A048 How to Use Sanitary Pads

## Congratulations if you just got your first period!

It’s a big sign that you’re growing up. If you’ve [started menstruating](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/what-does-your-first-period-look-like/) or if you simply want to learn how to use a sanitary pad to get prepared, this article is for you!

Knowing how to use a sanitary pad will give you confidence during your period, while keeping your knickers clean.

Read the full article below

Period Hub - PH05 - Pregnancy

Pregnancy

## What does your first period look like?

Getting your first period is full of excitement and anticipation.

But what does your first period look like? It’s a question on a lot of girls’ minds.

Most girls get their period somewhere between the ages of 10 and 13. Don’t worry if you get yours earlier or later than your friends. Everyone is on their own schedule, and there’s no “good” or “bad” age to get your period. But when it does come, it’s pretty exciting!

You go to the loo – and TA-DA!! There it is. Period blood. But it may not be that straightforward.

[Your first period](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/what-is-a-period/) (and the next few after that) may just look like brown spotting in your knickers. It’s not the red blood you may have been expecting. So what actually DOES your first period look like?


A017 - What Does Your First Period Look Like?

Read the full article below 

CAP01 - Healthy & unhealthy behaviours in teenage relationships | Always

Read

Always Night sanitary pads were especially designed for overnight protection and offer more coverage, no matter how much you toss and turn, while Normal (Size 1) and  Long (Size 2) sanitary pads were designed for optimal daytime protection.

What is the difference between Day & Night sanitary pads?

Menstrual cramps occur when the lining of the uterus, which has built up in preparation for pregnancy, needs to flake off and leave the body. For this to happen, the uterine muscles alternately contract and relax. These contractions can in turn cause crampy menstrual pains. Not everyone experiences these. Some feel only slight discomfort, while others experience pain in the lower abdomen or sharp pain radiating to the legs and back. Other symptoms that may accompany menstrual pain include:<br/>
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhoea.
<br/>
However, it is important to remember that although menstrual pain is common, acute pain caused by these cramps is not. You should consult your doctor if you have acute pain, if it impedes your daily functioning or if it intensifies over time. These symptoms may suggest that there are other factors behind what appears to be normal, expected menstrual pain.

A015 - T02 - Why period cramps happen and how do you know it's it?

Why period cramps happen and how do you know it's it?

Always_EN_UK/Article-categories-icons/My-period.png

My Period category icon

A061 Don’t Be Worried about Your First Gynaecological Examination

There are six main energy-draining culprits that lead to PMS fatigue.

- Hormonal fluctuations – Oestrogen usually acts as a stimulant, but its levels drop significantly after you ovulate, depriving you of its energy. At the same time, your levels of feel-good serotonin also dip, leaving you without its mood-boosting effects as well. Meanwhile, the calming effects of progesterone begin to kick in, which makes you feel more mellow.

- Energy burning – When you ovulate, your body temperature rises and your body starts burning more energy in preparation for pregnancy. For the next few days, your basal metabolic rate can go up by 9 percent, draining your energy. This all adds up to making you feel more tired.

- Anaemia – If your periods are heavy, you lose a lot of blood, which could lead to an iron deficiency in your red blood cells. This makes it difficult for your tissues to get the oxygen they need, meaning your cells need to work harder to function normally.

- Giving in to other symptoms – You’re sore and you’re hungry. You’re not sleeping well and you feel bloated. It’s no wonder you’re not jumping for joy. All these factors may stop you from exercising, which would make you feel rejuvenated. It is hard to get motivated when faced with these factors.

- Cravings – Your fluctuating hormones may have convinced you to binge on chocolate or other sugary foods, triggering a sugar high that is followed by a crash. This cycle can repeat itself unless you recognise it and actively switch to healthier alternatives.

- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) – If you are experiencing severe emotional lows, this acute form of PMS may be to blame. In addition to physical symptoms, you may find yourself crying, lashing out at others, feeling out of control or losing interest in things that used to bring you joy. If this happens monthly, you should see a doctor.

A149-T02-Can PMS cause fatigue?

Can PMS cause fatigue?

Don’t Be Worried about Your First Gynaecological Examination

Your period will last between 3 to 7 days. Once your menstrual cycle is more predictable, your period will come regularly, about every 28 days. You may want to mark down on a [calendar](/en-gb/period-tracker/) when you get your first period.

