A. The onset of puberty – when a girl has her first period, it is known as Menarche. It may take place between 9 – 15 years of age. During this time, girls observe bleeding for the first time from their vagina.

A. With menarche, the bleeding becomes a periodic occurrence in a girl’s life with the cycle of bleeding observed in a gap of 22 – 40 days. Menstruation usually stops between the age of 45 – 50 years, which is called menopause.

A. A menstrual cycle begins from the first day of one period and ends at the first day of the next. A typical cycle of an adult female is 28 days, although some are as short as 22 days and may be as long as 40 days. Periods usually last for 3-7 days. During a menstrual cycle, a woman passes out 2-4 tablespoons (30 – 59ml) of blood.

A. PMS includes various types of emotional changes that many girls experience before their period begins. These symptoms include food craving, depression, irritability etc.

A. This is one of various myths associated with menstruation. The fact is that in healthy girls / women, menstruation doesn’t cause iron deficiency.

A. This is one of the various myths associated with menstruation. The fact is that taking bath is important especially during menstruation so as to keep oneself clean and hygienic. A nice warm water bath can help in relieving menstrual cramps and premenstrual tension.

A. This is one of the various myths associated with menstruation. The fact is that it is a normal process and one can continue with the daily routine.

A. This is one of the various myths associated with menstruation. The fact is that menstrual fluid is a mixture of blood and tissues and no woman is impure when she is menstruating

A. To avoid rashes, keep the area between the thighs dry and clean. Wash your genital area properly with water and dry it after every time you go to the toilet. Always wipe from front to back direction after defecation to avoid infection. Change the pad after every 4-5 hours for hygiene and to avoid staining and foul odor. Keep yourself clean and bathe regularly.

A. Some tips for taking care of yourself during periods are as follows: –

1. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

2. Eat an iron rich diet to avoid anaemia.

3. Foods like meat / dal / green leafy vegetables and beans are recommended.

4. Reduce intake of salt which causes water retention.

5. Take a brisk walk to relieve stress.

6. Put a hot water bottle on the abdomen, which may help relax.

7. Do regular exercise

A. You must consult a doctor if your periods:

1. Started before the age of 8 years

2. Have not started by the age of 15 years

3. Comes before 22 days or is as late as 40 days

4. Are heavy or scanty

5. Are very painful and you’re not able to continue your routine work

A. Using a sanitary pad is quite simple as you just have to follow 4 steps: –

1. Peel off release paper from the back of the pad

2. Stick the pad on panty and press firmly

3. Peel off release paper from the wings

4. Fold the wings around panty and press firmly

A. Using sanitary pads judiciously is very important. Menstrual blood is contaminated and using a sanitary pad for long hours is unhygienic, it can cause rashes, UTI or vaginal infection. A sanitary napkin should ideally be changed every 5-6 hours but if you have a heavy flow, it should be changed more often.

A. Typically a sanitary napkin lasts for 7 to 8 hours, however in case of heavy flow it should be changed every 3-4 hours to maintain hygiene and avoid rashes and infection.

A. You can dispose of the sanitary in 3 simple steps: –

1. Roll the used pad in waste paper or individual wrap

2. Throw used pad in a dustbin which is regularly cleared

3. Store pads in a hygienic and dry place

A. Sanitary Napkins are best to use before 3 years of manufacturing date.

A. A Tampon is a cylindrical shaped absorbent material. It is designed to be easily inserted into the vagina during menstruation for absorption of menstrual flow.

A. Tampon absorbs directly inside the body at a point, on the other hand a napkin’s absorption will spread, because the napkin absorbs indirectly – on the outside of the body.

A. Since Tampons are inserted into the body; it makes it easier for the user to perform all the physical activities with ease. It facilitates freedom of movement and provides a no usage feeling. It is especially useful for physically active individuals such as athletes, swimmers and models.

A. Tampons can be inserted in 3 simple steps: –

1. Hold the ridged part of the applicator and take a deep breath

2. Insert till the indicated position

3. Push the second part in firmly with your other hand

A. There are two types of Tampons available for use – Applicator type (Inserted with applicator) and Finger Type (Inserted with finger)

A. Applicator type Tampons are better usage because of two primary reasons: –

1. More hygienic – By using fingers to insert a Tampon which has not been cleaned properly, there is a chance growing bacteria / more risk of TSS

2. Easy to insert – In correct position for comfortable use

A. Using Tampons for very long hours can result in the increase of the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus. Bacteria releases toxins inside the body. Toxins may result into acute disease – Toxic Shock Syndrome – which can be fatal

A. Tampons should be changed every 4 to 6 hours or more often depending on your flow to reduce the risk of TSS.