If you’ve had your period long enough, you’ll most likely know just because you can expect what it feels like when it’s happening. I’ve had my period for about a decade (wow, nothing like a statement like that to make me feel old), so at this point I know it just happened or is happening. If you don’t already have a pad on or a tampon in, you’ll feel this sudden wetness in your panties. If you’re around the time your period is starting, you can pretty much assume it’s blood coming out (though if you’re lucky, sometime it’ll just be discharge). You can sometimes feel the blood coming out when you’re using a pad because your pad will go from dry to slightly damp. As you become more and more acquainted with having your period, you’ll begin to pick up what little things to look/feel for and you’ll get into a routine.
Good question, because we all equate blood with getting hurt and feeling pain. When you have your period for the first time, it feels like there is liquid coming out -- not like you are peeing, though. Sometimes, because it is such a slight amount, you might not even notice. Other times you feel a gush, and then you might wonder, “Am I protected down there or is it leaking?” That’s the way it feels for me. Just so you know, I have learned that only about 1/4 cup of your period is actually blood, according to health experts.
Whether or not you can “feel” the blood coming out depends on how heavy your flow is, and whether you are wearing a tampon or a pad. When you wear a tampon, you shouldn’t be able to feel anything coming out, regardless of how heavy the flow is. When you wear a pad or a liner, you may be able to feel the blood as it exits your body, but this typically only happens when your flow is fairly heavy. Either way, it should be painless!
Peer Answer: I can’t say exactly what is causing this. It could be the pressure, or it could be the stress caused by flying. Those are both shots in the dark. I’d assume that the effect flying has on your body is...
Learn MorePeer Answer: Most likely, the discharge you are seeing is blood (mixed with your ordinary "self-cleaning" discharge - giving it that brownish color) that wasn't flushed out during your period. I've had this happen...
Learn MoreThis is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.
Check out these smaller-sized pad with heavy-flow absorbency. U by Kotex Teen® Pads are totally perfect for your younger girls learning the ropes and have vibrant colors with cool patterns.
View ProductSay hello to your new favorite pad for heavy flow days. U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Pads feature Xpress DRI® Core for crazy, fast absorption to help stop leaks.
View ProductGo from compact to full-sized protection in one quick move with U by Kotex® Click® Tampons. Perfect for travel and pocket-sized, to go where U go!
View ProductThis super-thin pad has some crazy fast absorption that you can trust. And with its added length and uniquely shaped wings. It'll keep you comfortable while helping stop leaks dead their in tracks.
View ProductTracking is simple! Use our FREE Period Calculator to figure out when your next period starts.