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Tips for Talking with Kids about Puberty & Periods Body

If you’ve ever had a yeast infection, we feel your pain - because yeast infections are rough, and that’s us being nice about it. Not only does it involve an itchy vaginal area, which can make for some seriously awkward moments, but unlike cramps and PMS, a yeast infection also won’t just go away on its own. Instead, you have to be proactive in treating yeast infections. In this case, the sooner the better, in part because it means the symptoms will stop that much sooner. And that counts for a lot - for if there’s anything that can drive every single person up the wall, it’s an itchy vaginal area. Here’s everything you need to know about vaginal yeast infections.

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Are you expecting to get your first period? Or are you new to your menstrual cycle and have questions? We've got answers and resources to help prepare you.

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Puberty kind of sneaks up on you. Maybe it starts with the hair, or you begin to feel like maybe you need a bra. It’s just the beginning of a rollercoaster of big (and totally normal) changes in your body. While everyone goes through it, the signs of puberty you experience may be different or happen earlier and later than people you know. Because, like basically everything else in life, you’ll go through puberty at your own pace. Here’s what you need to know about puberty for girls.


Menstrual Cramps – Causes and Treatments Video

How do I earn donation points?

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There are three easy ways to earn donation points with the Always You App.

1. Earn up to 20 points each time you track your period or a bladder leak event.
2. Earn up to 10 points per day for completing your Microsteps.
3. Earn up to 5 points for each piece of content you consume.

Article List Your First Period Guide: Age, Symptoms, Duration & More

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All Your Period Questions, Answered

Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like? Body

What Exactly IS a Period?

## Yes, You Can Swim On Your Period.

Good news – yes, you can go swimming on your period! If it’s a hot summer day at the beach or you’re swimming laps at the gym and the monthly bleed has arrived, you shouldn’t have to worry about the fear of leaving a trail of blood or being attacked by a shark in the ocean (yes, that’s a legitimate fear some of us have while swimming). It’s safe to hit the water on your period, as long as you wear a tampon or  [menstrual cup](/en-us/tampon-truths/what-is-a-menstrual-cup/) while you’re swimming. We’ve got the facts on swimming on your period and what period products can help and which one’s you should probably altogether avoid.

## Best Tampons for Swimming
Tampons are specifically designed to absorb period flow before it can leave your body which makes them one of the best products to use for swimming on your period and you won’t have to worry about signs of your period showing in the water. Pads are made to absorb period flow too, but as we all know they’re worn outside of the body and would be great at absorbing all that pool water too, hello soggy diaper bikini! So, do yourself a favor and leave the pads behind and snag a tampon. __All Tampax tampons can be worn while swimming__ in any kind of water and only Tampax tampons have a LeakGuard Braid to help stop leaks before they happen to give you all-day comfort and protection for up to 8 hours. Check out [how to insert](/en-us/tampon-truths/how-to-insert-a-tampon/) a tampon and practice a few times before you head out to the water especially if wearing a tampon is new for you. Be sure to tuck the string into the lining of your swimming suit before you leave the bathroom, and you should be set. 

## Can you wear a menstrual cup while swimming?
Like tampons, __menstrual cups are worn internally and can be worn while swimming in any kind of water.__ Menstrual cups will add to your options for pool day period solutions but there are some important things to consider. If you’re looking to pack light and make room in your beach tote, a menstrual cup might be a good choice since they’re made of medical grade silicone and are reusable, you only need to pack or wear one and can use it swim after swim for up to one year. It’s invisible and mostly sensation-free if inserted in the right position. Good news, since __you can wear a Tampax Cup for up to 12 hrs at a time__, it allows you the freedom to insert at home and remove at the end of the day. A downside though of period cup is because they are reusable, if you need to clean and reuse while out and about, you will need to clean it by rinsing with mild soap and water every time before you reinsert it, which could be challenging in a public restroom at swimming pools, lakes, or beaches… you do not want that menstrual cup getting any amount of sand left on it. Yikes. 

## Other Tips for Swimming On Your Period

Being on your period might cause your face to break out with pimples and blotchy skin — and that's not great for a day out on the water. Reach for a high SPF sunscreen especially formulated for your face. Top it off with a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone and hide redness. If all else fails, snag some oversized sunglasses and a hat or cap that suits your style and shades your face from the sun.

