If I Haven’t Gotten My Period Yet, When Should I Start Wearing a Pad?

If I Haven’t Gotten My Period Yet, When Should I Start Wearing a Pad?

Our expert: Dr. Cara Natterson

Our resident expert on all things girls. She’s a board certified pediatrician, author of the best-selling book series The Care and Keeping of You, and travels the country speaking about health and wellness issues to both kids and parents.

I’m 11 years old, and I’m not sure when I’m supposed to start wearing a pad.

 

I have met lots of 11-year-olds with the same question – it’s a good one! If you are nervous about being surprised by your period, then you can wear a pad every day. But if you choose to do this, I would opt for a thin one (called a panty liner) because it will probably be more comfortable and less noticeable to you.

 

Also, even though you might opt to wear a pad when you don’t have your period, you need to change the pad regularly. You will sweat as you move throughout the day – that pad will eventually get a little damp and/or stinky. When you have you period, you will change your pad every four to six hours (sometimes more). When you are wearing a pad “just in case,” I would change it a couple of times per day.

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