A mother’s work is never done. Have one less thing to worry about in your hectic lifestyle. Read on for the answers to all those period FAQs!

I’m a busy mom constantly on the go. How often should I change my tampon?

Changing your tampon is important, not only to avoid any embarrassing leaks, but also for health reasons. Ideally, you should change your tampon every four hours. Sometimes that isn’t possible, but then eight hours is the maximum time it should be left in before changing to a new one.

 When should I talk to my daughter about her first period?

Starting your period happens younger and younger, so it’s important to have ‘the talk’ with your daughter much sooner than you think. First, arm yourself with all the facts about periods . She’ll probably have a lot of questions! Keep cool, calm and collected: she’s just as nervous as you are.

Can you use a tampon for your first period?

It’s common advice that young girls starting their periods should stick to pads, as tampons seem like scary contraptions at first. With the smooth Tampax Compak applicator tampons , the tampon process is much less scary. The unique extendable plastic applicator and LeakGuard™ will give her full confidence to face her first period.

I’m worried my period will get in the way of my hectic schedule. Can I wear a tampon just in case?

It’s not a good idea to wear a tampon if you haven’t started your period. Not only can it feel very uncomfortable but it’s also dangerous. If you’re worried about your period starting suddenly, then wear a thin panty liner. Once your period has started, you can then insert a tampon.

Do periods smell?

This is a reasonable worry with a simple solution. Women who wear pads often complain of a smell. This is caused by bacteria in the air mixing with the blood on the pad, not the blood itself. To avoid the this from happening be sure to change your pad regularly. Also ensure you wash at least once a day to prevent any unwanted body odours. Wearing a tampon is often a cleaner, easier sanitary product option.

Will my evening glass of wine affect my menstrual cycle?

Every busy mom needs to relax at the end of the day and a glass of wine is the perfect solution. That being said, drink water in between each drink and try to keep alcohol to a minimum. This is because menstruation lowers your tolerance to alcohol and interrupts the normal hormonal fluctuations necessary for ovulation.

Does alcohol make my ‘flow’ heavier?

There is no proof that alcohol will make your period heavier. This stems from the idea that alcohol thins the blood. This is true; however, one must remember that menstruation is the shedding of the uterus wall and not blood per se.

Can smoking make my PMS worse?

Yes! Smoking is bad for you, end of story! Studies have shown that women who smoke suffer from worse PMS compared to those who don’t. That’s because smoking may alter your oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone levels. Women who smoke also tend to have shorter and more irregular menstrual cycles compared to non-smokers.

Can I fall pregnant while on my period?

Yes, you can. So if you do decide to do the dirty while on your period then always be wise and use a condom. This will also guard you against any unwanted sexually transmitted diseases.

What if I leak when I’m out and about?

Whether you’re making a grocery run or rushing the kids to crèche before work, leaking is an embarrassing issue that nobody wants to face. All of us have leaked at some point in our lives and it’s all about the way you handle the situation. Remain calm and head to your closest bathroom to change your sanitary product. Wrapping a jersey around your waist is a quick way to conceal your leak until you manage to get back to the safety of your home.

So there you have it, all your frequently answered queries solved. Do you have any tampon-related questions? Share them with us below!