Taking Care of Your Body During Your Period
Feeling fresh and confident on your period is mostly about a few simple habits. Here's everything you need to know, minus the stress.
Looking after yourself on your period isn't complicated, it's really just a handful of small habits. Get these down and you'll feel fresh, comfortable, and confident all month. Here's everything you need to know.
Changing your products regularly
Pads
- Change every 4 to 6 hours.
- Change more often on heavier days.
- Always swap for a fresh one before bed and when you wake up.
Tampons
- Change every 4 to 8 hours, and never leave one in longer than 8 hours.
- Start with a lighter absorbency and go up only if you need to.
- Don't sleep with a tampon in for more than 8 hours; a pad or period underwear is better overnight.
Staying fresh
Everyday habits
- Shower or bathe daily. Warm water is all you need for your vulva (the outside area).
- Wear cotton underwear. It lets your skin breathe.
- Change your underwear daily, and more often if you need to.
- Wipe front to back. This keeps bacteria where it belongs.
What to skip
- Scented sprays or washes near your vagina, they can cause irritation.
- Douching. Your body cleans itself on the inside, no help needed.
- Tight clothes worn all day long.
About odor
A slight smell during your period is completely normal, it's just blood and tissue. To feel fresh: change your products regularly, keep a few wipes handy, wear breathable clothes, and drink plenty of water.
Period-proof your day
At school
- Keep supplies in your bag or locker so you're never caught out.
- Wear darker bottoms on heavier days if it helps you relax.
- Know where the nearest bathroom is.
- Tuck a spare pair of underwear in your bag, just in case.
At night
- Use an overnight pad or period underwear.
- Pop a dark towel under you if you're worried about leaks.
- Set a gentle alarm to change your pad if your flow is heavy.
Remember
Taking care of yourself on your period is just part of taking care of *you*. A few simple habits, and you've got this. SosĂ´'s got your back. đź’›
Comments (0)
Veronica Tarsitano is a nursing student and a Brazilian living in Portugal. Married and a mother of three, including the girl who inspired the name "SosĂ´". She writes based on the real-life experience of closely following a daughter's first period, without filters.
Download the Soso app and put this into practice
Download the appRelated Posts
How your cycle works and the group chat inside your body
Understanding your menstrual cycle doesn't have to be complicated. Think of your body as an exclusive 'chat group' where the brain, ovaries, and uterus use hormones instead of text messages to coordinate your monthly rhythm. From the first day of your period to the subtle clues your body leaves behind, discover how this unique communication system works and why your cycle is as individual as you are.
Menstruation and Physical Education: How to Help Your Daughter Navigate Training Days
With support, preparation, and a better understanding of her body, your daughter can continue participating in physical activities with more confidence throughout her menstrual cycle.
PMS in Pre-Adolescence? Understanding Your Daughter’s Mood Swings
Is your daughter more sensitive, irritated, or experiencing mood changes? Understand what happens during pre-adolescence, how hormones influence this stage, and why tracking these signs can help you both better understand her body and emotions.