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Equine_Fanatic · Aug 1, 2007, 01:11 PM

Igot my first period today and had a lot of blood. I was really freaked out at first. I called my mom and she told me to use a pad. (She's at work). I am kind of worried though. There is A LOT of blood and it isn't really... coming out. It is just there. I am worried this could be bad. I have to change the pad literally every hour or so because of all of the blood. I am also worried to go to the bathroom because of all the blood. ANd I am worried about showering because I thinhk thblood will go all over.

Any help would be really really appreciated. I am kind of freaked out...

jrb252000 · Aug 1, 2007, 01:16 PM

The first period is really the worst... try to relax. During your period you can shower without any problems (just use a tampon). The first day of your period is usually the worst and it will be over anywhere from 3 to 5 days. Usually a shorter period means heavier bleeding. Intake your iron so you don't become anemic if you are a heavy bleeder. Welcome to womanhood

Equine_Fanatic · Aug 1, 2007, 01:24 PM

Thanks for your help. I'm kind of worried about tampons... especially because umm... down there has a lot of blood and I'm not sure if it's normal for the blood to be on your... outside areas. Also, what kind of foods have iron in them? We don't have any iron pills here.

jrb252000 · Aug 1, 2007, 01:32 PM

Iron can come from whole-grain or enriched breads/cerals. You can also get it from brocoli, spinach rice and pasta. It isn't that big of a concern but it is something to watch for.
Pads are what I use just change them as often as you need too. I also keep wet wipes in my purse just in case it gets a little messy down there. With tampons it seems to be a little bit neater but it is personal choice.

alkalineangel · Aug 1, 2007, 01:36 PM

Believe me a tampon will work fine. Go and find the tampax pack that has the heavy, medium and light flow tampons. These are great as your flow will change. You will only need to keep one in for the duration of your shower, but if you are more comfortable in tampons than pads, then wear them often, just don't forget to change them out.

There will be information in the tampon box about TSS, but don't let it freak you out. There is only really danger of TSS if you keep a tampon in for longer than 8 hours at a time, or if you use on in an unclean environment. This used to be a real problem, but most companies have changed their formulas. Millions of women use tampons.

It is VERY normal to bleed heavily for the first or second day of your period, it will come outside of the general vaginal opening, no worries there. A pad will need to be changed every 1-2 hours on a heavy day. You can buy different thicknesses and lengths. Test around, find which one suits you best. I prefer the thin pads, but some women like the thicker ones... good luck and welcome to womanhood!

Equine_Fanatic · Aug 1, 2007, 01:41 PM

Okay... what if I want to take a bath and try to relax? And what should I wear while I am sleeping? I need to change pads too often and you shouldn't keep tampons in for longer than 8 hours and I've been sleeping for 10 or more lately. (Busy week)

jrb252000 · Aug 1, 2007, 01:45 PM

If you want to take a bath go with the tampon. For sleeping I use an overnight pad or a tampon and set the alarm to get up at least once to change it out.

alkalineangel · Aug 1, 2007, 01:46 PM

LOL... I use pads when I sleep and tampons throughout the day personally. But some women don't like the feel of a tampon so it is up to you.. Anytime I am cleaning whether by bath or shower, I will typically wear a tampon, mainly because I don't like the sight of the blood, but you don't have to wear anything if it doesn't bother you.

Also, it won't be the end of the world if you forget and leave a tampon in, I have done this before... and Im fine, you just don't want to keep them in for very long to allow your body time to "breathe" after all this is a cleansing process you are going througgh.

Equine_Fanatic · Aug 1, 2007, 01:48 PM

Okay. THanks for all your help guys. I really really appreciate it. Now if my mom would just get home from work I could ask her all of these questions. :/

Dreams of lies · Aug 1, 2007, 01:48 PM

It is okay... its different for all women... some get lotes of blood and some don't. Its is okay... its normal... well I hope this helps

alkalineangel · Aug 1, 2007, 01:50 PM

Not a problem, glad we could help. Im happy you have such a close bond with your mom! Many girls are forced to learn on their own :)

GoldieMae · Aug 1, 2007, 01:52 PM

You can take a bath while you are on your period. It will help you relax and may ease the cramps. The first day of your first period is always the heaviest until you have children, which is a long time from now for you. It will be better by tomorrow, probably still heavy, but not as bad. And it will get better every day. Then get better every month.

One thing about the tampons, because you are young, go with the smallest size. Because you will only be keeping it in when you bathe or shower, you won't need a big one. The smaller one will be more comfortable.

But it may help you to just shower and wash some of the blood away.

When you sleep at night, you may leak out of the pad. Always makes long ones with wings. Get the longest ones you can find in the store, or ask your mom to get the longest ones for you. Tonight, put a towel under your backside, and wear your least favorite pajamas. Don't wear a tampon overnight if you sleep more than 8 hours.

Equine_Fanatic · Aug 1, 2007, 01:55 PM

When should you start scheduling Gyno appointments and stuff? ANd what will the gyno even do if you are just going in for like... a chek-up or whatever?

jrb252000 · Aug 1, 2007, 02:02 PM

That is up to you. It is recommended for most women at 18 or whenever you become sexually active. It also depends if you have history of cerival/breast cancer in your family (especially if it is in your immediate family).
The pap smear is a small test where they take a swab and test the cells of your cervix for precancerous changes. It will be a bit uncomfortable and a slight crap pain but trust me it is worth it to make sure you don't have cancer. Usually the test is annually unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

Equine_Fanatic · Aug 1, 2007, 02:10 PM

THanks everybody. My mim will be home in about two hours. I think I can hold my own until then. :)

bekah876 · Aug 1, 2007, 06:23 PM

Just to add a quick comment. I never wear tampons when I take a shower. I don't see it necessary since I stop bleeding in water. I also see it as a time to allow myself to get cleaned out and be fresh again. You don't have to wear anything when you take a shower or bath... it is your personal preference. Most women stop bleeding in the water.

gemini75 · Aug 11, 2007, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by Equine_Fanatic

Thanks for your help. I'm kinda worried about tampons...especially because umm...down there has a lot of blood and I'm not sure if it's normal for the blood to be on your...outside areas. Also, what kind of foods have iron in them? We dont have any iron pills here.

You may be afraid of the tampon, but try it. Relax. Even the directions say so. I prefer tampax but there are many out there. Say away from frangrance ones.

Once you get use to the tampon, you'll find it's a lot cleaner and prefer it to the pad, which I call diaper.

If you can't use the tampon, don't sweat it. It's not for everyone. There is even a product out there called instead. Personally, I don't like that one.

Good luck!