I got my first period yesterday :(

[Amber997]

I had to tell my gym teacher, cause it happened in there...She made me go to the nurse and she gave me pads...
So I have a few questions.
1. When can I swim?
2. What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
3. How often do you have to change your pads?
Thanks, btw I am only 11 years old.

[boo723]

hi there to answer your questions you cannot swim until you have finished your period, Toxic Shock Syndrome usually happens when you use tampons and you don't change them as often as your supposed to and you need to change your pads every time that you go to the toilet, i hope that helps.

[Ohbehave007]

1. You can swim while on your period. It all depends on what type of hygiene product you are using. If you choose to use pads then it is probably better to wait until your period is over for the month. But with tampons and diva cups you can swim your heart out. You can take baths too.
- A little more on this subject, I started my period when I was 12 and by the time and was 13 I was just using tampons because they felt better. I enjoyed swimming during my period because it eased my cramps.
2. Toxic Shock Syndrome is a very rare but potentially fatal illness caused by a bacterial toxin. Different bacterial toxins may cause toxic shock syndrome, depending on the situation. Leaving a tampon in for a very long time can do this. You should change your tampon at least 3 times a day (about every 8 hours). If you are like me and have very heavy periods you will know when you need to change it (I do about every 3 or 4 hours).
3. Like a tampon a pad should be changed at least 3 times a day or every 8 hours. I would recommend changing it round every 5 hours though just to keep yourself feeling clean.

A few tip I have gathered over the years to help you ease in to womanhood:
1. Always have some pads or tampons on you, all month long. At first your period will be irregular (and like me, now 20, may never be regular)
2. If cramping does become painful let your mother know and she can give you some pain killers. (Mydol, Aleve Feminax, etc are made for period cramping and work pretty well). If you prefer a more natural relieve you can try herbal teas and hot water bottles, some people even find relieve with ice bags.
3. Don't be embarrassed about your period, it is a completely natural thing and means you are in good health.

Congratulations and Enjoy Womanhood!