Period underwear consists of a highly absorbent layer, a leak-resistant layer, and then the external fabric of the underwear, which is often in fun patterns and colours. Store-bought pads and tampons are not reusable, and can end up costing a lot of money over time, which is worth keeping in mind too. When inserted properly, you should not be able to feel it in place. Tampons are small absorbent cotton cylinders that are inserted into the vagina/front hole. Pads may be preferable to some trans people as they don’t require inserting anything into the genitals. Pads are a small absorbent cotton pad that is stuck to the inside of underwear, or in the case of some reusable cloth pads, snapped into place with fasteners. In available bins and not down the toilet). When using any menstrual products or interacting with blood or bodily fluids, it’s important to look after your hygiene, including to wash your hands thoroughly before and after, and to dispose of single-use menstrual products responsibly (eg. If you’re worried about any changes, visit your doctor. Menstruation, as it exists in trans bodies, is not a well understood process, so unexpected or out of the blue changes may occur when changing other medications, lifestyle factors, and more, which can be surprising and uncomfortable for anyone. This is not a uniquely trans or gender diverse experience, as many cis women also feel uncomfortable or uninterested in their period, and it’s totally okay to feel this way and to want to change how you experience it. While for some trans people menstruation might just be a thing that happens occasionally, for others, menstruation might heighten dysphoria, or be a reminder about a gendered experience that is not wanted, or just be uncomfortable. Why might some people be uncomfortable with menstruating? This can help them to use language that feels comfortable and affirming for you.īeing in control of who looks after your health is a valid and okay thing to want, and something you are allowed to do. We’ve also prepared some letters templates where you can fill in your details and take them to a doctor, the template below lets the doctor know your name, gender and pronouns, as well as any information you’d like to share about your body, and if you menstruate. We developed a list 10 questions you can ask your doctor to find out if they are trans-friendly, available below.

If your periods are regularly uncomfortable, painful, or debilitating, it’s important to talk to a doctor you trust about it, and find a solution that will work for you. There is a myth out there that painful periods are just a normal part of some people’s menstrual cycles, and it’s not true. This may mean taking care of yourself while menstruating, taking some painkillers or having a heat pack with you, and making sure you rest and eat regularly. If you are getting a regular period, it is important to be looking after yourself and your body. Looking after yourself while menstruating An average period lasts for between 3-7 days, and the amount of blood can vary from person to person, and period to period. Menstruation might continue until menopause, which can occur anywhere between 44-55 years of age.įamily Planning NSW write that a normal cycle can range from 3-6 weeks, with an average of 28 days, or 4 weeks 1. Trans people who go through a natal estrogen-based puberty usually get their first period between 9 and 14 years of age, though people who go on hormone blockers may not ever get a period. During menstruation, the lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue), which has grown after ovulation breaks down and flows through the cervix and out of the vagina/front hole. Menstruation, or having a period, is the part of the menstrual cycle where a person bleeds from their vagina/front hole.

Meaning of safe period