This way, you’ll have some idea when your next one will come. Your period will likely be [irregular](/en-gb/period-hub/first-period-and-puberty/home-remedies-for-irregular-periods-in-teenagers/) at first. It’s totally natural. It can take a while for your body to settle into a regular cycle.

A017 - T04 - How long will my period last?

How Often Is a Period

PH05 - ADP -  Pregnancy Vaginal Discharge - Related Articles

PE01 - What is a Period?

Read Now

As long as your discharge is not itchy, smelly, or greenish-brown coloured, it is perfectly normal. Signs to look out for are cramping, pelvic pain or bleeding during sex, spots, weight gain, fever, or – as mentioned earlier – strange smells. This may indicate an underlying medical condition or serious hormonal imbalance that requires treatment.

These include things such as ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cervical cancer (infection should be in this list as would be most common). These are rarely the cause, and they are often accompanied by other symptoms, so please don’t worry, but it is always worth getting the opinion of a medical professional.

A101 - T03 - When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Discharge?

When Should I Be Concerned About Brown Discharge?

A101 Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

PUP06 - How To Raise A Daughter: Guide For Dads

Try these too 

You might also love 

A154 - What is Cyberbullying?

A145 - ADP - Why do you get cravings on your period? -  Related Articles

A127 Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

Always Infinity FlexProtect period pads are uniquely made of super-absorbent holes and flexible SmartFoam technology. Click here and choose the best one for you!

Always FlexProtect period pads listing page

Always FlexProtect period pads

Put quite straightforwardly, brown discharge is caused by bits of blood getting caught up in your discharge, leaving your body. Here is a list of possible reasons why you might be experiencing brown discharge every once in a while:

- __You Have Just Finished Your Period__ Thick brown discharge is often a sign that your body is cleaning itself by flushing out residual blood from your period. Bits may come out with your discharge in the days after you think your period has ended. Older blood tends to turn more brownish. You might see this during your period when the blood is a bright red in the first few days and becomes browner a few days in. See this as a positive thing, as it means that your body is doing a good job of keeping clean.

- __You Are About To Ovulate__ Brown sticky discharge can also occur due to the hormonal changes your body experiences during ovulation. Oestrogen levels rise, prompting your body to release an egg from your ovaries, so the change in discharge texture is completely normal.

- __It’s Not You, It’s Your Birth Control__ Random brown discharge can be your body’s reaction to a new birth control pill or you might have forgotten to take your pill for a few days recently. This is thanks to the hormonal changes, and the spotting should stop as your body adjusts. If you have forgotten to take your birth control pill it’s important to start taking it as soon as possible and consider emergency contraception if you have had intercourse.

- __Your Cervix is Irritated__ The cervix is fairly sensitive, so anything from a slightly careless pelvic examination to vigorous bedroom antics can be causes of brown discharge.

- __You Are Stressed or Depressed__ Stress and depression can cause the lining of the uterus to thin, and parts of it to come away at unexpected times. Try to identify and remove the cause of stress from your life. Take some time out to relax or, if it feels more serious, see a doctor about the way you are feeling. With the right self-care and support, this brown discharge should clear up.

A101 - T01 - What Causes Brown Discharge?

What Causes Brown Discharge?

Make sure you use the size best adapted to your shape and flow. For additional leakage protection, try a higher size and consider changing your sanitary towel more frequently. Sanitary towels with wings provide a closer fit to you knickers that not only helps keep the pad in place but also keeps it closer to your body’s shape further reducing the risk of leakage. Check out our product recommender to find the best product for your need.

How do I avoid leaks?

Carousal - A127 - Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

Product Recommender Flexible Promo - PLP and PDP - Blue BG

Always FlexProtect

WHAT'S YOUR FLOW LIKE - HEAVY

Always Infinity is the only feminine protection product with SmartFoam, a technology that absorbs 10x its weight yet you barely feel it. Also, Always Infinity is the only product with micro holes, form-fitting channels, and a unique, intuitive; “wider-at-the-back” shape to help the sanitary towels achieve a critical three-dimensional body fit for effective protection.

Why do you call Infinity “revolutionary”?

PUE A01 - Stages of Puberty in Girls

Stages of Puberty in Girls

FPG03 - How to Choose the Right Sanitary Pad Size?

PE02 - What Does Your First Period Look Like?

