Sarah, age 12

Dear Cathy

I love swimming and go to a training club three times a week. My best friend says you can’t swim when you have your period – is this true?

Annika, age 11

Sarah and Annika are right to plan out how they’ll cope when their periods start… it makes sense to know what to expect. Sarah should gather as much info as she can and carry a wrapped pad in a secret pocket of her school bag just in case of emergencies.

Many girls worry about starting their period at school, or while at a friend’s house, perhaps, but there’s no need to stress out – a first period is often just a smudge rather than a flood. First period or not, if you do start unexpectedly at school, go along to the office and let them know, or confide in your form tutor – all schools have a supply of emergency pads for pupils in just this situation.

One girl I know started her periods while staying overnight at a friend’s house… the first she knew about it was a faint smudge of red on the sheet. She was horrified, but she asked for help, and the friend’s mum took the situation in her stride, changing the sheet and sorting her out with clean undies and a pad. Remember, never be scared to ask for help – us females are in this together!

The decision on whether to use pads or tampons is a personal one, but pads are often simpler to begin with. Annika need not worry about missing out on swimming, though – periods are a natural part of life, and it’s fine to carry on with your favourite sport, no matter what time of the month it is. If you want to swim, however, you must use tampons because pads, which are worn outside the body, will disintegrate in water. Not good!!!

Some girls find tampons take a little getting used to at first, but once you’ve sussed them they are discreet, secure and very reliable… and if you want to, you can use them right from your very first period.

Hi Cathy

Sometimes I get period pains. A hot water bottle helps, but is there anything else I can do?

Lizzi, age 13

Not everybody gets period cramps, but some, like Lizzi, do. It’s no fun, but you don’t have to put up with it – there are lots of things you can try. Many girls find that gentle exercise relaxes the cramping muscles and eases the pain… so if Lizzi is at school, she shouldn’t skive off games! If she’s at home, some gentle yoga stretches, a bike ride or just dancing around for a while really can make a difference. OK, you may not feel like exercising, but give it a go… it helps.

If the cramps persist, Lizzi could try massaging her tummy, sipping hot drinks or taking a warm, relaxing bath. Still no change? Time to try painkillers – a chemist can suggest over-the-counter painkillers specially formulated for period pain, but if cramps are really severe, Lizzi should see her doctor for advice.