Is it my period or an infection???

Question

I think I am starting my period....but from what I've read your period is supposed to be a rusty color to bright red...but mine was a darker brown....could this be a l infection or is this just a period...( I wouldn't know this is my frst ) - no cramps...tiny bit o bloding...breasts are softer, and I've been tired....signs say it's my period but what do u think....O and do u use tampons or pads...let me know (Having trouble inserting tampon it's a regular, do they come any smaller???and it kinda hurts to insert the tampon...PLZ HELP) What do u think....

Answer 1

Sounds to me like you are. Blood can range from a brown almost black to a pink...it just depends on how fresh the blood is. No worries about that. You do have the symptoms of it besides cramps, but some people don't get them at all...you might be one of the lucky ones.

Use a pad until you can get the tampon in. Try "Always Juniors" They are slimmer then the regualar tampons, and they do fit better. The reason you probably arn't getting them in is because your hymen hasn't broken yet. (The piece of skin that covers the opening to your vagina). Until that does break you probably will be having problems.

I had the same problem. I got my period when i was ... 15 and i couldn't insert a tampon until I was 17. Just takes time and patience.

What you could also do to try to get a tampon in is put one leg up on the toilet or whatever and try that way. Just could be the angle you are trying it at.

Answer 2

That's exactly what the consistency/color of your first period should be. It may pick up over the next few days or so, or not.

If you are only flowing lightly, there is no need to use tampons, as a matter of fact, you do not want to remove a tampon that is not at least partially soaked---YOWCH.

They do have very slim or JR size tampons in many brands, and you can also use a little water soluble lubricant (like KY) to help with insertion.

Welcome to the club!

Answer 3

It definitely sounds like your period. It can range in color from dark dark brownish to bright red. Its different for everyone. As far as what to use- you have to be comfortable. Pad are ok if thats what you are comfy with, but they limit your activities (like swimming). Tampons come in a variety of sizes. Tampax makes juniors/ lites which are smaller than regulars. You should try the pearl line- they are easy to use in my opinion. Just make sure you read up on toxic shock syndrom before using tampons.

Answer 4

First things first – congratulations! – I hope you have something fun planned to celebrate your first period :o)

Menstrual blood is normally a definite red, however brown can also be normal when you first start getting your periods, at the beginning and end of your periods, the reason for this is simply down to there being little blood and it mixing with vaginal discharge, you can also get thick black menstrual blood which is also normal. As long as there are no other signs of infection and you haven't been having unprotected sex then there is nothing to worry about, it is perfectly normal.

Not everyone gets cramps or bloating either, if you do find you get anything like this then you can easily avoid them by eating healthier foods, or if you do get bloating or cramps something as simple as a cup of herbal tea can stop these things all together. There are very few reasons for women to suffer painful or awkward periods, it just requires a little know-how – periods are only as good or as bad as you make them.

There are more options than tampons and pads, it's important you know all your options and the risks and advantages of all your options. I personally use a menstrual cup, they are internal so go into your vagina to prevent leaking or smell, good for sports, you can wear them for up to 12 hours including at night, before your period is due and when you have a light period, unlike tampons they are safe and hygienic.

Menstrual options;

Commercial tampons – e.g. Tampax
Organic tampons – e.g. Natracare
Sponge tampons – e.g. Jade & Pearl
Soft tampons – e.g. Gynotex
Homemade tampons
Padettes
Commercial pads – e.g. Always
Organic pads – e.g. Organic Essentials
Cloth pads – e.g. Gladrags
Pad belts – e.g. Ready's
Homemade pads
Padded panties – e.g. Lunapanties
Period blankets
Silicone bell-shaped menstrual cups – e.g. Divacup
Rubber bell-shaped menstrual cups – e.g. Keeper
Softcups – e.g. Instead
Diaphragms used as menstrual cups
Homemade menstrual cups
Free-flow
Free-flow layering
Free-flow instinctive
Extraction

Tampons are bad for vaginal health because they prevent your vagina from cleaning itself, give bacteria a place to multiply, absorb fluids so dry out vaginal walls causing splitting, leave fibres within the vagina, expand adding to bloating and cramping, and in the case of commercial tampons they also add harmful chemicals into the vagina. This is why commercial tampons are considered the most harmful menstrual option, and why they are linked to problem periods, vaginal infections and TSS. Those risks are greater for young women because you don't have the same antibodies as adults do to deal with infections and the mucosa (skin) of your vagina is more sensitive so prone to irritation, also more prone to vaginal splitting from tampons.

If you are trying to insert a tampon when you only have brown discharge then this is the problem, you should only be using tampons when you have a normal menstrual flow, and you should start by using the smallest absorbency possible to avoid risk – remember also if you are using tampons you should use safer options such as organic, sponge or cloth tampons, do not wear at night, and change every 4 hours to avoid additional health risk.

Inserting a tampon can be made easier if you wait until the heaviest point in your period, then laying on your bed masturbate to insure your vaginal muscles are relaxed, you are well lubricated and your vagina is enlarged, so making it easier to insert a tampon, a little KY jelly on the tip is useful, and if you are not sure of your body a self-exam is important to know where the tampon should be going.

You would be far healthier and better off if you were to stick with pads or free-flow methods until you know a little more about your body and different options, then you can make an educated decision about whether-or-not you want to use internal menstrual options, in which case you should by then be aware of the risks associated of tampons so would probably want to look at safer options such as menstrual cups or softcups.

More information;

http://www.scarleteen.com
http://www.myvag.net
http://www.spotsite.org
http://www.menstruation.com.au
http://www.vaginaverite.com
http://www.menstrualcups.org
http://www.lunapads.com
http://www.natracare.com
http://www.puberty101.com
http://www.debuinc.com

Answer 5

@ times it may be darker.....don't worry about that unless you have fever, unusual oders , or odd discharge...that would be indicators of an infection....
as for the tampons ..... if you use them be very careful to change them often...you can get toxic shock from them-make sure you understand the directions....and since you are having problems using them-....I suggest you use pads....@ least @ night....and if you must use tampons use them during the day....and get the junior size ones.

Answer 6

Ok. It does sound like your period. It can come in a whole bunch of colors. As far as the tampon...they come in junior sizes...the easiest one to put in is probably the Tampax Pearls...make sure you read the instructions very well...and dont leave them in for too long at a time..you dont want TSS (Toxic shock sndrome)

Answer 7

I am sure you are starting your period.I have brown blood during mine.Apparently its old blood and you wont necessarily have cramps either.Not all females do.I prefer to use pads as tampons can be hard to use at times if you dont have enough natural lubrication in your vagina.

Answer 8

No not infection tampons can cause staff infections better on health to use pads.

Answer 9

It does sound like your period. It can come in a whole lot of colors. As far as the tampon.they come in junior sizes.

Answer 10

if it;s darker blood it;s old blood 'and it comes out before the red one... first you should use pads.if you want after awhile;they might have smaller tanpons.go look at the pad and tampon isle...good-luck>