1. Thurrock Swimming Club
From girls to ladies …..and the world of swimming

2. First period : Q&A
Getting your first period is exciting. It means you are becoming a woman but you will have a lot of questions, too;
Here are some answers to questions most girls have together with answers that we hope will help you……..

3. Q : When will my first period start?
Most girls get their first period between the ages of 9 and 16. It follows the development of breasts, hips, pubic hair and a growth spurt;
As a rule of thumb, most girls weigh at least 100 pounds before beginning their first period;
Generics also play a role, if possible, find out when your mum got her first period to get an estimate of when yours may arrive;
Before your swimmer is about to start their period you will notice an increase in mood changes, complaints of stomach aches – record these because you will notice they are happening on a regular basis and it will be soon….

4. Q: What will happen when I get my first period?
Usually the first period is very light and probably just a few spots of bright red blood or brown sticky stain that shows up on your underwear;
Ensure you have pads and tampons in your bag at all times – just in case it starts when you are not at home.

5. Q : How long will my period last?
Everyone is different. Your period can last between 3 and 7 days. Most girls have it for about five days

6. Q: What should I do when I get my first period?
It’s good to have feminine products ready for that first period in your swimming bag and to know how to use them;
Usually a pad is best for outside of swimming. Just unwrap it, remove the adhesive cover, place it firmly in your underwear and you’re all set. Just be sure to change it regularly;

7. Q : How often will I get my period?
Menstrual cycle ranges between 21 to 45 days;
When your swimmers starts their period, it may take a few months to regularise;
The average is 28 days between periods;
As your body finds its own internal rhythm, your period will settle into a pattern. It can take a year or two to regularise.

8. Q: Will I have to stop activities such as sports when I have my period?
No, believe it or not the more active you are the less likely you are to have menstrual cramps;
If you are worried about leaking during sport, find a pad or tampon which best suits you;
For pool sessions you will need to use a tampon.

9. Q: Can I go swimming when I have my period?
Yes, you can go swimming on your period;
Don’t’ wear a pad as it will swell up like an inflatable raft;
If you swim, you will need to wear a tampon but first of all talk this over with your parent or a responsible adult before trying a tampon for the first time;
Tips to using a tampon;

10. Q : Will other people know I am having my period?
When you are having your period there’s no reason why the world needs to know;
Wear a dark swimming costume;
Wear drag shorts if you have these as part of your training kit;
Ask a close friend or buddy to also have emergency supplies in case you run out and need more during training;
If you are worried about leaking ask the coach if you can go to the toilet;
Swim with confidence and don’t constantly fuss with your costume;
Excuse yourself from the session and go to the toilet to check;
Set up a buddy system. Ask a close friend to alert you if she notices anything embarrassing.

11. Q: Can I swim on a period without a tampon?
Yes, in theory you can. The water acts as a plug to stop menstrual bleeding;
However if your swimmer needs to get out of the water to watch a demonstration or to do diving the suction from the water will become unplugged and your swimmer will start to bleed immediately;
This can be embarrassing for your swimmer;

12. Q: Will my training suffer?
Yes, if you miss sessions each month due to your period this will impact on your long term performance, fitness and ability to do well in galas.

13. Thank you for listening, we hope it has helped13