To get you started on your periods, we’ve made a very simple period guide to start you and your period off on the right foot.
Period undies and swimwear
Period undies are changing the way we have periods, since now you can just free bleed into your underwear, and they're so high-tech that you won't leak or even feel wet. Use with tampons or by themselves, for periods or stress urinary incontinence.
Why your period stopped (secondary amenorrhoea)
We go through all the reasons your period may have stopped, from being pregnant to being on a crazy diet or even being too skinny. Your period shouldn't be stopping, so find out why and fix it.
Causes of heavy periods
Heavy periods can be caused by (paradoxically) being low in iron, having hormonal imbalances, or even having liver issues.
How nature figures out when we get our periods
We look over a study that figured out that girls with older sisters got their periods later than girls without.
The smell of blood – why your period smells metallic
Ever wondered why blood smells metallic? We've found out for you! Plus some interesting science tidbits about humans and the smell of blood.
Nov
Aunt Vadge: I took a dry tampon out and now I’m bleeding
A dry tampon pulled out has resulted in bleeding. Where is the blood coming from?
How to use sanitary pads and pantyliners
Pads and panty liners are an option for when you have your period to collect the blood that comes out of your vagina. Pads are used for heavier flows, while panty liners can be used for light flow or protecting your underwear from regular vaginal fluids.
Dec
How to put in a tampon
If you are new to tampons, follow this straightforward guide and get it right first time.
Review: VH Essentials PMS Daytime Symptom Relief – what is it and what does it do?
We discuss the product to see how it works.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups work as a tampon or pad alternative: rinse and reuse it so you save money, reduce your impact on the environment and try something new.
Having sex with a tampon in, and tricks for sneakily taking it out
Tampon sex has its pros and cons.
Aunt Vadge: tampon starts to fall out after 15 mins
A 15-year-old is having trouble with tampons falling out. See how she can fix it.
Understanding and treating period pain
Understanding what type of period pain you are experiencing is important when deciding on treatments.
Jul
Periods: hygiene and etiquette
How to avoid grossing out the people you care about with your period.
What’s the difference between PMS and PMDD?
Understanding the difference between PMS and PMDD.
Dec
What is free bleeding?
Free bleeding is a term used to describe a lack of impediment of menstrual blood - a pad, tampon or menstrual cup - out of the body and into your clothes (or cool period undies!).
Jun
Study: How early life circumstances affect menarche and menopause
We examine a review of how childhood experiences impact menarche and menopause.
Understanding light or irregular periods (oligomenorrhoea)
Irregular periods are a cause for pause, as they indicate that a healthy menstrual cycle is not occurring when it should be.
Hormones and the menstrual cycle
When we are fertile, when we get our periods, and how we feel is all down to hormonal balance in our bodies.
Jan
6 great period tips and tricks for beginners
Tips and tricks for navigating periods: work smarter, not harder.
Jan
Why tampons don’t fall out
Why can't a tampon just fall right out? We explain.
Understanding toxic shock syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare Staph infection that gets into the blood, which has been associated with leaving tampons in for too long.
Jan
Is my period pain normal?
Period pain can be severe, but is this normal? We discuss what's normal and what's not.
Feb
How tampons work
Tampons are convenient, but they can also have unwanted effects on your vagina.
May
Dioxins in US tampons – why it isn’t a concern
Dioxins are one of the 'dirty dozen' worst toxic pollutants.
How to get hormone and blood testing
Learn how to get hormone testing on the right day for the most useful results, and what to do with the results.
Apr
Aunt Vadge: my period gives me the jeeb and now I’ve hurt myself
What do you do if seeing your period creeps you out?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are both variations on the same theme: premenstrual symptoms that range from mildly annoying to deeply disturbing.
Tampon absorbency ratings
What tampon absorbency ratings mean.
Aunt Vadge: Do I have a short vagina?
Does she have a short vagina or is she just doing it all wrong?
Periods
Periods can give you plenty of grief across your life, with period pains, blood going everywhere, ruined underwear, money spent on products, and the mood swings. Learn more so you can manage your periods better.
What your period blood colour and consistency means
Wondering what clots in your period mean? Why period might be brown sometimes? What bleeding between periods could indicate? We explain the different colours, consistencies and (ir)regularities of your period.
Apr
Tampons being used to find sewerage in rivers
Tampons are being used as glowing beacons of pollution.
Aunt Vadge: I yanked a tampon out and now it hurts
Yanking out a tampon has caused urinary and vaginal pain at her next period. Why?
What to do if you lose your tampon
Safe tips on how to get your lost tampon out, even if it's sideways!
What to expect from your period
We go over what you should expect from your first ever periods and talk over how to manage them, including what products to buy, how to predict your periods, and what cramps mean.
Apr
Reasons you don’t have your period yet
If your period has never come, and you are older than 15, then you need to have some investigations done into why not.
