Okay guys, we've had a big long chat and we have decided to reopen this topic. We feel that you are all mature enough to handle a topic like this and it is good that you feel that this a place where you can discuss these topics.
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Now! Time for some info!
Most females will have their first period somewhere between 8-18 years of age. This can often be a scary experience but an exciting one at that! What you need to know is that it is perfectly normal part of puberty and something to be proud of if anything.
Periods can be painful. Some women experience cramps for the first few days during their period, though these can often be controlled through the use of pain killers. They can also be rather annoying too. If you experience tremendous period pain or are highly inconvenienced by regular bleeding then you can use various forms of birth control to space bleeds out to 3-4 month intervals.
It's a good idea of have a chat with your Mum and your sister(s) about what happens for them. That will give you a rough idea about what age you can expect to get your first period and if you are likely to experience cramps.
A few of you have been discussing the likelihood of a 5 year old becoming pregnant. This unfortunately can be true. There is a condition called idiopathic central precocious puberty
SEE THIS SITE in which puberty, including menstruation occurs before 8 years of age in females and can occur as early as 3 months old. If a child with precocious puberty is raped then they are able to fall pregnant.
https://www.beinggirl.co.uk/main/home.php is a fantastic site that covers multiple aspects of approaching puberty and having periods.
Below are a list of sites containing information on menstruation... some also contain FAQs about things like using tampons.
Puberty - What to Expect
The Five Stages of Puberty
Puberty, Periods and Girls
Periods
If you have any other questions or experiences that you would like to share, please feel free! This thread continues to be closely monitored by the Guides group.
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My Story
I started back when I was 12 (1998). I had cramps and felt really quite off colour... in fact I thought I was sick so I started taking Vitamin C tablets to try and avert the flu! Initially, I was both excited and proud of this event...though in time I do have to say it became a bit on obstruction. I was always a heavy bleeder and can say it is not fun when you bleed through your school uniform at school!!!
I was also subject to intense cramps that left me crying in my bedroom. The pain was often so bad that it caused me to dry wretch. I had to take heavy pain killers early. My problems were solved by a combination between some anti-haemorrhagic tablets temporarily and converting to the contraceptive pill which also lightened the bleeding and stopped bleeds from happening for any more than 5 days.
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