The right protection

When you have your period, you need to use something to absorb and dispose of the blood. You have a lot of choices, but most women use pads or tampons.

Many girls use more than just one product depending on how active they are, their flow, and how comfortable they are with their bodies. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help from your mother or another woman you trust and are comfortable with.

Whatever you choose, remember to change it regularly. Leaving any product in place for a long time allows bacteria to grow and can cause infection.

The following information will surely come in handy to help you learn about the different protections that are available and find out which you will find most suitable for your needs.

WHAT ARE YOUR CHOICES?

Pads:

Pads come in many different sizes and thicknesses.  You wear a pad inside your underwear and it says in place with its adhesive strip.  It absorbs the blood that flows out of your vagina and protects your clothes.  Some women wear a pad or panty liner as a backup for a tampon so they don’t have to worry about leaks.  

You can find pads almost anywhere such as drug stores, grocery stores, even the corner store!  There are so many different varieties that you might want to try a few before finding the one that suits your needs best.  Some women keep different kinds and sizes on hand for various situations.  For example, they use a panty liner (a thin pad) on days when they have a small amount of bleeding or spotting, and they use tampons or larger pads when they have heavier bleeding or overnight when they are asleep.  

And remember to always dispose of your pad in the garbage, not the toilet.  You can roll it in toilet paper or the wrapping from your new pad before throwing it away, for your privacy and for that of the other girls.  

It is not recommended to wear a pad while swimming. Tampons are a more appropriate choice for this activity.  

Tampons:

Tampons are about the size and shape of a finger.  You place the tampon in your vagina so that the string on the end is hanging out.  The tampon expands and absorbs your menstrual blood.  When it is full you pull it out by the string and throw it away.  Some come with an applicator to facilitate the insertion of the tampon.  Young women prefer plastic applicators since they are gentler.  

Tampons have different absorption levels (from “slender” to “super plus”), you can pick the one that matches your flow.  If you have just started getting your period you might want to start with a lighter, slender size.  It is also possible to use more than one size of tampons within the same cycle since the blood flow varies from one day to another (most often, the 2nd day is the heaviest).  

Young women sometimes have apprehensions on the first try, but with practice, tampons quickly become easy to use and are often found to be most practical, especially when you have an active lifestyle or for swimming.  Before the first use, read carefully the instructions in the box.  

When you first try to insert a tampon it helps if you are in a room that gives you lots of space and privacy.  A mirror can be helpful too!  It might take a couple of tries before you get the hang of it.  

When you put the tampon in your vagina it helps if you squat or stand with one foot up on the toilet seat or the edge of the tub.  Relax and, if you need to, use a mirror to help you find your vaginal opening.  It’s a good idea to feel around with your fingers beforehand to familiarize with the opening of your vagina.  

To remove a tampon, you only need to pull on the string.  Don’t worry; the string won’t pull apart from the tampon.  To easiest way to avoid an uncomfortable rubbing feeling when you remove the tampon is to use them, at first, when your flow is the heaviest.  The menstrual blood will help the tampon slide out.  Once removed, you can just wrap it up in toilet paper and put it in the garbage.  Avoid throwing away the used tampon in the toilet.  

If you have difficulty inserting or removing the tampon, ask your mother or a friend you trust for help.  If you still can’t insert it, check with your doctor.  

Tampons should be changed every 4 hours during the daytime, and more often if you have a heavier flow.  This helps prevent infection.  It is recommended to use tampons for up to 8 hours.  This is why it is not recommended to use them overnight unless you are sure to sleep less than 8 hours.  

With tampons, there is a small risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) (lien vers «Je veux savoir» – «L’utilisation du tampon» - «Le syndrome de choc toxique»).  This is a serious and life-threatening syndrome.  You can reduce your chances of getting TSS by changing your tampon regularly.  

Toxic Shock Syndrome is caused by a toxin (a poisonous substance) that builds up in your system.  

Signs of TSS include:

  • sudden high fever
  • nausea and vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • headache
  • generalized aches and pains
  • dizziness and feeling faint (especially when rising from a lying or sitting position)
  • disorientation (confusion)
  • a rash like a sunburn on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
  • extremely low blood pressure, rapid weak pulse (shock)

These cases are very rare, but if you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.  

We suggest you to carefully read the information pamphlet you will find inside the box of tampons (lien vers «Nos produits» – Tampons) before you start using them. 

We also invite you to check out « Our products » section to know what products INCOGNITO® can offer you.  

To learn more, check out www.sexualityandu.ca, administered by SOGC