PERIOD PRODUCTS

If you’re like a lot of girls, when you first started your period, you used whatever your mom gave you. Chances are it was the same product she uses. Eventually, you started experimenting with other options to find what's comfortable for you. Let's face it, your body is different than your mom's and most likely so is your period. Maybe you're not happy with the pads or tampons you're using now, or you're wondering how to use the correct products. It can be hard to figure out which is right for you, since there are SO many different choices!

So let’s start with pads. They come in all shapes, sizes and absorbencies. I like ultra thins with wings during my first couple of days when my flow is normal to heavier. If you play sports or are active, wings are especially good to give you extra proctection.

Depending on what’s on the calendar (like swimming, soccer, or ballet), I’ll switch to regular tampons. If you've just started using tampons, it's best to use size "lite" with a plastic applicator. If you have a heavier flow, try "normal" or even "super." Just make sure you aren't using something too absorbant. Oh yeah, and I recommend tampons with plastic applicators, especially for noobs. ;)  They're much easier to use.

Pantiliners are a great idea to use a few days before you know you're going to get your period. That way you're covered in case you start earlier. I suggest using em at the very end of your period too, when minor spotting spells the end of Aunt Flo.

Oh, you might want to keep a package of overnight pads around too, if you bleed heavily at night since you won't be able to change for 8+ hours. Those are great to break out if you're invited to a sleepover and you're on your period.

You may have noticed I didn't mention anything about brand name. Always, Tampax, Kotex, Playtex, drugstore brands...it's up to you. A "regular" tampon is a tampon, right? You can choose if you prefer name brands or store brands. Don't be fooled by those cheesy commericals on TV- don't let the ads influence what brand you buy. The girl that's smiling so big and looks like a skinny supermodel on the Kotex commercial...she isn't really menstruating. If she was, she wouldn't be smiling so much.

So mom, thanks for sharing your stash with me. But I’m pretty sure I’ve got things covered from here.

Until next time,

Alli