Stomach bloating and period cramps also have no place at the beach or poolside. Steer clear of salty, fried and unhealthy foods — as well as caffeine. Stay hydrated with water, herbal iced tea, cool refreshing lemonade and fresh fruits and veggies. Some swear by hot water and lemon to reduce bloating. Figure out what works best for you.

## Does water pressure stop my period when I swim?

It’s complicated. But __yes, it may appear you’ve stopped bleeding when you swim.__ Simply put, it’s physics at work. Because water creates more resistance than air, when you’re swimming in a pool, lake, ocean, even your bathtub – there is pressure against the opening of your vagina that can temporarily (yes, temporarily) help keep blood from coming out. Don’t get any ideas that swimming altogether stops your period (one could only wish) - once you exit the water, the pressure is gone and you’ll likely start bleeding again.

## Will Period Blood Attract Sharks?
Fair question and the simple answer is __no, period blood does not attract sharks.__ So, breathe a sigh of relief, your beach vacation that perfectly falls on your period can go on! No worries and no shark attacks! While a lot of people like to joke about this, the science behind it proves that there’s no correlation between periods and an increase in shark attacks. The amount of blood lost throughout an entire period cycle (lasting anywhere from 3-7 days) is merely 6 tablespoons, so the small trace amount lost during an ocean swim would be very low and unlikely to send nearby sharks into attack mode. 

There you have it. Your answers and guide to can you go swimming on your period. Plus, you’ll get some peace of mind the next time you swim in the ocean on your period.

Yes, You Can Swim On Your Period.

How do I use a Period Tracker?

period calculator - How do I use a Period Tracker?

Simply input the length of your average period and the length of your last period, and let the period calculator do the rest. If you have no idea how long between your periods, make a note the next time it starts and when it ends so you have it on hand for next month.

You can also use a period tracker for way more than just predicting bleed week. Since ovulation usually occurs on the 14th day of your cycle (with Day 1 of your cycle being the first day you bleed), you can also learn and track peak ovulation.

How do I use a
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The Truth About Period Sex

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Discover our Tampax Pearl Super Plus which have a smooth plastic applicator & are designed for heavier-flow days. Learn more and read reviews at Tampax.com!

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# How to Tell if You Have a Vaginal Yeast Infection: Causes and Symptoms


Let’s start with the important thing: __Irregular periods can be totally normal.__ (Go ahead, breathe out that sigh of relief. We feel you.) If your period never shows up when you think it will — maybe you start bleeding a full week early, bleed more heavily than usual, or miss your period entirely — you’re definitely not alone. Irregular periods are surprisingly common. They can happen in about 30% of women in their “reproductive years,” a.k.a. the time during which you a) have your period, and b) are physically capable of getting pregnant.

Those reproductive years span your teenage years — or whenever you first get your period — to the wind-down of your menstrual cycle, which happens at pre-menopause in your mid-to late-40s. And it’s when things are starting up and winding down that you’re most likely to deal with irregular periods. Makes sense, since there’s a lot going on in your body that can throw off a schedule. Really, your body is just figuring out its new schedule, which can mean your period pops up early, late, or not at all.

Let’s start with the important thing:

Period Hacks: How to Feel Better on Your Period

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Menstrual Cramps – Causes and Treatments

Core Features

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Track your menstrual cycle and predict your ovulation period.

TRACK YOUR PERIOD IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS

Stress can lead to irregular periods and changes to your menstrual cycle. This can include delayed or missed periods.

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Period Health - Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

Vaginal Odor: What Should My Vagina Smell Like?

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While periods seem pretty straightforward they can actually get super complicated. There’s the timing, the symptoms, and the cramps to factor into it, not to mention the sudden flood of hormones. But once you know what’s behind the domino effect that leads to your period, it can be easier to predict — and therefore manage. Here, we answer the most common questions about your period.

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Learn what happens in the 28 days of your menstrual cycle. View a breakdown of the menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases.

