Periods Mate marama
Your period is part of your menstrual cycle and is normal vaginal bleeding. Each month you shed the lining of your uterus, some tissue and blood through your vagina.
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When periods start
Periods usually start between the ages of 9 and 15. Whether they start earlier or later is not usually a cause for concern. You keep getting periods until menopause.
The period cycle
After puberty your body creates extra lining in your uterus each month. If you do not get pregnant you lose this through your vagina during a period.
Usually, a period happens around every 28 days. This can range from 21 to 35 days. Day 1 is the first day of bleeding. A period usually lasts between 3 and 8 days.
If you are sexually active and your period is late, you might be pregnant. This can happen even if you are using contraception, as sometimes it can fail.
Period products
Period products are used to collect the blood. The most common types are:
- sanitary pads — pads made from absorbent materials that you place inside your underwear to absorb the blood
- tampons — cylinder-shaped items made from absorbent material that you insert into your vagina to soak up the blood
- menstrual cups — a cup-shaped device made from silicone or rubber that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect the blood
- period underwear — leak-proof padded underwear with absorbent padding to absorb the blood, most can be worn all day then washed in a washing machine afterwards.