HEALTH

Sick of wondering what it’s like when you finally get your period, or how to choose what to use? We’ve pulled together our Periods, Period best tips and tricks to help you answer those crazy weird questions (we’ve heard ‘em all!) and get in the know before Aunt Flo comes to town.

Q. My boobs are growing. I’ve got hair down there. Where the heck is my period?

A. It’s coming babe, we promise! If you’re really worried, you can always get checked out by a gynecologist or your physician. There’s no way to make your period come faster, so don’t stress. Just wait for Mother Nature to take her course.

Q. What’s up with discharge, and does it mean I’m gonna get my period soon?

A. Discharge is the fluid your cervix and vagina makes to keep clean down there. Healthy discharge is clear or milky white in color and doesn’t have a strong odor. It’s a sign of your body’s increasing maturity, and most girls start getting it 6 months to a year before their first period. If your period doesn’t quickly follow the discharge, though, don’t be worried! There is no way to predict exactly when you’ll get your period, so just know that it’s on it’s way.

Q. What if I get my period during school or camp or a sleepover?

A. Being prepared for your period will keep you from worrying about getting it at inconvenient times. If you’re at camp or on vacation or at school, try keeping a discreet period-prep kit in your bag, trunk or locker. Toss some pads and tampons inside as well as a fresh pair of undies, a Ziploc bad for soiled panties and Midol or another pain reliever, just in case.

Q. Should I start using pads or tampons now?

A. Some girls hate the feeling of discharge dampening their panties, so they use pantiliners before they get their actual periods. While you can certainly give this a try, you should know that some girls are easily irritated by wearing pantiliners day in and day out. As long as you head to the bathroom if you’re feeling crampy or wet, there’s really no reason to start using these products before you get your period.

For more deets, CLICK HERE for our guide to pads and tampons.

Q. How should I talk to my mom about it? 

A. OK, talking about boobs and bras and periods and pads doesn’t exactly make for comfortable dinner table conversation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to mom about important things. Find a quiet time when you two can be alone together without annoying sib eavesdroppers and just spill: “Mom, I want a bra. Mom, I just got my period. Mom, I’d really like to start using tampons.” Once you get it out, you’ll be fine, promise!

For must know period facts and fun, CLICK HERE!

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