It's not likely, but there's always a chance — particularly at the end of the menstrual cycle¹. Besides, unprotected sex puts you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases². So, if you know your daughter is sexually active, or if you just want her to be prepared for the day she is, be sure to give her the facts.

She may but then again, she may not. This is new territory for your daughter, and she may feel shy or too embarrassed to discuss her period with you. Make sure she knows that you welcome discussion and questions about intimate subjects. She needs to feel that she can trust you with such personal information.

This is an old one and it’s not true. Some women sweat more during their periods, or find their skin and hair becomes greasier because of the influx of hormones, so it's important to encourage your daughter to keep clean and fresh³. You may suggest that she tries Always Clean. It’s the first pad to come individually wrapped up with a feminine wipe.

If your daughter feels like exercising, there’s no reason why she shouldn’t. It's actually a great way of controlling PMS and cramps because it increases the supply of oxygen to the muscles.⁵ And sweating out all that excess fluid even helps to ease bloating too. So, you shouldn’t make her rest or exercise, unless she feels like it. Just let her do whatever helps her to have a happy period.

Unless there is a problem like severe pain or bleeding, you probably don’t need to take your daughter to the gynecologist just because she has had her first period. Typically, women should begin those visits when they become sexually active or when they turn 18, whichever is first. For more detailed information on when to take her to the gynecologist, read about it in the Your Health section.

Everyone’s period is different. While the average period may last four to five days, it's perfectly natural for a period to last anywhere between three to eight days⁴. Your daughter’s period may be sporadic, especially when it first begins. If after her first menstrual year, her period is typically longer or shorter than that, you should talk with her doctor about it.

This is a site about pads. But the truth is, pads don’t work in the water. So if your daughter is planning a trip to the pool during her period, she needs to wear a tampon. If she does, it's absolutely fine to go for a swim⁵. But if tampons aren’t her style, tell her she can still wear a pad in her swimsuit if she sticks to sunbathing and stays out of the water.

It is a proven scientific fact that women experience hormonal changes roughly two weeks before their period⁶. These hormones can bring on PMS symptoms like irritability, depression and fatigue, among other things⁷. Even if your period doesn’t affect your mood, you shouldn’t discount the possibility that hers does. Check out our section on happy together for tips on ways to live harmoniously during her period. Or learn more about PMS to find out ways to minimize its effects.

It’s always a good idea to be open and honest with your daughter. Because girls typically begin menstruation anytime between the ages of 9 and 16, it’s hard as a parent to know when to broach that topic. You should look for signs in your daughter’s development like budding breasts, an increase in perspiration, pimples and underarm hair. These clues can help you to know that she has entered puberty and you should open the dialog. If you don’t talk to her first, she may be scared when she starts bleeding.

Tampons can't take away your daughter’s virginity. The only way to lose your virginity is by having sex⁸. But many moms are still uncomfortable with their daughters using them and that’s okay too. Pads work just as well. Help your daughter find her perfect pad with the Always product selector.