When a girl gets her period, it means that:

• Her body begins a monthly cycle during which she is able to become pregnant
• An egg has been released from her ovary and was not fertilized by sperm
• The uterine lining that was building during the previous cycle is shed in the form of blood
• If her egg had been fertilized by sperm, she would miss her period, and the uterine lining would remain in tact to support a pregnancy

The menstrual cycle

• usually starts between 8–15 years
• is approx. 28–33 days long
• begins on the first day of the period

Periods and Sex

While they are having a period, girls can:

• Do anything they normally do
• Feel sick or tired
• Choose to take it a little easy

Menstrual blood can affect:

• Fooling around without underwear
• Vaginal sex
• Receiving oral sex
• Being fingered or fisted in the vagina

If you are getting into it during that time of the month:

• Both people can talk about it openly
• Decide together what you are both comfortable doing
• Remember that you can fool around in other ways

Important info

• A lot of STIs are passed through blood
• Even if a girl hasn’t had her first period , she could still get pregnant (since an egg is in her uterus, ready to be fertilized, before her first period)
• Having sex during a girl’s period may not protect from pregnancy
• Never have vaginal sex while using a tampon
• Girls may find that they enjoy sexual activities more during specific times in their menstrual cycle

Periods and Health

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)

• A rare but serious illness (possibly life-threatening)
• Often associated with leaving tampons in too long
• Usually experienced as fever, nausea, and a sunburn-like rash

If you think you have TSS:

• Immediately remove a tampon if you are using one
• Tell a doctor you think you have toxic shock syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• A combination of things that some girls and women feel just before their period
• PMS can be part of many different experiences girls and women have throughout their menstrual cycle – some things aren’t so great ... others are more enjoyable
• Popular remedies for the down-side of PMS: hot water bottles, PMS medication, orgasms, exercise, nutritious food and rest

Not so great

• Acne
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Back pain
• Cramps

Enjoyable

• Food cravings
• Creative thinking
• Personal insight
• Relaxation
• Cleansing
• A feeling of renewal

Periods and Prescriptions/Medications

If you use any regular medication, check with a doctor or nurse before taking any drugs for your PMS or period.