Did you know?
MENSTRUAL FACTS
Facts About Menstruation and Vaginal pH
- Most women start their period between ages 8 and 15, the average age in the United States is 12.
- The average cycle is 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days. A cycle is counted as the first day of bleeding in one month to the first day of bleeding in the following month.
- Menstruation occurs because every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the uterus sheds its lining as menstrual blood.
The normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.5 – 4.5, but blood has a pH level of 7.4, which is why vaginal pH increases during your period. - pH, which means “potential of hydrogen,” is a measure of a substance’s acidity ranging from 1 – 14. The baseline pH is 7, which is approximately the pH of water. Anything greater than 7 is basic (alkaline) and anything lower than 7 is acidic.
- Unbalanced feminine pH is most likely to occur:
- During and immediately after your period
- After sex
- After douching
Stages of The Menstrual Cycle:
The following is based on a 28 day cycle, but every woman is unique and the cycle can be shorter or longer.
- STAGE 1
Your Period (Days 1-5): Your hormone levels drop down from the spike that occurs during ovulation, signaling your body to begin discarding blood and tissue. This is when bleeding occurs.
- STAGE 2
New Egg Matures (Days 6-12): Hormones stimulate a follicle in the ovaries, causing an egg to begin to form. The lining of the uterus begins to thicken, growing richer in blood and nutrients.
- STAGE 3
Ovulation (Days 13-15): Around midway through the cycle, hormones cause the ovarian follicle to burst, releasing an egg from the ovaries. This process is more commonly referred to as ovulation, and a woman who is in this stage of her menstrual cycle is said to be ovulating.
- STAGE 4
Egg Travels to Uterus, Uterus Lining Thickens (Days 16-24): The egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If a sperm reaches the egg during this part of the cycle, the egg will become fertilized and attach to the uterus, resulting in pregnancy. If not, hormone levels begin to drop, signaling the beginning of your period. This is generally the last 3 days of the cycle and can result in PMS, or “pre-menstrual syndrome.” Then, the unfertilized egg breaks apart and the cycle begins again!
*Note: It is possible to get pregnant at any time during your cycle, even during your period.
TAMPON BASICS
What You Should Know About Using Tampons: Choosing the Right Absorbency
Always use the lowest absorbency tampon to meet your needs. This may mean altering the absorbency as your period flow fluctuates. By using different absorbencies, you will get the best combination of protection and comfort.
Tampons come in standardized industry-wide absorbencies. Any tampon labeled as “Regular” will have an absorbency range of 6-9 grams, regardless of the brand. Any tampon labeled “Super” will have an absorbency of 9-12 grams. But only RepHresh Brilliant pH Tampons also reduce the usual vaginal pH increase during your period. RepHresh Brilliant pH Tampons have dependable leak protection plus pH-Reducing Micro-Ribbons. RepHresh Brilliant pH Tampons are available in both Regular and Super Absorbency. Use the chart below to compare these absorbencies to other brands.
| ABSORBENCY |
ABSORBENCY RANGE |
| Regular |
6-9 GRAMS |
| Super |
9-12 GRAMS |
Tampon Use Basics
- Use tampons only during menstruation
- Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours
- You can wear a tampon overnight for up to 8 hours. Before going to bed, insert a new tampon and replace it immediately upon waking.
- Always remove your used tampon before inserting a new one.
- Be sure to remove the last tampon you use at the end of your period
- Remove tampons prior to sexual intercourse.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious and sometimes fatal disease associated with tampon use. About half the cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) are associated with tampon use; the remainder occur in men, children and women who are not menstruating.
TSS is treatable, but early recognition and treatment are important.
The warning signs of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) include: Sudden high fever (usually 102ºF/38.8ºC or higher), vomiting, diarrhea, sunburn-like rash, dizziness, muscle aches, fainting/near fainting when standing up. TSS can rapidly progress from flu-like symptoms to a serious illness that can be fatal. If you have any of these signs, immediately remove your tampon and contact a doctor. Tell your doctor that you have been using tampons and think that you may have TSS.
- The incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in the U.S. is estimated to be 1-17 cases per 100,000 menstruating women and girls per year. The risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is higher for teens and women under 30.
- Use a tampon with the minimum absorbency required to control your menstrual flow in order to reduce the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Studies indicate higher absorbency tampons increase the risk of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
- You can reduce risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) by alternating tampon use with feminine pads. You can avoid the risk of tampon-associated Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) by not using tampons.
- Consult your doctor before using tampons again if you have had Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) warning signs in the past.
- If an allergic reaction or irritation occurs from using tampons, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
- Consult your doctor if you have any questions about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) or tampon use.
For more information about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/toxicshock_t.htm
COMMON FEMININE HEALTH ISSUES
See below for some information and helpful resources to some common feminine health issues. Contact your medical professional if you have specific questions or concerns.
| Bacterial Vaginosis: |
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) generally results in an excessive grayish white vaginal discharge and a bothersome “fishy odor” (vaginal odor) which can be worse after sexual intercourse. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) sufferers describe the discharge as yogurt-like or pasty. May also cause vaginal itching & redness.
For more information about bacterial vaginosis, visit:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/bacterial-vaginosis.cfm
http://www.aafp.org/afp/980315ap/majeroni.html |
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| Irregular periods/Amenorrhea: |
Amenorrhea, Irregular Periods, or complete lack of periods, can be caused by many things, including stress, eating disorders, too much exercise, weight gain, weight loss, and birth defects.
For more information about irregular periods, visit:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003149.htm |
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| Sexually Transmitted Disease: |
Sexually Transmitted Disease or STD’s are infections that you can get from having sex with someone who has the infection. The causes of STDs are bacteria, parasites and viruses. Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women.
For more information about Sexually Transmitted Disease or STD’s, visit:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sexuallytransmitteddiseases.html |
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| Urinary Tract Infection: |
A Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is any infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureter, or urethra. Women are much more likely to get Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs) than men as a result of a shorter urethra.
For more information about Urinary Tract Infection (UTIs), visit:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000521.htm |
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| Vaginal odor: |
Vaginal odor or feminine odor is generally caused by unbalanced vaginal pH or feminine pH. When vaginal pH is unbalanced, odor-causing microorganisms can flourish. Unbalanced vaginal pH can be triggered by menstruation, semen, douching, and even by using body soaps.
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| Vaginal pH: |
Vaginal pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The pH of a certain substance is described as a number from 1 to 14. The lower the number the more acidic the substance. Distilled water is neutral, and has a pH of 7. The vaginal pH of a healthy vagina is 3.5 to 4.5, which is acidic.
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| Vulvodynia: |
Vulvodynia, also known as “chronic vulvar pain,” is characterized by burning, irritation, and pain around the opening of the vagina. This can be caused by any number of reasons, including nerve injury.
For more information about vulvodynia, visit:
http://women.webmd.com/vulvodynia |
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| Yeast Infection: |
A vaginal yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina or vulva as a result of the fungus candida albicans. Yeast Infection symptoms include burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva, pain when passing urine, pain during sex, a thick, white vaginal discharge that does not have a bad smell, and a rash on the vagina.
For more information about yeast infections, visit:
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/vaginal-yeast-infections.cfm#a |