First Period, How it looks

A017 What Does Your First Period Look Like?

A070 First Period Stories

First Period Stories

Confidence at puberty

Every woman at some point in her life experiences crampy menstrual pains. And how to get reduce period pain and cramps? You can start with warm compresses!

A015 How to get rid of period pain and cramps

How to get reduce period pain and cramps

If there’s a silver lining to getting period cramps, it’s that they often start a day or two before your period.

This gives you a nice (if uncomfortable!) heads up that your period is on its way, and enough time to check if your supply of pads and tampons is fully replenished from last month’s period.

You can also start wearing pantyliners to catch that first bit of period blood when it starts.

A015 - Get prepared

Get prepared


A015 How to Get Rid of Period Pain and Cramps

- Up to Zero Feel Zero Leaks
- Moderate / Heavy Flow
- Recommended for the night

Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra(Size 4)

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads

Knowing how to use a sanitary pad will give you confidence during your period while keeping your knickers clean. Learn how to do it from out guide! 

How to Use a Pad

How to Use Sanitary Pads

FPG02 - How to Dispose a Pad?

How to Dispose a Pad?

First Period Guide

Period Hub - FPAP - PE07 - How to Start Your Period

How to Start Your Period

FPG06 - You May Be Wearing the Wrong Size Sanitary Pad! Here’s How to Fix It!

PUE A02 -What Are the Signs of Puberty in Girls?

Signs of Puberty

Caurosal - A145 - Why do you get cravings on your period

Why do you get cravings on your period?

Carousal - A101 Should I Be Worried About Brown Discharge?

FPG01 - How to use a Pad?

How to use a Pad?

Discovering a little blood on your knickers before your period is due can be confusing. But breathe deep. It’s usually no big deal. Click to learn more!

A012 Why Am I Bleeding Before My Period Is Due?

Why Am I Bleeding Before My Period Is Due?

A060 What are Periods Called in Other Countries?

A033 How Often Is a Period?

How Often Is a Period?

PADS-Related Articles

Quick Reads

What is Cyberbullying? 

A062 How To Feel Better During Your Period With Comfortable Pads

Always Maxi

Many women already feel tired on the average day, stretched by various demands of family, school, work and social networking. However, if you are feeling even more worn down in the week before your period, it’s time to look at possible remedies for premenstrual fatigue. 

In the days leading up to your period, your feel-good hormones take a holiday. This happens just as your body needs them to provide the energy to power through the cravings, the loss of blood and the other transitions occurring at this time of the month. 

You can combat PMS fatigue by committing to some healthy habits.

A149-T01-Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies

Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies

Always Infinity FlexProtect Long (Size 2) sanitary pads

Always Ultra Normal Pad (ADP image)

Always Ultra

What is a Period?

[Always Ultra pads](/en-gb/feminine-products/sanitary-towels/always-ultra/always-ultra-normal-sanitary-pads-with-wings/) are a great option. They provide up to 100% leakage protection, with an absorbent core that uses special technology that turns liquid into gel.

[Always Ultra Pads](/en-gb/feminine-products/sanitary-towels/always-ultra/) keep wetness away from your skin, so you’ll feel clean, fresh, and confident – no matter what your first period looks like.

What pads should I use for my first period?

Can PMS cause fatigue? If you're feeling tired before your period, click here to learn what you can do about this!

A149 Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies | Always

Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies | Always

Caurosal - A149 - Why Are You Tired Before Your Period? Causes and Remedies

A120 How To Talk To Your Daughter About Sex

A012 - T03 - Why does spotting happen?

Why does spotting happen?

Period Hub - PH04 - Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4) sanitary pads 9ct

9 ct

While white-coloured discharge is totally normal, texture-wise it should be the same all the way through, without lumps – whether it is sticky, gooey, thin, elastic or thick. This alternative version with clumps in it is not so great, and is very rarely going to be a positive discovery. 

The closest thing we can compare it to is cottage cheese (and we’re so sorry if this puts you off your favourite jacket potato topping for life!) But if what you see in your underwear, or on the toilet paper when wiping after a trip to the loo, is thick curd-like discharge with white chunks in it, then that is what we are talking about here.

Other signs that you may have it include itching in the area, or some pain or swelling, and stinging during sex or having a wee. You might also notice a yeasty sort of smell in your underwear.

A128-T01- How To Recognize Yeast Infection Discharge?

