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How to handle your period

We answer your menstruation questions

Why do I menstruate?
Every 21-35 days the lining of your uterus builds up to prepare for a fertilized egg to implant. This rich area is where a baby will develop if you fall pregnant. If a fertilized egg does not attach itself to the lining of your uterus because you did not have sex or you used contraception, your body will expel this lining during your period.

What do I do about the blood?
Your period will last for a 3-7 days and you will need to wear something in your panties that will catch the blood so you can protect your clothes. Your choices are:

How much menstrual blood?
Some girls bleed more heavily on the first days of menstruation with the flow becoming lighter towards the end. Some girls start menstruation with a few days of light flow, followed by two or three days of heavy flow that goes down slowly. Some girls have a more or less equal amount of flow on each day. In all cases, it doesn't come out very quickly. You lose about 2–6 tablespoons of menstrual fluid during your period, but only about half of it (1-3 tablespoons) is blood. Even during heavy flow, you should not soak more than one sanitary pad an hour. Most often you will change them every 4-6 hours.

What’s that smell?
Menstrual blood doesn’t smell but if you don’t change your pad or cloth regularly, it will start to smell.

But I didn’t get my period?
If you haven’t had your period by the time you are 15 or if you don’t have a period for more than 3 months, there might be a health problem or, if you have had unprotected sex, you could be pregnant. It’s a good idea to see a nurse or doctor for a check-up.

Having a period is normal. There is no need to feel ashamed of it. You are part of the cycle of life! Find ways to make menstruation more comfortable for yourself.

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