One for the gals (periods)

Former Member

Hi, what is everyone using for periods these days? When did you start and did anyone help you?
Did you have enough info or supplies before you started?
Anyone using alternatives, like Keeper or Instead?? Katie (age 15)

Former Member

Hi
1.I use a combination of tampons and towels. I usually use tampons in the day and towels at night. For the pain? Ibuprofen and a hot water bottle usually does the trick.
2.I started when I was 12. I was at school.
3.My form tutor 'helped' me.
4.I had plenty of info...
5.But all my 'supplies' were at home. Thank God for supportive, easy to approach teachers!
6.Sorry to sound thick but, What on earth are 'Keepers'? <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="confused.gif" border="0">
Hope this helps!
Keep Smiling <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="smile.gif" border="0">

Former Member

i was 12 years old when i started, i was really upset because it was really heavy and painful - my mum told me to stop 'being silly'
1) i use tampax in the day and towels during the night
2) the pain got so bad i had to be put on the pill
3) im not sure about alternative products but theres loadsa organic stuff around
4) before the pill rescued me i used strong pain killers, took hot baths and exercise to boost the circulation also vitamin b12 is good and iron supplements stop me from being pale and tired - taking it with vit c helps the absorbtion of iron
hope this helps <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="cool.gif" border="0">

Former Member

Hi Katie, it's a 'tradition' on these boards that if you want to ask people personal questions then you have to give up a bit of information about yourself!

Former Member

I got my first Period while climbing a tree at the age of 12/13.
I had loads of info but my mum was away when it happened and I was too embarrassed to ask my dad - stupid really because we were always really open about this kind if thing in my family.

I'm luck because the only thing that seems to happen to me is I get really Hyper and excitable. Occassionally I feel a bit ratty but nothing extreme.

My granny used to suffer really badly and in those days they didn't have painkillers like the ones we have.

I use Tampons, but not the applicator ones because they are really stupid and a waste of paper.
Cheapo Towels at night.

The pill means I'm really regular.

Former Member

Quite right! Here goes. I started one morning when I was 11. I wasnt prepared at all (tho I knew about what would happen) AND I had a swimming gala that afternoon. My Mum was away so I tried My Mum`s tampons that were in the bathroom but it would not go in. I stuffed up some loo paper and went to a friend`s . She got me going with a small Tampax and some Savlon to slide it in. It did hurt, but after that it was OK . I did not dare try taking it out until after swimming! I did not want anybody to know about it but of course my friend told everybody, AND my Mum told all the family! Mucho embarasmento!!!!
Anyway, a couple of years ago I found out about the Keeper, a flexable rubber cup you wear inside. A bit difficult getting used to, but absolutely FANTASTIC, more secure, lasts longer between changes, no spares to carry or get wet, not rushing to the loo after swimming if you have been a bit athletic in the water.
Bit expensive tho, but it lasts ten years, so a LOT cheaper in the long run.
Anybody else use the Keeper? or interested in it. Must look up the website address. Will post it here ASAP. K

Girl-From-Mars

i started when i was 13... i had info from those invaluable girls magazines, and we'd had a talk in school with all the girls and someone who came in especially... they gave us a little booklet, and a holder and a few tampons... and my mum'd given me a similar tampax booklet too. as for supplies.... i was distinctly lacking, and was far too embarrassed to tell anyone, so i used toilet roll <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="eek.gif" border="0"> oh i did have one pack of towels my mum gave me actually, *just in case* i was just too embarrassed to ask for more. or buy my own!! i didnt often go down town or to the shops on my own anyway, i woulda looked suspicious.

my mum didnt find out until a few weeks/months later until i was at the docs for something kidney related i think, and he asked me if id started my period... and so i had to say yes <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="redface.gif" border="0"> after that she got me some more towels, but i was still too embarrassed to ask for more and had to leave little notes hidden in places only she would see! eventually i tried some of her tampons... the first time id tried it hurt too much and i couldnt get it in, but a while after that i did... so i left a note asking her to buy me some of them <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="tongue.gif" border="0">

now i probably COULD buy my own, i mean ive bought someone a pregnancy test before... but i still get mum to get them for me <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="smile.gif" border="0"> (but i can actually say the words now!!) and ive been on the pill for about 18 months, so the pain's a lot reduced.. and i use ibuprofen when i get cramps.

that thing you use katie sounds well scary! ive heard about it recently actually.. what happens when you take it out? isnt there like all this blood built up that has to be released? *knows nothing*

oh, and i use tampons mostly now, but towels if i cant be bothered waking up to take the tampon out, if i want to sleep longer than 8 hrs or if i put it in a few hrs before i went to bed. if that makes sense <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="tongue.gif" border="0"> or on like really light days, which i seem to have more of now im on the pill (im not complaining!! hehe)

Former Member

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Former Member

Hi its Katie again! The info i promised about the Keeper, well here it is www.menses.co.uk
There are some American sites as well, seeing as its an US invention. Fantastic discussion board at www.menses.co.uk too.
Lots of sanpro info down the ages - as they say- at www.mum.org

Museum of MenstruationThe Keeper

Former Member

Hi Girl with Sharp Teeth specially "doesnt bother having periods". How do you manage that?
I thought it was not healthy not having periods, told it could get you fibroids and/or brittle bones later on when you are older. Katie

Former Member

I started when i was 13 - i didnt tell my mum btu she found out when she found a pair of um..underwear!

I now use pads coz i find tampons to fiddly!
but the mini ones are v.cute!

I use a hot water bottle or bend over for the pain! <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

Former Member

I was 13 when I had my first but they didn't become regular until the start of this year (I was 15). it was at a posh garden party and I went to the loo and saw all this blood! terrifying, I knew all about it but couldn't find any tampons/towels in the people's bathroom, so used toilet paper <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="eek.gif" border="0"> lol.

now I use towels at night and tampons during the day. planning to go on the pill soon and ideally want to give up periods <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="biggrin.gif" border="0"> it doesn't hurt that often, but when it does I sit down and take paracetamol.