The first menstruation is a momentous occasion in any young woman’s life. But while this is a beautiful time marking the transition from childhood to young adulthood, beginning the first menstrual cycle can be scary for your daughter. Besides all of the physical and emotional changes her body is going through, deciding which feminine hygiene product to use can be another difficult task. Choosing the right feminine hygiene product is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here’s how you can help your daughter choose which product is right for her:
Know Her Options
Before helping your daughter choose a feminine hygiene product, it’s important to know all of the options available. While there are lots of products on the market, here are the most common:
– Pads: Pads are worn outside of the body and are a great choice for first-timers. They are made from cotton and stick to the inside of the underwear and are available in many sizes and levels of absorbency, depending on how light or heavy the menstrual flow is.
– Tampons: Tampons are inserted into the vagina and absorb menstrual blood before it can leave the body. Some tampons come with an applicator, which helps to insert the product into the body, while non-applicator tampons are inserted by using your finger. Both kinds of tampons provide the same absorbency but some women prefer one to the other. Tampons are a great option for those who feel comfortable using them, however, it is important to change your tampon every four to six hours to prevent toxic shock syndrome and other health concerns.
– The Cup: Like tampons, the cup is worn inside of the body. The folded cup is inserted into the vagina and then rotated so it opens where it fits under the cervix and collects the menstrual blood. The cup is then removed, cleaned and reinserted when necessary. Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours and can last as long as six months.
Other Things to Consider
As your daughter chooses the right feminine product for her, she should take her lifestyle and whatever activity she’ll be doing into consideration. Different lifestyles and activities call for different products. For example, if she is going to a sleepover at a friend’s house, a pad will be just fine, while a day at the beach would call for a tampon or menstrual cup. Choosing the right feminine hygiene product will usually come with trial and error. Some girls prefer to start out with pads and wait a while before using tampons, while some may feel comfortable using tampons during their first cycle. Whatever product shes chooses should ultimately depend on her personal preference.
Get Your Gynecological Questions Answered
Choosing the right menstrual product doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating for your daughter. At OB-GYN Women’s Centre, we are dedicated to providing you with all of the gynecological information you need. If you have any gynecological questions, we have have the answers you need. Give OB-GYN Women’s Centre a call today.
