How to Survive Your First Period

Co-authored by Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 Approved

Many young people spend the months or years leading up to their first periods learning about them in class, talking with their friends, and wondering what it's going to be like or when it's going to happen. When it actually does happen, it can be a shock. Being knowledgeable, prepared, and remembering that you have absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about will help you survive that first period.

This article is based off an interview with our board certified obstetrician & gynecologist, Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Check out the full interview here.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Pad

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Sit down on the toilet so any blood will drip into the toilet bowl and not onto the floor or your clothing.
Don't throw away the wrapper; it's perfect for wrapping up and disposing of your used pad.

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There's usually a long piece of wax-like paper covering the adhesive on the bottom of the pad. The wrapper may also double as backing, so the adhesive will already be exposed.
4
Center the pad in the middle part (the crotch) of your underpants, or the part that goes between your legs. The wider or bigger side of the pad should go to the back of your panties, towards your buttocks. Make sure the adhesive is stuck firmly to the fabric of your underwear.
- If your pad has wings, remove the backing and fold them around the middle part of your underwear, so it looks like the pad is hugging your underwear.
- Make sure the pad isn't too far forward or too far back; it should be centered in your underwear.
- If you are using a reusable pad, simply secure the pad by using the popper on the wings.
It may feel uncomfortable at first (kind of like a diaper), so walk around the bathroom to get used to the feel. You should change your pad every 4-6 hours (or sooner if you have a really heavy flow). Changing your pad will help keep it from leaking and keep you feeling fresh.
6
Dispose of the used pad by rolling it up and putting it in the wrapper. If you threw out the wrapper, just wrap the pad in some toilet paper. If you're in a public place, look for a small trashcan on the floor or attached to the wall of the stall. Discard the soiled pad in the trash—never, ever throw it in the toilet, even if the packaging says it is okay to do so. It can clog the plumbing. If you are using a reusable pad, just put it in the washing.
- If you are at home and you have pets, you may want to throw the used pad into a trashcan with a lid or even the trash bin that the garbage collectors collect. Cats and dogs especially can be attracted to the smell of the blood on your pad. Your dog eating your tampon or pad is not only embarrassing, but it can be life-threatening to your pet.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Preparing for Your First Period

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1
Know what to expect. The more information you have, the more likely you'll be able to stay calm when it happens.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.} Your first period will probably be very light, and may not even look like blood. It may appear as bright red drops in your underwear, or it could be brownish and sticky. Don't worry that you will be gushing blood, either; during an average period, a person will only lose about 1 oz. (30 ml) of blood. That's about the same amount of liquid as two bottles of nail polish.
- When your period comes, you may notice a feeling of wetness in your underwear. You may even feel liquid flowing out of your vagina, or you may not notice anything at all.
2
Buy supplies. The drugstore or grocery store usually has an entire aisle dedicated to period products (pads, tampons, pantyliners). Don't be overwhelmed by all the choices; as you get to know your flow, you'll have a better idea of which product works best for you. To start out, look for pads that aren't too bulky and has light or medium absorbency.
- Pads are probably the easiest thing to start out with; you'll have enough to think about without worrying about how to insert a tampon.
- Practice putting a pad in your underwear before you have your period. If you notice discharge in your underwear, use that to figure out where the middle of the pad should be.
- Some websites offer coupons or even free samples or period "starter kits" for you to keep on-hand.
- If you'd rather use a tampon or a menstrual cup during your first period, that's completely fine. It's important that you are comfortable with whichever product you choose, and products come with varying levels of absorbency.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
  
  Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
- If you're embarrassed about buying pads, just go up to the register with a few other items, and busy yourself looking at candy while the cashier rings you up. Remember that the cashier really doesn't care what you are buying and it's nothing new or shocking to them.
3
Store pads in your backpack, purse, gym bag, and locker for emergencies. With all the time you spend at school, playing sports, going to friend's houses, and doing other activities, it's possible, even likely, you will get your period while you are away from home. It may give you peace of mind to know you always have a product with you wherever you are, just in case.
- If you're worried about someone going through your book bag and finding your stash or things falling out, get a makeup bag or pencil case to store your period supplies.
- You may want to keep a pair of underwear and a resealable plastic bag in your locker in case you get your period at school and need to change your panties. You can rinse the soiled pair in cold water and put them in the bag to take home.
- You may also want to keep a little bottle of ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain medication in your locker, just in case you get cramps. Just make sure your school policy allows this so you don't get in trouble.
4
Notice changes in your body that might indicate your period is coming soon. While there's no single indication that your period is arriving, your body may give you signs that it is preparing to menstruate. A stomach or backache, cramps in your abdomen, and sore breasts can all be signs that you are about to get your period.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
- Women can get their first periods as early as 8 and as old as 16. Most usually get theirs around the age of 11 or 12.
- Women usually get their periods about two years after they begin developing breasts.
- You may notice a thick, white discharge in your underpants up to 6 months before getting your first period.
- Your period usually comes after you have reached 100 pounds (7 stone or 45 kilograms).
- If you've gone through a growth spurt, started developing hair under your arms or in your pubic area, and notice changes to your skin like acne or oilier skin your first period might be on its way.^{[4]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
  Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
  
  Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
- If you are underweight, this may delay your period. If you are overweight, you may begin your period sooner.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Your First Period

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Remind yourself that this happens (or will happen or has happened) to half the population of the world every single month! Think about all the people you know. Your teachers, pop stars, actors, police officers, politicians, athletes—half of them will have been through this. Take a deep breath, relax, and congratulate yourself on reaching this important milestone.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
2
Make a temporary pad if you're caught by surprise when you're away from home. If it's the middle of third period and you just looked down to find spots of blood in your panties, know that help is not far away. If there's not a dispenser in the bathroom, you can go to the school nurse, a health teacher, counselor, or a teacher you like and trust.^{[6]
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Research source}
- Until you can get a pad, wrap several layers of toilet paper around the crotch of your underwear. This will absorb the blood and act as a temporary liner until you can get a pad.
- Ask a trusted friend if they can give you a pad. If there is anyone else in the restroom, don't be shy about asking them! They've all probably been in your position before and will be happy to help.
3
Cover leaks by tying a hoodie around your waist. First periods are usually very light, so it's unlikely it will seep through your pants. Still, it does happen sometimes, but it's not a big deal. Cover your buttocks with a sweater, hoodie, or long-sleeved shirt you can tie around your waist if you don't want people to see.
- If you're at school, go to the nurse or office and ask if you can call your parents for a change of clothes.
- If worst comes to worst, you can always change into the shorts of your gym uniform.
- If you change your pants and someone asks you about it, either tell them the truth or just say you spilled something all over your pants and had to get a change of clothes. No big deal.
4
Talk to your parent or visit the nurse if you start getting cramps. Not everyone will experience cramps, and some will only have mild discomfort, but it's possible you will feel intense cramping in your lower abdomen. The nurse can give you pain medicine, a heating pad, and a place to rest until you feel better.
- Exercise can actually relieve cramps. Even if you don't feel like moving, try not to skip gym class. It might help you feel better.
- Try a few yoga poses. Start with child's pose. Sit on your knees so your buttocks is resting on your heels. Stretch the upper half of your body forward, arms extended, until your stomach is resting on your thighs. Breathe slowly and relax, closing your eyes.^{[7]
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  Research source}
- Chamomile tea contains an anti-inflammatory that can help with cramps.
- Drink warm water to stay hydrated and reduce bloating and cramps.
- You may also feel pain in your vagina or lower back.
5
Tell your parents. While you may not delight at the idea of sharing this information with your parents, it's important they know. They can help you get supplies and take you to the doctor if you have any concerns or feel that something is wrong. If you have an irregular period, severe cramps, or acne, birth control might help get your hormones in check, and you'll need to see a doctor to get the prescription.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}
- Even if it's awkward, your parents will be happy you told them. They love and care about you and your health is important to them.
- If your parent doesn't get periods, don't keep them in the dark. They know you're going to get your period eventually. Even if they don't have all the answers, they can help you get supplies and may put you in touch with an someone who does have periods you can talk to.
- If you still feel shy, try sending a text or writing a note so you don't have to talk face-to-face.
6
Mark the date on your calendar. While your period will probably be very irregular at first; it may last two days or nine, it may come every 28 days or twice a month; it's important you start to track it. Your doctor will start asking you about your cycle, and talk to you about any concerns you may have about the length, amount of flow, or time between your periods.
- You can use one of many smart phone apps to track your period.
- Tracking your period will make it less likely you are caught unaware. You can wear a pantyliner when you know you're getting near the time of your period.
- Knowing when you can expect your period can come in handy when making plans (you might want to postpone that beach trip for the week after your period).

Get Comfortable with Tampons with this Expert Series

Using tampons is a new experience, and it can be intimidating. Don't worry, we have all the expert advice you need to use them effectively and painlessly.

1

How to Put in a Tampon for the First Time

2

Use a Tampon

3

Not Be Afraid the First Time You Use a Tampon

4

Insert a Tampon Without Applicator

5

Use a Tampon Painlessly

6

How to Remove a Tampon

Expert Q&A

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Question

When will I get my period?

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

Talk to your mom or older sister. They may be able to give you an idea of when you will get your period. It's not always the same, but often girls begin their periods around the age as their mother or sisters did.

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Question

What should I do if I'm afraid of blood?

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist
Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO

Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Answer

If you have a blood phobia and you're worried about how you'll react, try thinking of it this way: this isn't blood like from a wound or injury. The blood from your period is actually a sign that you're healthy.

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Warnings

You should never wear a tampon when you are not having your period. Try pantyliners or period underwear if you are irregular and are worried about leaking.

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Extremely heavy bleeding and/or cramps so bad that prevent you from doing everyday things might be an indication that something is wrong. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

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With tampons, there is risk of a very rare, but serious disease called TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). Never wear a tampon longer than four hours. Be sure to read the instructions in the tampon box, and if you experience any of the symptoms, go to a doctor immediately.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}

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Change out tampons every 4 hours to prevent infection.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.}

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