How To Recognize Yeast Infection Discharge?

Find helpful resources about periods categorised into subtopics. Get informed with expert insights, navigate your period journey with confidence.

First Period & Puberty

Period Hub: Explore Period Articles by Category | Always UK

A042 How to Choose the Right Sanitary Pad Size?

Period Hub - PH01 - First Period & Puberty

A149 PMS fatigue

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra image 3

A010-T01-Calculate your menstrual cycle

Calculate your menstrual cycle

A010- Related Articles 

Pregnancy mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is a purely physiological symptom. Discharge during early pregnancy occur very frequently and plays an extremely important role, as it forms a special protective barrier for both the foetus and the mother, protecting the reproductive tract from infection. Normal mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is transparent or slightly tinged white or yellow. It can be tractable or thinned. In addition, a mucus plug is formed at the beginning of pregnancy, which passes away before the birth.

__1. Chances are your vaginal discharge will get heavier during pregnancy__
The majority of women will find they experience an increase in thin, milky white, or clear discharge during pregnancy, which is perfectly normal. 

This is because it is even more important to your body than usual, to prevent any infection travelling up your vagina to your womb – and to the baby. This discharge acts as a barrier supporting good vaginal health, while maintaining the PH balance within.

__2. Don’t be concerned when the vaginal mucus plug appears!__ 
Your body creates something called a pregnancy mucus plug to seal off the cervix and prevent bacteria from getting in. This stays in place until your baby is due. It looks like a big lump of jelly-ish, thick discharge in pregnancy, sometimes with streaks of blood in it. It can be quite disconcerting to have this mucus plug pop out, but it is a sign that your cervix is starting to open, and you may soon be going into labour! Assuming you are nearing full term, the appearance of the mucus plug – or ‘show’ as it is also known – is nothing to worry about. Otherwise check with your doctor.

__3. Clear watery discharge during pregnancy is generally nothing to worry about__
The texture of discharge can vary from person to person, and watery clear vaginal discharge in pregnancy is normally fine. It can occasionally be a sign of an STI though, so if you have any signs such as unpleasant or strange smells, or itchiness or pain in the area, it is worth getting it checked out by your doctor.

__4.  Thrush is quite common in pregnancy – but won’t harm you or your baby__
Pregnancy hormones affect the pH in your vagina, making your more prone to yeast infections. But thrush is more a problem just for being unpleasant to deal with, so it is worth knowing the signs so you can deal with it ASAP. If you notice a yeasty smell, stinging pain when you go to the toilet, or thick white cottage cheese discharge during pregnancy, these all point to thrush. It is worth mentioning to your doctor. He or she will give you treatment – generally in the form of a tablet or cream – to clear up the infection.

__5. Always pantyliners can help you feel fresh all day everyday__
If the increase in discharge is causing you discomfort it is worth investing in a pack of Always Dailies pantyliners. Wearing them on a daily basis can soak up excess liquid, and keep you feeling dry and fresh. They are dermatologically tested and safe to be worn daily. That way you can focus on more important things – like enjoying your pregnancy!


A127-T03-5 Things you should know about pregnancy discharge

5 Things you should know about pregnancy discharge

Don’t worry if you find you have white discharge after yeast infection treatment, as it may well just be parts of the medication leaving your body with your discharge. Alternatively, things may have returned to normal and you are just at a point in your cycle where white discharge is to be expected. 

Of course, if it is still lumpy or you are concerned that this is still a white yeast infection discharge, make a new appointment and go back to see your doctor with your concerns. 

A yellow discharge yeast infection is possible if your discharge naturally has a pale yellow or creamy tinge to it. But more likely than not, like a yeast infection with green discharge, it may signify that something else is going on (either as well as, or instead of a yeast infection). These colours generally tend to mean you have a bacterial infection or STI, and should get this looked at by a doctor, or at a sexual health clinic.

Pink discharge after yeast infection treatment may be a sign that the cream has irritated your vagina, causing a bit of bleeding that has mixed with your discharge. A small amount is not unusual, but if it continues, or if you are feeling raw or painful inside, do follow up with your doctor.

A128-T10- What Should My Discharge Look Like After the Treatment?

What Should My Discharge Look Like After the Treatment?

