Period · 5 min read
First period - fact check
First period
Your first period is no cause for worry. What happens to your body is completely normal, and there is no need to feel ashamed, disgusted or scared. Of course, dealing with your period is something you learn over time, and any uncertainty is best smoothed out with knowledge and preparation. So here we explain what a period is, what the signs of your first period are, and what you can do to get through this exciting time without any problems.
What is "this period" everyone keeps talking about?
The start of your period, also called menstruation, is part of the normal development of every girl* during puberty. From your first period onwards, a small amount of blood and cells is shed from the uterus every month and flows out through the vagina. This process shows that your body is growing up and that it would already be possible to become pregnant. The average age for the first period is between 11 and 14. At this age, having a baby is not what it is about for you. But your first period is another important step on your way to growing up.
Why do girls and women get their period?
The fact that your body bleeds during your period can cause concern or even fear at first. But for the body, this process is completely normal. The reason lies in the uterus. Shortly before your first period, a thin inner layer forms there. It is intended for a fertilised egg. If no pregnancy occurs, however, this thin layer is no longer needed and the uterus sheds it through repeated contractions. The layer of cells can then flow out through the vagina along with a little blood. The following month, your body automatically builds a new layer of cells in the uterus, and the cycle - also known as the female cycle - begins all over again.
From your first period onwards, the bleeding repeats roughly every 28 days, so once a month. Especially at the beginning of menstruation, however, variations with longer or shorter intervals are possible. So it may be just 25 or even 31 days until your next period. It is a good idea to keep a calendar in which you note down the days of your period. That way you will learn to judge the intervals better over time.
Signs of your first period
Signs of your first period - it will not be long now!
Unfortunately, no one can predict the exact day your first period will start. Every girl's body follows its own schedule, its own female cycle. So do not feel unsettled if your friends already have their period, or if you are the first among you. There are, however, signs of your first period that show you your first menstruation is getting closer:
- Around two years before your first period, your breasts begin to grow. This process is called thelarche and is the starting signal for the noticeable changes your body goes through during puberty. It can take several years, however, until your breasts are fully developed.
- Shortly after breast growth begins, the first pubic hair appears in the intimate area (pubarche), along with underarm hair.
- A common sign of your first period is white discharge. This is a white to slightly yellowish discharge from the vagina, which you will usually notice as marks in your knickers. Like your period itself, this discharge is normal and no cause for concern. Only if itching in the intimate area or an unpleasant smell accompanies the discharge should you see a gynaecologist. A simple, painless swab can determine whether there is a condition such as a fungal infection.
Once white discharge begins, your first period will very likely follow within the next year. So take a closer look at the period products available, such as period underwear. Take your time choosing what is right for you.
Preparing for your first period
What does your first period look like?
An average period lasts between 3 and 7 days, becoming noticeably lighter towards the end. For some girls, it begins with a few bright red spots of fresh blood in their knickers. Dark, almost brownish blood stains are also possible. This spotting before the period then gradually becomes heavier. It is also possible, however, that your first period starts straight away with noticeable bleeding. So if you see clear signs of your first period, it is best to prepare for it to begin.
Perfectly prepared for the start of your period
All the signs of your first period are there! So your period will arrive soon. If the start of your first period takes you by surprise, you can of course ask someone for help - ideally someone close to you, such as your mum, an older sister, a cousin, or perhaps friends at school. To make sure you are well prepared for your first period anyway, we recommend putting together a small bag - an emergency bag, so to speak. In it you can store a spare pair of knickers, a washable pad or our TEENS period underwear.
That way you will have everything to hand when you need it and will be perfectly prepared for your first period. Whether it is white discharge, spotting or the sudden start of your period, the TEENS period pants absorb any fluid and give you a clean, protected feeling. If period underwear is new to you, we are happy to explain here in our article why it is a wonderful alternative.
*This refers to all menstruating people.
