From understanding the difference between your vulva and vagina (spoiler alert: they aren’t interchangeable) to busting ancient myths about the hymen, this guide is your go-to for everything you wish someone had explained ages ago.
Inspired by Kt by Knix’s Period Guide ebook in collaboration with pediatric gynecologist, Dr. Chimmy, if you’re thirsty for more information after reading this brief breakdown, we’ve got you covered.
Now, let’s demystify puberty and periods—and ditch the awkwardness surrounding it.
Anatomy 101
By now, you probably know the names of most of your body parts and have a decent idea of how they work. But when it comes to our reproductive organs, things can get a little murky. Let’s clear up the mystery—there’s nothing off-limits about understanding the bodies we were born with.
Vulva vs. Vagina: Let’s Get it Right
A lot of people mix up “vulva” and “vagina,” but they’re actually not the same thing. The vulva is the outside area where your thighs meet (the part your underwear touches). It includes the mons, clitoris, labia, urethral opening, and vaginal opening—basically, everything you can see. The vagina, however, is the internal canal that starts at the vulva's opening.
Picture the Labia (But Not Literally)
The labia majora and minora are part of the vulva, and they come in all shapes and sizes! Some might dangle, be asymmetric, or stay hidden. And guess what? All variations are totally normal and beautiful—just like our eyes, earlobes, or any other body part.
Myth-Busting the Hymen
The hymen is a tiny piece of tissue left over from vaginal development, often causing a lot of confusion. Let’s debunk some myths (cue action music).
- Myth 1: Everyone has a hymen—nope! Some people are born with hymens that are naturally open or barely there.
- Myth 2: Breaking your hymen is painful and bloody—not exactly. The hymen stretches and may disappear over time, often without any pain or blood.
- Myth 3: All hymens look the same—not true! Hymens vary in appearance, just like everything else in our anatomy.
- Myth 4: The hymen is a virginity verifier—big no! The hymen doesn’t prove anything about your sexual history. It can stretch from activities like exercise or tampon use, so let’s drop the outdated idea.
Puberty 101
Good news: you won’t die from puberty. It’s 100% nonfatal, no matter how tough it feels. Puberty is your body’s journey from kid to adult, where you grow, develop, and mature. Everyone goes through it, and everyone lives to tell the tale. So, let’s dive in—you’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers.
Hormones: Your Body’s Messengers
First off, they’re not ruining your life—they’re just doing their job! Hormones are how your body communicates with itself. When your brain says, “Time for puberty!” it releases hormones like estrogen that get the party started.
Stages of Puberty
- Breast Development (Thelarche)
- Pubic Hair Growth (Pubarche)
- First Period (Menarche)
- Growth Spurt—yep, that sudden need for new clothes.
For most people, puberty follows this order. Breasts usually start developing around age 9 or 10, and they can take all kinds of shapes and sizes. Pubic hair growth might actually be your first sign of puberty. The growth spurt is when you shoot up fast—kind of like getting a magical growth boost. And menarche? That’s your first period, which typically happens about two years after your breasts start developing.
Period 101
Welcome to the world of periods! Your first period usually shows up around two years after breast development. Periods are more than just a biological process—they can be emotional too. Whether you’re nervous or excited, your period is a sign that your body is healthy and growing.
Goodbye, Aunt Flo!
We’re ditching euphemisms like “Aunt Flo” and “shark week.” Why? Because there’s no shame in talking about normal biological processes. We’re sticking with “period” or menstruation, because that’s exactly what it is.
Cycle Savvy
Ever heard the saying “it’s just a phase?” Well, your menstrual cycle has phases too. The “period” is just the start of a bigger process your body goes through to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If that doesn’t happen, the cycle restarts.
Hormonal Cycle 101
- Follicular Phase: Right after your last period, your ovary preps an egg for release. Estrogen levels rise, getting things ready for the next phase.
- Luteal Phase: The egg’s sac (corpus luteum) produces progesterone, prepping for pregnancy. No pregnancy? The sac dissolves, progesterone levels drop, and your period begins.
- Menses Phase (Your Period!): What we call “period blood” is actually a mix of liquefied uterine lining, blood, and cells flowing from your uterus, through the cervix, and out of the body. What a ride!
Period Symptoms: What to Expect
Your period can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days, and how you feel during it can vary. Some common symptoms include breast tenderness, cramps, headaches, and bloating. Most people only experience mild versions of these, but if you’re dealing with anything severe, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
Let’s Normalize Discharge
Okay, time to get over the ick factor: vaginal discharge is totally normal. It’s just your body’s way of keeping things clean and balanced. Discharge can change in amount and texture throughout your cycle, from thick and sticky to clear and stretchy. If it ever seems off, like having a bad smell or causing irritation, don’t panic—just check in with your parents or doctor.
Track That Period!
Period tracking apps or calendars are your besties for figuring out your cycle. They can help you predict your period, track symptoms, and explain any mood or appetite changes.
Find Period Care That Works for You
When it comes to finding period care that works for your body, it might take a little experimenting. Reusable options like period underwear and reusable pads are comfy, absorbent, washable, and even coming in swimsuit options.
Period underwear can be used as backup leak protection in tandem with tampons or menstrual cups, or worn solo. All you have to do is find the right pair and absorbency level for your flow.
But whether you opt for disposable or reusable period products, it all comes down to finding what works for your unique body and needs.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Period Guide for your everything-you-need-to-know guide to periods and puberty.
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We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we're not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition.
We're here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you've been given. Phew, now that that's out of the way, you can go on bleeding confidence.
