Menstruation Education
All Things Period Related
Period facts, hygiene, products, and safety tips
*Disclaimer: we are not medical professionals. Talk to your doctor or OBGYN about any concerns.
Periods: how do they “work”, exactly?
An explanation of menstruation:
If you are a menstruator, you may know exactly what takes place during your period - or you may have no idea! Let’s review the basics, as it can be beneficial to understand the science behind it:
As part of a healthy menstrual cycle, a period will take place once a month, on average. The exact frequency (and length) is different for every menstruator, though. According to Mayo clinic, “menstrual flow [a.k.a. your period] might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days.” Anything in this range is considered to be normal!
Your period is the result of your body preparing itself for the possibility of pregnancy. As part of every menstrual cycle, an egg is released from one of your ovaries, and hormonal changes take place that would support the egg if it were to become fertilized by a sperm (via sexual intercourse, for example).
If the egg is not fertilized, your body no longer needs the “prep” that was put in place for a possible pregnancy - so the uterus sheds the lining it developed. This lining, made up of tissue and blood, is shed through the vagina - and that’s what creates your period!
Some menstruators have a “regular” period, meaning it arrives the same number of days apart each time (every 28 days, for example). Others have an “irregular” period, meaning the length of time between each period varies. Both of these can be normal and healthy.
Periods can also be:
Light or heavy
Short or long
Pain-free or painful (cramps, etc.)
What are some things that can change/affect a period?
Different types of birth control
Stress
Lack of proper nutrition
Excessive exercise
What are some signs that your period is not normal or healthy?
According to Mayo Clinic, you want to consult your healthcare provider if:
Your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days — and you're not pregnant
Your periods become erratic [a.k.a. irregular] after having been regular
You bleed for more than seven days
You bleed more heavily than usual or soak through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two
Your periods are less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart
You bleed between periods [otherwise known as “spotting”]
You develop severe pain during your period
You suddenly get a fever and feel sick after using tampons
Other reasons to consult your provider might include:
Noticing a new or unusual odor
You are passing large blood clots as part of your flow
You notice anything that isn’t your “normal”. It’s better to be proactive even if what you notice doesn’t end up being concerning.
Proper period hygiene
Stay comfortable, prevent infections, and reduce odors
No matter what menstrual product you choose to use during your period (we will discuss several options below) - maintaining good overall hygiene is very important!
What does this look like?
Wash or sanitize your hands before and after using/changing your menstrual product
Use unscented products - those with scents contain unnecessary chemicals and can be irritating to the skin/vagina
Wear breathable clothing (cotton underwear, for example). This will help to reduce moisture and heat in the area, which is important because germs love both of those things!
Keep your genital area clean. This does not involve using soap or douches to clean the vagina!! The vagina is self-cleaning, and only water is needed to rinse around it.
Remember to wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria to the vagina
Schedule your annual check-ups! These are sometimes referred to as “well-woman exams”, but they are intended for anyone with breasts and/or a vagina, regardless of gender identity.
These exams generally start at age 21, or when someone becomes sexually active
They include: a breast exam, a pelvic exam, and an opportunity to ask questions about anything related to reproductive or sexual health
Pap smears are included in these visits starting at age 21
If your pap smear is normal, the next one may not need to take place for 3 years (your doctor will provide a recommendation)
Let’s talk products - which one is right for you?
Plus: tips and safety guidelines for each
There are many different period products out there to choose from. At Boise Period Project, we create free period packs with various menstrual products for those experiencing period poverty in Boise and the Treasure Valley.
This is our mission, because we want all menstruators to have the supplies they need regardless of financial status.
That being said, there is no “right” product to use during your period… just choose whichever one feels like the best fit for you!
Below, we will discuss the different product options, along with tips and safety guidelines specific to each one.
Note: never flush menstrual products! Dispose of them in the trash.
