Always Long Super Maxi Pads Giveaway

The Period Blog is giving TWO lucky readers packages of Always' new Maxi Pads with their new secure fit feature!

See our review here:

Always Long Super Maxi Pads with Flexi-Wings Review

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This contest is open to all females residents of Canada and USA only. Sorry boys, you don't have a vagina. You have until February 25, 2012 to enter. Winners will be chosen at random and contacted via email. This product was sent to The Period Blog from the manufacturer and is not a sponsored post.  
 

Why do girls experience cramps during their periods?

Many women experience abdominal cramps during or before their period and they can be quite intense and sometimes unbearable. When I had my first period, my cramps were so intense that I stayed up all night wailing in pain! It was terrible and I really couldn't help but wonder... WHY?

So why do we experience cramps???
During your period, your body releases chemicals called prostaglandins. These chemicals cause the muscles of your uterus to contract to help push your period out. The contractions can cause mild to intense and painful cramps in your abdominal or tummy area.

Sometimes these contractions can also affect your intestinal tract and may cause period diarrhea.

Don't worry though. Cramps are a completely normal part of having your period. Cramps usually occur right before your period and during the first few days of your period. Once you become more experienced of familiar with your period, you will be better able to predict your cramps.

What can I do to help my cramps?
After over eight years of having a period, I have some tips and tricks to share to make your cramps more bearable.

• Drink hot liquids ie. hot water, hot chocolate, tea
• Apply heat to your tummy area ie. hot water bottle, rubbing your tummy with your hand
• Exercise (surprising right?)
• Eat chocolate (in short, chocolate releases endorphins making cramps a bit more bearable)
• Eat bananas (potassium can help with muscle cramps)
• Take a nice hot bath
• Have an orgasm

What do you do to relieve your cramps?

Always Maxi Leakguard Pad Review

16c ct individually wrapped pads
3.99 at London Drugs and other drug stores

From Always.com:

• Dri-Weave has soft cotton-like feel and is made of cone-shaped holes to quickly pull down fluid
• Leakguard Core absorbs and locks fluid in place to keep you clean and dry
• Flexi-Wings provide secure fit with stretchy pleats to flex with your movement and protect against leaks

Click read more for the full review!

The Period Blog Diaries Vol 2 2012

So... my last period was not very easy. Right before I left the house I realized I had started my period so I grabbed some pads and tampons and made my way to campus. It was fine at first. I was in a great mood and all smiles but then.... ghost diarrhea.

What is ghost diarrhea?! Click to read more...

Campus Resources: UBC Wellness Center & AMS Womyn's Center

I have been told many stories of girls getting their period unexpectedly at school and then not having any pads or tampons on hand to take care of it. Many girls have told me they are too shy to ask a stranger to borrow a pad and resort to trekking across campus to purchase pads! You don't have to go through all that trouble!

Did you know that your campus may have feminine hygiene products available to you at a lower cost or even for free? 

At the University of British Columbia's Wellness Center, they offer many resources for mental well being and sexual health and I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that they also have free pad and tampon samples from Procter & Gamble!

The volunteers there are super open and welcoming so I always feel comfortable there. They don't keep track of who takes these samples so you are totally welcome to take another sample if you need it the next time.

If pads and tampons aren't your thing, the UBC AMS Womyn's Center sells Divacups on a slider scale of $15 to $25. This means that you pay what you can afford starting at $15. A Divacup normally retails for 39.99 so this is an amazing deal for students!


Enter through the glass doors and turn right.

The Womyn's Center is a space and resource center for women to feel empower eachother and to organize against sexism and violence. They are always looking for new ideas and volunteers so don't be shy to visit them!

UBC Wellness Center
Lower level of SUB (by Sprouts)
Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
Tuesdays 9:00 am–4:00 pm.

AMS Womyn's Center
SUB 245H Upper level of SUB (by CITR)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 1:30pm-3:30pm


Does your campus have resource centers for women?

Kotex Natural Balance Absorbent Liners Long Preview

16 ct | 42ct | individually wrapped pantiliners
5.49 at Well.ca and other drug stores

From Kotex.com:

• Soft on your skin: Cover includes a hint of aloe and Vitamin E
• Keeps you comfy: Breathable with a touch of natural cotton
• Conforms to fit: Soft absorbent core comfortably flexes with your body
• Unscented: Free of artificial scents and fragrances

Click read more for more photos!

Kotex Natural Balance Absorbent Liners Maximum Protection Preview

14 ct | 33ct individually wrapped pantiliners
5.49 CAD at Well.ca and other drug stores

From Kotex.com:

• Soft on your skin: Cover includes a hint of aloe and Vitamin E
• Keeps you comfy: Breathable with a touch of natural cotton
• Conforms to fit: Soft absorbent core comfortably flexes with your body
• Unscented: Free of artificial scents and fragrances

Click read more for more photos!