How to optimally experience the first period?
During puberty, when a child grows up, their body changes. In boys and girls, this development is characterized by physical and hormonal changes. Several signs indicate that the child is becoming a teenager. For girls, this is primarily marked by the onset of the first menstruation and the associated first cramps in the lower abdomen... Puberty and the average age of the first menstruation occur earlier in girls, with recent studies showing that breast development can begin as early as age 7. This phase of puberty is an important time of change, and young girls often feel uncomfortable during this phase, especially with their first menstruation. However, it is important to convey to young girls that their first period should not be a taboo!
Meaning and Symptoms of the First Period
When a young girl grows up and reaches puberty, the development of breasts is the first visible sign, especially if she is an early-maturing teenager. Pubic hair also begins to grow. And as soon as the first white vaginal discharge occurs, it means that the first period and the first ovulation are coming soon. Of course, this change is something new for young girls, which makes them feel scared and ashamed.
And yet menstruation is a sign of femininity and proof that the growth hormones are functioning properly. Every 28 days, which is how long the menstrual cycle lasts, an egg is released from the ovaries into the uterus. This process is called ovulation. If intercourse and fertilization occur, the egg attaches itself to the uterine lining - this is implantation - and new life begins. Otherwise, this egg dissolves and the uterine lining, known as the endometrium, which is supposed to hold the egg, is shed. This "material" makes up the menstrual flow. The first period marks the beginning of a new chapter in a girl's life: she becomes a young woman! In each new cycle, it comes again, but it shouldn't disrupt daily life too much, perhaps just a new irritability due to hormonal changes. The first period is usually associated with pain, but don't worry! Every woman has to go through it!
Women's hygiene protection for the first period
"To avoid staining the clothing, the right hygiene products should be chosen to catch the menstrual flow. Some of them are introduced below. However, the period panty remains the best solution to safely get through the first period."
sanitary napkins
The sanitary pad is one of the most commonly used menstrual protection products. It is a strip the length of the stride. This externally worn hygiene product is secured with adhesive strips along its entire length and with wings on the sides of the panties. Depending on the absorption level, it can be very thick or very thin and is available in various lengths. A sanitary pad consists of three parts. The top layer comes into contact with the vulva: this part of the pad absorbs the flow. Then comes the middle part, the thicker layer, which absorbs the collected blood. Finally, the bottom layer is glued to the panties. Sanitary pads can be used from the first menstruation.
The tampon
It has the shape of a small cylinder and is made of an absorbent material, usually viscose. It is strongly compressed to a size that can be easily inserted. Ideally, there should also be an insertion aid: it ensures that it is placed at the optimal spot in the vagina. Once it comes into contact with menstrual blood, the tampon becomes thicker. It usually needs to be replaced after 3 hours. The tampon is very popular among elite female athletes, especially swimmers, who cannot interrupt their training during their period. The tampon is also known for the risk of "toxic shock" that it can potentially cause. Otherwise, usually only the insertion of the tampon is problematic. Too little space, too little time during insertion, the risk of irritation, and lack of experience are factors that can disturb the girl during her first use of the tampon.
The menstrual cup
The menstrual cup is, as the name suggests, a small funnel-shaped cup made of medical silicone, rubber, or latex. It is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. The cup can be worn for a maximum of 12 hours. After that, it must be emptied and reinserted after cleaning. Users do not necessarily find this idea pleasant, especially during their first menstruation! However, the menstrual cup is increasingly convincing women due to its ecological and economic advantages. In particular, women who have already had a child choose the menstrual cup.
Period tie
These panties are specifically designed for wearing during the period. They are equipped with a multi-layered gusset that allows for optimal absorption of menstrual flow. In the past, such panties looked like "grandma's underwear" because they were only meant to absorb menstrual blood. Today, there are models that are more aesthetic and sexier, like those from Sisters Republic, which fulfill their original function just as well.
The advantages of period panties for the first menstruation
"For the first period, nothing beats a period panty. It offers numerous advantages:"
- The first advantage of period underwear is its price. A woman's spending on sanitary pads amounts to nearly 10,000 to 15,000 euros over a lifetime. For some women, this can even be double that when you factor in the "side effects" of sanitary pads (stained clothing that has to be thrown away, etc.)! In contrast, a period underwear costs you on average only about 30 euros, and that's just a one-time purchase! A single period underwear has the absorbency of three tampons. The period underwear from Sisters Republic is designed to last for years. So save your money starting from the first period!
- The second strength of period underwear is environmental protection. The more sanitary pads or tampons are used, the more waste is generated. Period underwear like those from Sisters Republic are washable and reusable, unlike tampons and pads, which must be disposed of after use.
- Moreover, period panties are also good for health: Most period panties, like those from Sisters Republic, do not contain toxic substances, as is the case with sanitary pads or tampons. They also do not contain "fragrance." Such artificial scents are used in menstrual pads or tampons to "mask" the natural smell of blood, without releasing odors that could disturb the wearer. The panties from Sisters Republic are certified according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (the same standard as for babies) and are guaranteed to be free from substances harmful to the body and the environment, making them ideal for the first period.
- The period panties also have the advantage of being very efficient. They are usually made of several layers, which makes them very absorbent. Additionally, their absorption power works immediately! You will not feel wet during your period as long as you adhere to the wearing duration of the panties according to the chosen absorbency level. The Sisters Republic panties are available in the absorbency levels Light, Medium, and Super, depending on the strength of the blood flow.
- And last but not least, period panties are very comfortable. During the first period, girls often feel uncomfortable. This is often because the pad does not fit properly: one end is soaked while the other end is still intact. Or the pad has slipped to the side and the underwear gets stained with blood. With tampons, insertion is a problem. With period panties, all these worries disappear, especially during the first period. They are as easy to wear as regular underwear and provide high comfort in everyday life. The panties from Sisters Republic, for example, are available in a variety of styles and sizes. There is even a pretty bikini-style option that offers unparalleled comfort.