Empfohlene Produkte
Our latest innovation is a true game-changer in period underwear! Our brand-new, self-adhesive material allows for the combination of period panties with interchangeable inserts – a real change in the world of sustainable period hygiene has come! A revolutionary material In close collaboration with our product designers and textile experts, SELENACARE has developed a new technology that redefines flexibility during menstruation – a self-adhesive material! This material is sewn into the crotch of the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties, as well as onto the accompanying absorbent inserts. This material makes changing the inserts easier and without slipping! So, the inserts can be changed easily without having to undress. The self-adhesive material allows the inserts to be inserted into the matching SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties and can be easily replaced when needed, like traditional pads. Unlike traditional pads, our inserts can be reused as they are washable! Say "Goodbye" to the uncomfortable moments of changing and "Hello" to a feeling of absolute flexibility during your period! The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Period Set consists of two parts. The SELENACARE Easy Comfort Basic Panties are the core of our system and are equipped with the self-adhesive material in the crotch – a brilliant base for the SELENACARE Easy Comfort Inserts, the second part of the period set. Absorbent Easy Comfort Inserts with Wetbag The Easy Comfort Inserts are equipped with the specially developed self-adhesive material on one side and are ideally matched to the Basic Panties. This makes inserting them into the crotch area of the panties incredibly easy. Thanks to this self-adhesive property, the insert stays securely in place and does not slip, without relying on uncomfortable or annoying attachment methods. With various levels of absorbency, they are ready to accompany you in every phase of your period – from light to heavy, we've got you covered. Once the Easy Comfort Inserts are fully saturated, they can be easily removed from the Basic Panties and replaced with a new insert. No need to take off the panties, as with traditional period underwear. Simply transport them in the Wetbag, wash, and reuse.
Feel completely protected and free with SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear. Invisible under your clothes, it offers you comfort, discretion and maximum absorbency during your period. This underwear in sizes XS-M as well as L-XXL was specially developed for medium days and meets the highest demands. Invisible perfection for you Thanks to the innovative Free-Cut design and the thin material, SELENACARE Free-Cut period underwear does not leave any unsightly marks under tight-fitting garments. You can move freely and feel completely comfortable without worrying about visible marks. With this underwear you stay confident and secure in any situation. Maximum comfort and flexibility for you SELENACARE's Free-Cut period underwear offers you not only protection but also exceptional comfort. The super-stretch microfibre material fits your body perfectly and offers maximum flexibility. Whether you're working, exercising or just relaxing, this underwear ensures an optimal fit and freedom of movement for you. Reliable protection for medium days The period underwear has been specially designed for medium days to provide you with a high level of protection. The absorbent layers inside the underwear safely retain fluid and prevent unwanted leakage. You can trust its reliability every day of your period. It's your perfect companion during menstruation. Experience the comfort, discretion and protection you deserve. Be confident and enjoy your freedom no matter what the day brings.
The Period Panty Hipster convinces with its modern cut and super-comfortable fit. As with all our models, the integrated suction surface is discreetly and invisibly incorporated into the period panty. The menstrual underwear absorbs up to 25 ml of fluid. With its low-slung leg and medium waist, it hugs your body perfectly and gives a feeling of security. Light, medium or heavy days The strength of your period can vary throughout your cycle. The Hipster period underwear is ideal for the light and medium days of your period. It provides a dry feeling and does not allow fluid to leak out. On your heavier days, we recommend using the underwear in combination with a menstrual cup or tampon. If you have periods or spotting, you can use either a period slip or a washable pad, depending on the intensity of the bleeding. No restrictions, always well protected There are really no limits to the use of period underwear. You can use them in your free time, at work or on holiday. In addition to period blood, it also absorbs sweat and other fluids and reliably seals them in. Because the material is absorbent, it also gives you a very safe feeling during sports. After use, you can wash the panties out with cold water, air dry them and reuse them. This makes them a convenient, sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. Not only do you reduce waste, but you also save money because of their long life. Hygiene and freshness based on silver chloride (biocide active ingredient according to article 95 list) The absorbent layers of the SELENACARE products are equipped with the antimicrobial, biocidal protective finish SILVERPLUS® from RUDOLF GROUP. It prevents the proliferation of odour-causing bacteria. SILVERPLUS® is the leading silver ion technology and is certified according to the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. OEKO-TEX guarantees that all components have been tested for harmful substances and that the product is harmless to health.
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