When a young girl gets her period for the first time, it can definitely be confusing, a bit scary, uncomfortable, and even slightly embarrassing. However, most girls between the ages of twelve and sixteen get their period and instead of feeling nervous about asking questions, you should instead feel empowered about maturing into a young woman. The best thing to do when you first get your period is to share it with those who are closest to you like your mother, best friend, aunt, or even a teacher.

I immediately told my mother and aunt because I felt comfortable sharing with them that I had my period. I also knew that they had been getting their period for years and years. The day I had the conversation with my family that I got my period for the first time, my mother started crying and my father gave me the biggest hug. It was a sense of relief to get that support during such a big moment in my life. Your friends can be that ultimate support system, as well. U by Kotex is on a mission to build a community for young girls so they can share their stories, ask experts questions, and learn from one another, which makes menstruation much easier to talk about.

I remember feeling very uncomfortable around boys when I first got my period because I didn’t want to be made fun of or let them see that I had tampons in my backpack. Now that I look back on those years, I realize that boys are simply not educated on menstruation and don’t really know what happens to the female body during that time of the month. When my brother was thirteen years old and I was fifteen, we sat down on the couch together and I shared with him that I had gotten my period and explained to him what it means to go through a monthly cycle. After I took the time to have that conversation, he was completely understanding and extremely supportive. He was so amazing that he would run to the drug store to by me Aspirin and tampons any time I needed.

I encourage you to share your period stories, ask a million questions, and surround yourself with supportive and loving people who you trust. Your period should never make you feel uncomfortable. Instead it should make you feel like a proud and strong young woman!