Sanitary panties are special panties worn during periods together with a sanitary pad, which usually provide a snug fit and additional features to prevent leakages.

Most girls have their first period between the ages of 11 and 14, but you could be younger or older than that when you receive it—there is no “correct” age. Inquire about your mother’s first menstruation. It’s a good predictor of when yours will arrive.

The average woman’s period lasts two to six days. This involves one or two days of strong flow at the start (which means changing your pad every hour or two), followed by a few of days of lighter flow. During our periods, we typically shed less than 4 tablespoons (60ml) of blood, but the amount we menstruate might fluctuate from month to month, which is completely normal. If your period is so heavy that you have to change your pad more than once every hour, if the menstrual blood is coming out in a steady stream that won’t stop, or if your period lasts more than seven days, you should see a doctor.

Most women’s periods last about 28 days, but each woman’s cycle is unique, and your individual schedule may vary from month to month owing to stress, illness, or weight loss. The first two years after your first period can be unusually irregular; you may even skip entire months. It’s not a big deal as long as you get your period eventually.