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Please note: The Pulse Te Auaha and Doctor G have previously referred readers to the 198 Youth Health Centre.

This service no longer operates, but 198 Youth Health Centre counsellors now work from Waipuna Trust, 349 Woodham Road, Christchurch.
Phone 386 2159 to make an appointment. They provide a youth support service.

Find more local youth health and social services from Webhealth Canterbury.

Dr G's frequently asked questions: Periods

When you get a period does always come every day?
Dr G replies:
Yes, once your period starts it lasts for 5-7 days then stops until the next month. When you are getting your period for the first time sometimes you might miss a month until it becomes regular. Getting your period also means that if you have sex with a male you could become pregnant.
Why do girls get periods?
Dr G replies:
Girls get periods because their bodies have matured and developed the ability to reproduce. That means that once your periods start you could get pregnant and have a baby if you have sex. The period blood forms in the womb (uterus) to help the developing baby get started. If we don’t get pregnant the blood comes away each month as period blood. This is normal and natural.

More information

From the Canterbury District Health Board:
Painful periods [247Kb .pdf]
Period problems [305Kb .pdf]
Pre-menstrual syndrome [179Kb .pdf]
I want to use tampons but don’t know how. I don’t want to ask my Mum. I’m too scared. I need to know how to use a tampon how to put it in and everything. I don’t want to use pads any more they feel like nappies! Please tell me how to use it!
Dr G replies:
Yes, it can be difficult to try out new things including stuff we want to do like changing to tampons. Suggest you take it slowly, try the ones that come with an applicator first (and the smallest size) they are easier to get in. Find a time when you are home alone so you won't get interrupted, read the instructions in the packet, and try and relax.  If we get anxious, we tend to clench up and that makes it more difficult. Another tip is that the tampon is going in at an angle (sloping back) not straight up and that there is a muscle at the entrance of the vagina to get past. There may be a school nurse or Public Health Nurse at your school who you can talk to as well.
Hi, I'm the only girl in my family and I have my period and when ever I'm about to use a tampon I always chicken out for some reason. Its like I need another girl my age in the family who knows what I go through. What can I do? Thankx!
Dr G replies:
Can you talk to a friend about this? It doesn’t have to be a family member. Being able to talk with another girl your own age would help.
To put a tampon in for the first time you need to have privacy (obviously) and know you won’t be interrupted. Take your time and relax. The vagina slopes backwards so you need to angle it that way. Don’t try to insert it straight upwards. Just go gently and try to stay relaxed. Once you have done it a few times it should be easy.
Hi. Are periods supposed to be 100% liquid, or is it ok for there to be little clots as well?
Dr G replies:
Yes it is normal for there to be little bits of tissue and little blood clots in period flow. Just fine.
I haven't had my period for over 70 days. It isn't possible at all that I'm pregnant. I'm starting to worry that there is something going on. I have been having trouble with really low iron levels too.
Dr G replies:
It sounds as if it is time to see a doctor for a check up as you could be a bit out of balance. Your family doctor could help or one at the free 198 Youth Health Centre at 198 Hereford Street. You need to go in at 11.30 on a week day and book in for later in the day. Good luck and please get that check up to look after yourself.
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Got more questions?

If you have a question that has not been answered, you can ask Dr G.