Periods are age old and yet they are still taboo. They’re talked about secretly and quietly mentioned amongst friends, but never to reach the ears of a stranger. Awkwardness used to creep on me as I stood in front of the many different pads and tampons displayed in my local store. I would be so nervous about someone catching me buying them. I would try to hide my pads under other items in my cart, in case I ran into someone I knew. It’s sad that I am not alone in these mannerisms. It’s a shame that as a young woman I feel I need to hide the basic necessities in life.
Girls do not need to feel ashamed nor should the feel like they have to hide. Periods are normal and they are Natural, even more than having sex. It is important for girls to feel educated and become knowledgeable about their bodies.
There are things that I have learned that I wish i would’ve known before I had to experience them, like a UTI or a leak.
First and foremost women’s health should always be top priority to a woman. Sounds obvious but not always at the forefront.
I have a list of topics and wide variety of things, i feel every young woman needs to know starting with your options.
This is a necessity.
Option 1: Pads
Pads come in all types and sizes. You have the winged ones and the non-winged ones. To be clear, a wing pad will have two extra handles on the side of it, that has adhesive so when you put it on, it can stick to your underwear and have little movement.
The non-winged ones don’t have extra handles and are just stick on to the inside of the underwear. This can leave room for more leaks because there is nothing to hold it still beside the adhesive underneath. Honestly, it’s up to preference and your own body, so the only way to know for sure is to try. 
Another note is that on every bag of pads, there is a number. The number indicates the size and how much blood the pad can handle. It goes up to 5, meaning it can hold the most. Each pad will also tell you how long the pad will last you. For example it will say 9 hr leak protection, but this also depends on how heavy you are. I have come to find out that they are pretty accurate in time frame but it’s always best to change before it’s maxed out.
The downfall to pads is that they have the possibility of leaking if you don’t get the right size or lay a certain way. Let’s say you sleep on your back, don’t be surprised if you wake up and your underwear as some red decoration. Another issue is “diaper rash.” Of course, it’s not an actual diaper, but sometimes the constant wearing a pad whether you change it or not, your skin may become irritated or dry. Keep your skin moisturized, it doesn’t have to be caked on, but make sure it’s enough to last.
Pads come in sport style, ultra thin, maxi, radiant foam.
Organic pad companies: Rael, Natura Care, Cora, and Lola.
Option 2: Tampons
Unlike pads, tampons go inside of you and just because you use them doesn’t mean, you’re not a virgin. It’s perfectly ok to use them if you’re comfortable, its up to what your body can handle. They have various sizes, from light, regular, super to super plus. They have long and short.
In order to use it, you take the applicator and insert into you. Push the skinny long end inside and it will release the cotton into you. Pull out the applicator and you’re done. The link highlighted will be useful for a visual reference.
Tampons do order a sense of relief because you often forget that it’s there. You can wear what you want without worrying about if someone can see your pad through your shorts. It feels free. Try it and see what your prefer.
There is one important note: TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME. It’s rare but can be life threatening if not handled quickly. Leaving a tampon in for over eight hours can lead to it and increase your risk of contracting TSS. Most people with TSS can recover within a week, but medical diagnosis is required to know for sure. TSS is due to a bacteria, so don’t store your tampons in the heat and do not keep them in for long extended periods of time.
Option 3: Menstrual Cup
A reusable cup that doesn’t absorb the blood but collects into the cup. Almost like pouring milk into a cup, but inside of you.
It’s safer than a tampon and can stay in 12 hours max so you have less chance of TSS and there’s less rash/chafing than a pad. You insert inside but folding it tightly and putting inside of your opening. It should feel like nothing’s there. The cup will open in you and mold to the inside of you. Of course, it comes in different sizes, so to avoid spilling, you will need to try out different ones. Some cups are disposable but since most are reusable. Here’s how to reuse them. Use your kegel muscles to push out and grab the end with your fingers. Once you pull it out, rinse it out with soap and water and replace it. When you have finished your cycle, boil it in hot water.
Of course, you can’t use a public restroom sink to rinse out your cup, but you can use a bottle of water in the stall to rinse out the cup. I personally have never tried this method, but for people who have, comment and share your experience.
These three options are the basic options you have for your cycle. Pads, Tampons, and Menstrual cups. You decide what’s best. Come back for more information in this series.
AKIRA 
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