securely placed, remove the applicator and throw it in the bin. You can use the wrapper of your new tampon to throw it away. To remove your tampon, slowly 7 and gently pull the removal string downward and away from your body. Never flush a tampon down the 8 toilet, always throw it in the bin. 6 4 Regular Super Super Plus Teens recommended product For normal flow days For heavy flow days For heavier flow days 9

12 Some extra attention with tampons: TSS Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) You may have heard of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a very rare but serious illness which can be fatal. It can occur in men, women and children. It is also associated with tampon use. About one-half of all cases of TSS occur in women who are menstruating, and this is usually associated with tampon use. TSS is treatable but early recognition and treatment are important. What are the symptoms? To put your mind at rest, here s a list of the symptoms of TSS to watch for, and some tips on what to do if you think you have any of them. a sudden high fever vomiting diarrhoea a sunburn-like rash dizziness You can reduce your risk by: Alternating tampons with pads during your period. Always using the tampon with the lowest absorbency for your flow. Menstrual TSS can occur during or shortly after a period. TSS can recur, so if you have had it once, you can have it again. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor before using tampons if you have had TSS or symptoms of TSS in the past. As mentioned, TSS is very rare, so don t worry too much just be aware. The symptoms include: How can I reduce my risk of getting TSS during my period? muscle aches fainting or feeling faint confusion Any one of these symptoms could be an indication of TSS, though you may not experience all of them. If you think that you may be suffering from TSS... remove any tampon you are wearing immediately tell your doctor you have been using a tampon and are concerned about TSS What should I do if I have any of these symptoms? 0 Immediately remove any tampon you are wearing and see your doctor. Tell your doctor you have been using a tampon and are concerned about TSS.

13 What is a Pantyliner? Emotional Health Pantyliners are an absorbent extra layer that can be inserted into underwear to absorb moisture. They re really simple to use - just remove the paper strip on the back of the pantyliner, which covers the sticky part on the underneath, and attach the liner securely to your underwear. What's the difference between a pad and a pantyliner? Pantyliners are much thinner and more flexible than pads. Unlike pads, which absorb menstrual fluid, pantyliners are specially designed to absorb vaginal discharge & sweat, whenever you want. s Teenended m recopmroduct a mpliner iisn Stickiness & Flexibility make sure your l es sticky & flexible enough to stay in place all day long Always Dailies Incredibly Thin Flexistyle Pantyliners are our thinnest pantyliners ever, less than mm. Thanks to their unique shape they adapt to 00% of knickers styles and are sealed all the way to the edges for a secure fit. Sometimes these hormones can get a bit overwhelming and it can feel like we don't have any control over what we think or how we feel. But by making simple changes to our lives, we can make a real difference to the way we feel. Some things you could do to help you feel better are: Eat well Exercise Help other people The shape of the liner some pantyliners adapt to all your knicker styles s 3 The thinness of the liner make sure it feels thin and comfortable enough for daily wear ck MILLIMETER pa When should I use them? Pantyliners can be worn whenever you want, to provide peace of mind, before, or after a period. They can be used to help you feel fresh and protect your underwear from discharge. During puberty, your hormones can affect you emotionally for a while. If you find yourself in a rut where you re sad or angry for a few days, don t let this get you down; it happens to a lot of us. As your body changes, so does your brain. It develops your personality, who you are, your likes and dislikes. This can affect your friendships and how you view yourself. Teenesnded m recopmroduct Believe in yourself Take time out Talk to friends and family If you re feeling overwhelmed or like you can t cope with things, don t try and cope with everything on your own. It s a very normal feeling and it may be helpful to talk to someone, so don t be afraid to ask. For example you could talk to a parent, friend, teacher or trusted adult. Have you ever been pushed into doing something you thought was wrong like teasing someone, stealing or cyberbullying? This is called peer pressure. This is when good self-esteem can help you to do what you think is right. Do you really want to be friends with people who want you to do something wrong or dangerous? In this situation, peer pressure is about wielding power over another person, not about friendship. If you back away, say no or just walk away, your real friends will respect you. 3

14 Healthy Living 04-5 Period Calendar The following tips will help to keep you fit and healthy: Eat a healthy and balanced diet Complex carbohydrates (e.g. pasta, breads and cereals) provide energy for the body. Calcium (e.g. dairy products) helps to build and strengthen the bones. Vita mins (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables) keep the body feeling healthy. Proteins (e.g. fish, meat and beans) are building blocks for muscles, skin and blood. 4 Exercise regularly Sixty minutes a day of moderate aerobic activity (e.g. brisk walking, cycling, etc.) should do the trick. Get enough sleep Right now your body is working pretty hard and it needs time to recover. Aim for at least eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. Personal hygiene As your body changes it s important to keep it clean. Personal hygiene is your responsibility, so embrace it. Skin care Keeping your skin clean and clear may take more of your time now. Your body is a full-on hormone producing machine and that can lead to more greasy/oily skin with clogged pores and spots. 5

15 Puberty Education Programme For more information on the topics covered in this booklet, go to: Whatever your worry Childline Bullying UK Toxic Shock Information Service Mental Health and Wellbeing concerns Youngminds Have cancer worries? Teenage Cancer Trust Macmillan Cancer Support (free support line) All rights reserved to Always 04 All images are used for illustrative purposes only. Any person depicted in the image, if any, is a model. This document contains licensed material. It is for personal use only and must not be reproduced without permission