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Period Health - How to Manage a Heavy Period (aka Menstrual Menorrhagia)

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Switch between tampon absorbencies throughoutyour menstrual cycle for better comfort and protection.

## GO UPor GO DOWN

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How do menstrual calculators work?

Period calender  - How do menstrual calculators work?

Glad you asked. Basically, your body runs on a four-part “menstrual cycle” — and while you might assume that phrase means just the week of bleeding, in actuality, your menstrual cycle also refers to the weeks you don’t bleed.

You start with the menstrual cycle (your period, when the lining of your uterus sheds), followed by the follicular phase (when the follicles in your ovaries mature and get ready for the prime time: ovulation), then comes ovulation (when the egg is released), followed finally by the luteal phase (when the egg makes its way down your fallopian tubes and gets ready to bleed). Knowing this, you can track your period and your cycle.

# Menstrual Cramps – Causes and Treatments

Do you have a late or missed period? Have changes in flow? Learn the causes of irregular periods, how long periods last, and how to regulate your cycle.

Why You Might Have Irregular Periods

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Reducing Period Pain

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It’s time to celebrate! The recent changes in legislation known as the CARES Act has reclassified menstrual hygiene products to be treated as any other spending on “medical care.” That means tampons, pads, liners, and cups purchased after December 31, 2019 are FSA and HSA eligible.

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Period health

The Stages of Female Puberty: Hair, Boobs, and Other Signs

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Your Flow is Different Every Day. 
Your Tampon size should be, too.

__By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology__

There’s no question that talking about periods and body changes can be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone, but girls’ health (and their future health as young women) depends on us getting past our own discomfort to provide accurate information and support from a young age.

Research confirms that girls’ confidence plummets during puberty and reaches its lowest point around the time of her first period. It’s also well established that public education on puberty and reproductive health is inconsistent across school systems and often limited to a one-time discussion (or sometimes totally absent). 

The best way to ensure our children grow up confident and informed about their bodies and how they work is have more of these conversations at home. To help you support your children, let me share 3 tips that make awkward conversations a lot easier and more effective!


By: Dr. Melisa Holmes, OB-GYN, & Founder, Girlology

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Browse our Tampax Pearl Super tampons which have a smooth plastic applicator and are designed for heavy-flow days. Learn more and read reviews at Tampax.com!

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Interact with expert content, tips, and Microsteps from Thrive to prioritize your mental and physical well-being.

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How do you know if you have a vaginal yeast infection? Know the signs, symptoms, risk factors, and get tips for preventing yeast infections.

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## What Is PMS?
Premenstrual syndrome is the unfortunate combination of symptoms that we may experience in the week before our period starts. While the exact cause of PMS is still TBD — it’s still one of the great mysteries of women’s health — there are a few factors that may be at work, such as changes in both your hormones and the chemicals in your brain11. Now, for some good news: PMSing is an entirely normal part of the [menstrual cycle](/en-us/period-health/menstrual-cycle-phases/), and usually not a huge deal for your health. Plus, since it follows a pretty predictable pattern, you can at least identify when you’re dealing with PMS versus something else. If you’re feeling breast tenderness, for instance, you can use it as a heads up that [your period is on its way](/en-us/period-tracker/) and maybe stash some tampons in your bag — just in case. 

Still, even though PMS is very common, it doesn’t exactly make life easy for you. The combo of physical discomfort and emotional stress that accompanies PMS can interfere with your daily life, interrupting your usual activities and making school or work feel a little more miserable. And a small number of women may even experience disabling symptoms, meaning the physical or emotional distress is so rough that you have to cancel plans or take a sick day. This is known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and it’s basically a super-intense version of PMS — think severe irritability, anxiety, depression2. If this sounds familiar, talk to your doctor ASAP, because there are options that can help.