In order to calculate your menstrual cycle, you’ll need to learn how to track your [cycle](/en-gb/period-tracker/). Don’t worry. It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is mark down when your period started on a calendar for a few months in order to figure out how to count your period cycle days and to calculate the average length of your menstrual cycle.


A077 How to Improve Self-Confidence?

How to Improve Self-Confidence?

How to Calculate Your Menstrual Cycle

PUE A09 - When Does Puberty End for Girls

When Does Puberty End for Girls

If you use a pad overnight, you might want to choose Always Ultra Secure Night, which will offer you more protection against leakage no matter how much you toss and turn throughout the night.

Now that you know how to put on a pad, go have a confident, leak-free period #LikeAGirl!

If you use a pad overnight,

A123 6 Tips on How To Raise a Confident Daughter

6 Tips on How To Raise a Confident Daughter

PUE A06- Don’t Panic About Puberty

 Read

Scent - NO

Always Ultra pads...

FPG05 - Comfortable Pads for Periods

Comfortable Pads for Periods

A015 - ADP - How to Get Rid of Period Pain and Cramps - Related Articles

 PH02- A012 Why Am I Bleeding Before My Period Is Due? - Related Articles

Always FlexProtect - a pad made like no other 

- Absorbs like no other, Feels like nothing
- Thanks to its super-absorbent holes, FlexProtect Normal absorbs up to 40% more than Always Ultra Normal pads, for up to Zero Leaks
- Features a thin and flexible SmartFoam core, for up to Zero Feel
- Follows you at every movement, for up to Zero Bunching
- Always FlexProtect comes in a delightful carton box, for a nice and easy storage in your bathroom

Why You Will Love It?

CAP02 - How to Improve Self-Confidence?

Period Hub - PH01 - ADP - First Period And Puberty - Related Articles 

When you’re pregnant, every little change in your body takes on greater significance, and you can read each of them as a sign of what is happening with your baby. That is great, as long as you don’t over-interpret, or assume everything is an indication that things are going wrong! The same thing applies to your discharge.

A127 - Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

FPGA - Download PDF- Not sure where to start?

Not sure where to start?

A012 Article Flash card first Image Bleeding between Periods

A012 Bleeding Between Periods

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A025-How-to-Treat-PMS/Always-Ultra-Day-And-Night-342x240.png

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A070-First-Period-Stories/First-Period-Stories.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A052-What-is-a-Period/What-is-a-Period.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A036-How-to-Dispose-Sanitary-Pads/00-How_to-dispose-sanitary-pads.jpg

Red liquid is poured on pad that absorbs up to 30% more vs Always FlexProtect Size 1.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI03

A015 - How to get rid of period pain and cramps

A101 - Should I be worried about Brown Discharge

Your-Guide-to-Breast-Development

Parents looking for tips?

08006540584040 C1N1 downloadPNG (2)

08006540584040 C1N1

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A119-How-To-Raise-A-Daughter/00-How-To-Raise-a-Daughter-For-Dads.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A062-How-To-Feel-Better-During-Your-Period/How-To-Feel-Better-During-Your-Period.jpg

Finger leaves an indentation in Always FlexProtect's SmartFoam that moulds to your body.

Always FlexProtect Night Pads Size4 Fiona 3.0 RBU UK SI05

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A045-7-Reasons-for-a-Late-Period/Head_7_Reasons-for-a-late-period.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A010-How-to-Calculate-Your-Menstrual-Cycle/Head_how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle.jpg.jpg

Materials for Teachers

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A072-When-Does-Puberty-End-for-Girls/00-When-does-puberty-end-for-girls.jpg

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A017-What-Does-Your-First-Period-Look-Like/00-What-does-your-first-period-look-like.jpg

Always UK-kids

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A048How-to-Use-Sanitary-Pads/01-How-to-use-a-sanitary-pad.jpg

01-Home remedies for irregular periods in teenagers

01-Emotional changes during puberty

Always_EN_UK/Articles/A048How-to-Use-Sanitary-Pads/00-How-to-use-sanitary-pads.jpg

Dr. Tariq Miskry image

Hands twist Always FlexProtect pad that is ultra flexible and follows your night moves.

How to Use Sanitary Pads

Our Bestsellers

Always Infinity FlexProtect Normal (Size 1)

Always Infinity FlexProtect Night Extra (Size 4)

Related Articles

What Does Your First Period Look Like?

Calculate your menstrual cycle