1. Tampons
Tampons come in various sizes, such as: light, regular, super, super plus, and ultra
Choose a size based on how light or heavy your flow is that day (but use the lowest absorbency possible)
For education, tips, and FAQs about how to insert and use tampons, this video is great!
Follow all instructions on the package
Wash hands before and after use
Only use tampons when on your period
Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed
Stop using tampons and contact your healthcare provider if you have pain, fever, or other unusual symptoms like discharge (tampons should never feel uncomfortable or painful when they are in)!
Change each tampon every 4-8 hours. Never wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time!
The greatest concern with tampons is the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, though it is extremely rare. Following the tips above is the greatest way to reduce your risk! Other precautions include:
Knowing the signs and symptoms. These include: a sudden fever (usually 102℉ or more), vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or feeling like you are going to faint when standing up, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn.
If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue tampon use and seek medical attention immediately.
Consider alternating between pads and tampons, so you don’t have a tampon in 24/7 (even if you are changing them every 4-8 hours).
2. Pads
Pads come in various absorbencies, ranging from ultra-thin to maxi/super
Pads also come in various lengths, like short or long
Choose an absorbency based on how light or heavy your flow is that day, and a length based on your body type/size
The first few days of your period may have a heavier flow - so you may want a pad with more absorbency on those days
Remove the liner from the pad, and place the sticky side of the pad against the inside of your underwear
Some pads have “wings”, or sticky tabs that stick to the underside of your underwear, which help to hold the pad in place more securely (experiment to see whether you prefer these or not)!
Safety tips
Follow all instructions on the package
Change your pad regularly, to avoid leakage as well as excessive moisture in the vaginal area (which can encourage infections to develop)
3. Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are newer to the scene than pads and tampons! They can last up to 10 years if cared for properly.
These cups are inserted into the vaginal canal to catch the menstrual blood coming through the cervix. You shouldn’t be able to feel them while they’re in!
They come in different sizes (click here for help determining yours)
They are totally reusable - they just need to be emptied, cleaned, and re-inserted every 12 hours throughout your cycle
Learn how to insert a menstrual cup with this video
Learn how to remove a menstrual cup with this video
A menstrual cup is inserted and collects your menstrual blood, instead of absorbing like a tampon. It sits in your vaginal canal.
*Graphic by Saalt Co
Step 1: Fold
With clean hands, fold and hold your menstrual cup.
Step 2: Insert
Insert your menstrual cup toward your tailbone. Let it open and rotate it slightly, creating a light seal.
Step 3: Remove
After about 12 hours of wearing your cup, simply remove it by pinching the base of the cup to break the seal. Then wash your cup, insert, and get back to living your best life.
Safety tips
Remove, rinse/wash, and reinsert your cup about every 12 hours during your cycle to prevent bacterial growth, buildup, and leakage
We recommend that you use Pixie Cup Wash, Saalt Wash, a gentle cleanser, or unscented soap (Dial Gold is a good one)
It is also important to sanitize your cup thoroughly before and after each full menstrual cycle
This is often done by boiling the cup for 4-5 minutes -just follow the instructions provided with yours!
This video illustrates both cleaning and sanitizing, and the difference between them!
4. Discs
Similarly to menstrual cups, menstrual discs are inserted into the vagina (though they sit a bit higher than the cups do, right at the base of your cervix). You shouldn’t be able to feel them!
These discs catch the menstrual blood coming through the cervix. They hold as much blood as 4-6 tampons!
They can remain in place for up to 12 hours at a time during your cycle
Some are disposable, while some are reusable
They are yet another great period product option, and even make mess-free period sex possible
Learn how to insert a menstrual disc here
Learn how to remove a menstrual disc here
Safety tips
See above section under “menstrual cups” - the same applies to discs (unless they are disposable… then simply throw away after using)!
Click here for a comprehensive guide to cleaning and troubleshooting menstrual discs
We believe every menstruator should have access to period products for a clean and comfortable period, regardless of income.
If you or someone you know is in need, you can find us here!