Article List What to Expect From Your Period After Giving Birth

What to Expect From Your Period After Giving Birth

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

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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

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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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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 to use

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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Period health - The Truth About Period Sex

The Truth About Period Sex

Did You Know Period Protection Is FSA and HSA Eligible?

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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

Menstrual Cramps – Causes and Treatments

## Is Spotting and Discharge Normal After Birth?
__Absolutely.__ Even if you’re in great shape and well-prepared to give birth, your body will need to go through a major recovery process. Labor is the ultimate workout, so your muscles will be achy. If you had a vaginal delivery, you’ll be extremely tender. And if you had stitches, they will be painful and take time to heal. During the first four weeks postpartum, you will notice a pink-brown discharge called lochia. This is totally normal. Even though it might look like a period, it isn’t—just the natural process of your uterus shedding blood, mucus, and tissue after birth. Just be sure to wear a pad and change it often.
## What Causes Postpartum Period Cramps (Afterpains)?
In the weeks after birth, you might also feel something similar to menstrual cramps — but it’s usually a fakeout. During pregnancy, your uterus was stretched way beyond its normal size. Post-pregnancy, it shrinks back to about the size of your fist, causing a bit of cramping in the process. It’s most common in women who breastfeed and who have already had one or more babies.
## So When Can I Expect My First Period After Birth?
Good question. Having a C-section or vaginal delivery does not affect how quickly your period will come after pregnancy. But your first postpartum period does depend on whether you breastfeed exclusively—that is, if you nurse your baby every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night. If you bottle-feed, your first period after baby may happen as soon as a month after delivery, but should happen within 2 to 3 months. If you breastfeed exclusively, your period might not show up until after your baby is weaned. That’s because prolactin, the hormone that’s in charge of your body’s breast milk production, suppresses ovulation in your body. 

Postpartum periods may also affect your breast milk supply. It’s not unusual for your supply to go down during your period or for your baby to notice a different taste. It might be a bit uncomfy to breastfeed during your first period after pregnancy. 

When your first post-baby period does show up, there’s a good chance your flow could be a little wonky compared to what you’re used to — it could be heavier, or even lighter. It could be longer or shorter than your pre-baby periods. The blood might have a different color or texture. You might notice different premenstrual symptoms. Your period could show up, skip a cycle, and start again. Don’t worry, these changes are temporary and usually normal; your hormones are still figuring out your post-baby body.
## When Can I Use a Tampon After Giving Birth?
__Doctors recommend waiting six weeks before inserting anything in the vagina.__ That means you should never use tampons for lochia or a period that comes early—it could cause trauma to that very sensitive tissue. It’s a good idea to play it safe and wait for your doctor’s green light before trying out a tampon post-childbirth.

Once you venture back into tampon insertion, you may need to use different absorbency than what you used [before](/en-us/tampon-truths/best-tampons-sizes-for-heavy-light-flow/). And if you gave birth vaginally, you might want to use a larger tampon for a few months. Your vaginal muscles just pushed out a whole baby, after all, and your pelvic floor needs time to recover! Check in with your doctor about pelvic floor exercises that will speed up this process. The angle of your vagina can also change, so you may need to adjust your insertion technique.

Because many women experience a heavier or more unpredictable period right after pregnancy, they often opt for a pad when their first [post-partum period](/en-us/all-products/radiant/super-plus-tampons/) comes. This is also a good way to monitor the quantity or texture of your flow, if that’s something you’re worried about. A pantyliner might also come in handy the first few times you use a tampon after birth while you adjust to your changing flow.
## What About Birth Control?
Many women actually rely exclusively on breastfeeding to prevent pregnancy. It’s a form of birth control so official that it has a name: lactational amenorrhea method. Because exclusive breastfeeding (and it really needs to be exclusive) naturally inhibits ovulation, the chances of getting pregnant while breastfeeding are extremely low—about 2 in 100 women who use breastfeeding as birth control will get pregnant in the six months after birth. (Just keep in mind: After six months or the introduction of foods to supplement breast milk, lactational amenorrhea becomes less effective and reliable.)

Of course many women don’t breastfeed, or want to be extra-careful; it’s not easy to exactly predict when you’ll be fertile again. When it comes to choosing a birth control method, you should avoid one that contains estrogen for the first 42 days post-partum because of an increased risk of blood clots. If you are breastfeeding, the estrogen in hormonal birth control can also significantly reduce your breastmilk supply. After those 42 days, your options open up, so consult with your doctor about what would be best for you. Also, a warning: Even if you're not menstruating regularly while breastfeeding, you can still ovulate and get pregnant! So be sure to take the proper precautions.
## When Should I Worry About a Postpartum Period?
If your period hasn’t started three months after giving birth (or three months after you stop breastfeeding), it's definitely time to check in with your doctor. Missed periods, spotting, or periods that last less than 2 days could signal a hormonal imbalance or a thyroid issue. On the flip side, some people notice heavier bleeding and more cramping during their first few post-pregnancy periods. But give your doctor a call if you’re soaking through a tampon or pad every hour or less, if your period is going full-blast for more than 7 days, or if you notice clots larger than a golf ball—those could be signs of cysts, polyps or fibroids. Also alert an MD if you get a sudden fever during your period or if you notice any bad-smelling discharge. Any of these could be a warning sign of infection.

Bottom line: __Postpartum recovery is a huge physical transition, so be patient with yourself.__ Your body and your hormones are adjusting to a new normal. Chances are, it’ll all settle down—just remember listen to your body.

Is Spotting and Discharge Normal After Birth?

Core Features

Period Calculator Core Feature - 1

Track your menstrual cycle and predict your ovulation period.

TRACK YOUR PERIOD IN LESS THAN 30 SECONDS

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Everything You Need to Know About PMS

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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Find Your Flow Quiz

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)

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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Can you get pregnant on your period? Is it safe to have sex? Get the answers and learn about risk factors, sex and period benefits, tips, and more.

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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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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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Worried about some sympthoms? Find the guide about period health here.

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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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Find out when to expect your period to return after pregnancy. Learn how breastfeeding can delay your period. Get more postpartum period tips.