Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! It's very common for periods to be irregular for the first year or two after they start. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 45 days during this time. As long as you're not experiencing severe pain or very heavy bleeding, irregular cycles in the early years are completely normal.

Most periods last between 3 and 7 days, but this can vary from person to person and even cycle to cycle. Periods that consistently last longer than 7 days, or that are extremely heavy, are worth mentioning to a doctor.

Absolutely! Swimming, sports, and exercise are all safe during your period. In fact, light exercise can actually help relieve cramps by releasing endorphins. When swimming, use a tampon, menstrual cup, or menstrual disk — pads don't work in water. Choosing your product is totally up to personal comfort.

If you experience extremely heavy bleeding (soaking a pad or tampon in under an hour), periods lasting longer than 7 days, severe cramps that prevent you from going to school or daily activities, no period by age 15, or periods that suddenly stop for 3+ months without pregnancy — these are all signs to check in with a healthcare provider. You deserve support, not just to push through it.

It's unlikely, but technically possible. Sperm can survive in the body for up to 5 days, and if you ovulate shortly after your period ends (which can happen with shorter cycles), there is a small chance of pregnancy. For accurate guidance on pregnancy prevention, speak with a healthcare provider.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is real — it refers to physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the 1–2 weeks before your period, caused by hormonal changes. Common symptoms include bloating, breast tenderness, mood changes, fatigue, and food cravings. Symptoms usually go away within a day or two of your period starting. If PMS severely disrupts your daily life, a doctor can help.

Yes — cramps (called dysmenorrhea) are very common, especially in the first 1–2 days of your period. They're caused by prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause the uterus to contract. Mild to moderate cramps are normal. Ibuprofen (taken with food) helps because it blocks prostaglandins directly. Heat therapy — like a warm pad on your abdomen — is also effective. Cramps that are severe enough to stop your daily life every month are worth discussing with a doctor, as they can sometimes signal conditions like endometriosis.

Vaginal discharge is a clear or whitish fluid that appears throughout your cycle — it's how the vagina keeps itself clean and healthy. It's completely normal. Period blood is typically red to dark brown and only occurs during menstruation. You may notice discharge changes throughout your cycle: it often becomes clearer and more stretchy around ovulation (mid-cycle), which is normal. If discharge has a strong odor, unusual color (green or gray), or is accompanied by itching or burning, see a doctor.

No — the vagina is self-cleaning and does not require soap inside it. Wash only the external area (the vulva) with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Scented washes, douches, and 'feminine hygiene sprays' can disrupt the natural pH balance and actually cause irritation or infections. Less is more.

TSS is a rare but serious bacterial infection associated with leaving tampons or menstrual cups in too long. To reduce risk: change tampons every 4–8 hours (never more than 8 hours), use the lowest absorbency that works for your flow, empty menstrual cups every 8–12 hours, and wash hands before inserting or removing any product. Symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, rash, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion — if you experience these while using a tampon or cup, remove it and seek emergency care immediately.

Lots of factors affect flow — stress, changes in weight, intense exercise, illness, travel, diet, or hormonal changes can all make a cycle heavier, lighter, longer, or shorter than usual. This is generally normal. If your periods change dramatically or suddenly become much heavier consistently, it's worth mentioning to a doctor.