Buzz
Daily panty liners are small-sized pads used to absorb light menstrual flow and vaginal discharge. Many women opt to use them as their period approaches, during menstruation if they use a tampon or menstrual cup, or towards the end of their cycle when the flow is lighter. If you're waiting for your first period, you might wonder whether it's time to start using them. Look out for signs that your first period is coming! When your period arrives, you can add daily panty liners for extra protection, or use them in place of regular pads on lighter days for a more comfortable feel.
Steps
Look for Signs of Your First Period
Your first period usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 15. However, everyone’s experience is unique; it’s completely normal if your friends or family members start menstruating before you. Menstruation can begin at any point between ages 10 and 15, and that variation is perfectly fine. Your period might come a little earlier or later than this range.
- If you haven’t had your period by age 15, it’s worth talking to a doctor. While it’s generally fine, in some cases it could indicate a health issue, such as malnutrition if you're underweight.
- If your period starts later than others, consider it a blessing! Periods aren’t a bad thing, but they do require more attention to personal hygiene. Enjoy the time before your first period arrives, knowing it will come when your body is ready.
Menstruation typically occurs within 2 years of breast development. If you're wearing a sports bra or notice your breasts are growing, this is a sign that your period is approaching. Most girls experience their first period within 2 years of breast development.
- The size of your breasts does not affect when you will have your first period. You can still get your period with smaller breasts, or it might come a year or two later even if you have a larger chest.
Menstruation can begin anytime you notice vaginal discharge. If you see sticky discharge from your vagina, your period may arrive within 6 months. You might notice vaginal discharge when wiping after using the bathroom or on your underwear.
- If the discharge bothers you, try using daily panty liners to absorb it. This also serves as a protection in case your period arrives unexpectedly.
Your period will arrive within a week if you experience PMS symptoms. These symptoms are clear signs that menstruation is about to begin. However, not all girls experience PMS; therefore, you may not feel any difference before your period starts. Some common signs to watch for are:
- Stomach or lower back pain
- Bloating
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Mood swings, such as sudden anger, sadness, or anxiety
Using Daily Panty Liners After Your First Period
Use daily panty liners a few days before your period. If you notice signs that your period is approaching, or if you predict it based on your previous cycle, start using daily panty liners. This provides protection in case your period starts early or if it arrives unexpectedly. You can then switch to tampons or regular pads when necessary.
- Track your menstrual cycle using a calendar or reproductive health app. This way, you can predict your next period and begin using daily panty liners 1 or 2 days in advance.
Use daily panty liners to enhance protection if you are using a tampon or menstrual cup. Tampons and menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. However, leaks can still occur, especially when you have a heavy flow or if the tampon or menstrual cup is not used properly. Using daily panty liners along with tampons or menstrual cups is an effective way to prevent leaks.
- Note that tampons and menstrual cups are only effective when used correctly. If you are new to these products, daily panty liners will add extra protection and peace of mind.
Replace regular pads with daily panty liners on days when your period is light. Your flow will decrease in the final days of your period. This is completely normal. Even though your flow is lighter, using a pad is still important. Daily panty liners are a good option for the last few days of your period because they are thinner than regular pads but still absorb well.
- For example, if your period typically lasts 5 days, you can switch to daily panty liners on days 4 and 5.
Change your daily panty liner at least once every 3-4 hours. This helps prevent leaks and unpleasant odors. To change your liner, peel it off your underwear, roll the cotton side inward, wrap it in toilet paper, and dispose of it in the trash. Next, open a fresh panty liner and place the adhesive side against your underwear.
- As your flow increases, you will switch to tampons or regular pads. If your period is very light or absent, you can skip using daily panty liners.
- Make sure your period has fully ended before stopping the use of daily panty liners. You can continue using them for 1-2 days after your period ends. For example, if your period typically lasts 6 days, you can use them on days 7 and 8.
Advice
- If you have any questions about menstruation, talk to a trusted adult such as a parent, guardian, teacher, or sibling.
- Keep daily panty liners in your backpack, handbag, or wallet. They are small and thin, so they don't take up as much space as regular pads or tampons. This way, you always have one on hand when needed.
Warning
- Do not use daily panty liners when you have a heavy flow. You won't have enough protection, and your menstrual blood may leak, staining your clothes.
- Do not flush daily panty liners down the toilet, as they can cause blockages!