On the bright side, though? No matter how it happens, premenstrual syndrome is always temporary. For most of us, PMS symptoms go away within four days after our period starts. If it doesn’t, talk to your doctor so you can get to the bottom of it.
## What are Common PMS Symptoms?
If you’re PMSing, you may experience a combination of various symptoms, which usually fall into two categories: emotional and physical. PMS usually includes at least five of these symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe — it just depends on you and your body. On top of that, every menstrual cycle isn’t the same, even for yourself. You might have food cravings and feel like crying for no reason one month, and experience a breakout and mood swing the next. Ideal? Of course not — but once you have a good idea of what to expect, you can be better prepared to handle it like a pro. Here are the symptoms of PMS to watch out for:
### Physical symptoms:
-	Acne
-	Bloating
-	Breast tenderness or swelling
-	Changes in sleep habits
-	Chest palpitations
-	Clumsiness
-	Constipation
-	Cramps 
-	Food cravings
-	Headaches
-	Increased thirst
-	Joint or muscle aches
-	Muscle spasms
-	Swollen ankles or swollen fingers (from fluid retention)
-	Upset stomach
-	Weight gain
### Emotional symptoms:
-	Anger, irritability
-	Anxiety, tension
-	Changes in libido
-	Crying spells
-	Decreased interest in usual activities
-	Depression, depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness
-	Difficulty concentrating
-	Fatigue
-	Forgetfulness
-	Low self-image
-	Over-sensitivity
-	Restlessness
-	Social withdrawal
-	Sudden and dramatic mood swings
## How to Ease PMS Symptoms
While there’s no way to prevent premenstrual syndrome, proactive steps can help at least minimize your discomfort and take your stress levels down a notch — making this monthly rite of passage just a little more bearable. A few small changes can make a whole lot of difference in taking on symptoms of PMS:
### Take Note
Jot down notes wherever — in a notebook or on your phone, it’s totally your call — about the symptoms you’re feeling. Whether you’re more tired than usual or have a stomach ache for no apparent reason, taking a note of it will help you figure out patterns so you can better troubleshoot in the months ahead.
### Tweak Your Diet
Food cravings have nothing on an otherwise healthy diet. Load up on complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to keep things moving in your gut, and slow down on salt, which can help keep bloating and water retention to a minimum. Next: Split your usual meals into smaller portions that you can eat throughout the day, which may help you feel less uncomfortably full (a not-so-fun side effect of bloating). And take a break from caffeine and alcohol, both of which can mess with your digestive system, throw off your sleep, and make you more irritable — and trust us, that’s the last thing you need right now.
### Work on Your Stress
Keep your mood swings at a minimum by getting your stress in check. The easiest way to do this: Go to bed. A lack of sleep can make everything worse — PMS included — and you’re basically starting from behind when you wake up feeling exhausted. If you have headaches, trouble falling asleep, or anxiety, try deep-breathing exercises. And you can’t go wrong with a little yoga session; some poses can even help with cramps and bloating. ([Do you experience cramps every month? Learn more about menstrual cramp causes, symptoms, and treatments](/en-us/period-health/menstrual-cramps-causes-treatments/).) 
### Exercise
Exercise is the ultimate problem-solver: It can make you feel less stressed, ease bloating and cramping, and help you feel more energized. And sure, while a 5K probably doesn’t seem appealing when you’re feeling like a beached whale in a bad mood, it’ll probably be worth it afterwards. If tender breasts make jogging a no-go, even a brisk walk or cycling works.
### Consider medication
Certain medications can help with physical PMS symptoms, especially if you take them at the onset of your period. In particular, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may help you deal with the discomfort of breast tenderness and cramping.

Premenstrual syndrome is no cakewalk, but knowing what symptoms of PMS to expect — like physical and mental changes — can make it way easier to handle when it comes around. Who says you need to be miserable every month? (No one, that’s who.) Now you know exactly how to tell your PMS to chill.

1[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780) 
2[https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd](https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/premenstrual-syndrome/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd)

Toxic Shock Syndrome is a serious illness that can impact anyone. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Get tips for preventing TSS.

What Everyone Should Know About Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

The Period and Wellness Tracking app that helps #EndPeriodPoverty as you use it.

Article List Can You Swim on Your Period?

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Period Health - Did You Know Period Protection Is FSA and HSA Eligible?

Period Health - Everything You Need to Know About PMS

Everything You Need to Know About PMS

PMS can result in changes to women's physical, emotional, and behavioral health before their period.  Learn the signs and ways to ease your symptoms.