Looking for a disposable feminine hygiene option to help you stay on the go during your flow?
If you’ve been considering making the switch from pads to tampons, or are wondering how to talk an adolescent through the ins and outs of inner wear, we have some no-nonsense info to get you started. We’ve broken it down into helpful sections so that you can scroll right to the info you need the most! READ MORE… »
Whispers in the locker room, awkward conversations with family members, and commercials with veiled messages for strange-looking products. We all knew it was coming. Did we feel prepared?
According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the average American girl will get her first period before her thirteenth birthday[1], with ages as young as eight and nine becoming more and more common.
Only two generations ago, our grandmothers could anticipate this life event arriving while they were applying for their driver’s license, or writing final exams.
As the discussion grows over the causes of premature menarche, the question remains: how do we support young girls and women as their periods begin earlier and earlier? READ MORE… »
By Cathy Chapman
When it comes to talking to your parents about menstrual care options it definitely helps to know the facts. Menstrual cups are not a new concept – In fact, they have been around for about 150 years. However, still many people may not be familiar with the concept of them. Here are some tips for talking your parents (or anyone, really) about menstrual cups!
First of all, What IS the menstrual cup? (The quick and friendly version.)
Menstrual cups are reusable menstrual care protection. Worn internally like tampons, they differ in that they are designed to collect menstrual flow rather than absorb it. They are safe, easy to use, and a hygienic alternative to pads and tampons!
Now that we have that over with….
It helps to make a list of reasons why you’re interested in menstrual cups. Points to note could be…
• The average person spends about $48-84 per year on disposable menstrual products. Menstrual cups can be a one time cost that will last for years.
If you know us at Be Prepared. Period., you know we are always trying to make menstrual education more fun. To go along with the Know Your Flow article we shared last week, we also created this fun infographic as a quick reference.
Period talk and period education is something we continually promote. If you’d like to join us as we encourage ladies, of all ages, to learn more about their menstrual health, we invite you to share this graphic on your site – just copy the code below. READ MORE… »
By Robyn Srigley, BA, PTS, CNP, NNCP
Periods are confusing. One day you are barely flowin’ and the next you’re changing your tampon every few hours. And don’t even get me started on the cramps and cravings! What gives? Well, depending on the colour and level of flow we superwomen are experiencing, there could be any number of things going on. Decode the mystery below.
(check out the full infographic, here)
Light Flow
This could be one of two things. Either you’re near the beginning or the end of your regular period, or you’re not having a true period at all and are just spotting. So how do you tell the difference? READ MORE… »
So Many Names & Perspectives
No matter what you call it — Dot, Tom (time of the month), Cousin Ruby, Aunt Flo, Period, or even the old phrase “on the rag,” – it is still menstruation. If you are a woman, live with women, have daughters or sisters, work or interact in some way with females – chances are good that you are somewhat familiar with the basic details of the menstrual cycle.
Despite countless opportunities for learning about this incredible, natural and normal occurrence, many women of all ages – especially adolescents – are ashamed of it or find it awkward and embarrassing. The time has come for us to speak up and end any lingering traces of old societal menstrual taboos.
The best way to embrace menstruation –your own periods, your daughter’s periods, or those of your partner or loved one – is to deepen your understanding by learning the basic facts. Without this foundation anything seems plausible, especially the common cultural perspectives that offer negative and/or medicalized views.
One of the “ewww” factors for public restrooms can be the improper disposal of feminine care items. Sometimes they are thrown on the floor; other times they are not wrapped up before depositing in the receptacle, if there is even one to be found. Often times, the receptacle itself is soiled from previous use, making it unsanitary to touch. And as the puberty age steadily drops, many elementary school restrooms that would benefit from a receptacle don’t have one. READ MORE… »
