Girls, Women, what practical things should guys know about periods?

[Anonymous]

I live in the USA and periods are basically not allowed to be talked about. Ever. I've had 6 relationships and will even go down on women who are on their periods, but I've never actually talked about them, you know?

What are some common medications that women buy for their periods? Is Tylenol ok? Will candy help?

Between tampons and pads, should I basically just ask a girlfriend for an online picture or old package of what kind of products she wants me to buy when she needs me to?

What sorts of questions can a boyfriend comfortably ask you about your periods? What about a normal guy friend? A stranger?

Any other random, useful advice that you wish guys knew about periods would be awesome!

[Snow-Girl36]

I think periods make some people uncomfortable to talk about, just bec. it's such a personal thing. It's completely normal and natural, but it's still quite personal.

Common meds: Tylenol / Midol usually for the pain to relieve cramps. Candy is good for cravings, but they vary (sugary, salty, sour, it depends on what the craving is)
Other things that help are: Hot towels placed on the lower abdomen, and potassium from bananas can help relieve cramps in a natural way too. Some women experience more pain than others, so it depends on the girl.

For sanitary products, YES. I'd prefer them to ask for a photo or an old package so they know exactly what ones I want. There are so many different styles, brands, sizes, etc. out there, it's completely confusing at times. Especially if they've never bought that brand before.

As a boyfriend/ friend, I believe you can ask about it but be leary, as not everyone is willing to share so much. I personally wasn't comfortable discussing my period with my guy friends, however with my boyfriend I am ok with it. So it depends.
I'm ok with them asking things like:
is there anything you need/ want? As a girl, I like to be cuddled at times, I have a medical condition that my periods are severe, terrible burning pain that prevents me from eating and even moving out of bed some days (I'm on medications for it) because of that, my boyfriend knows I prefer to cuddle with pillows or blankets at that time (due to fever, nausea, etc) than cuddle with him. I like space when I'm not feeling good, as opposed to being close with someone.

I think mostly guys should find out what the girl prefers, offer a cuddling buddy for her if she'd like one. Bring over some munchies and watch a movie of her choice, make her feel better by the little things.

other than that, just take time to understand the girl and don't be quick to get offended about things she says or her emotions. Each girl experiences different feelings, and tend to be sensitive during that time. Just take it easy on the girl and help her get through the period week day by day.

[Felinegirl]

I don't have any periods, so for me it's not a problem anyways, but:

Do you know how it biologically works? Google that if you want to understand it a little bit better.
Tampons and pads have brands and sizes. If you buy them for your girlfriend, just ask her for a brand, size, and smell (unperfumed is best in terms of infection risk or allergies).

I don't understand why people in a relationship wouldn't be comfortable talking about this. Normal guy friends or strangers however shouldn't ask too many questions since it's slightly personal.

[Asker]

Umm you don't have any periods? Sorry if I'm asking too much, but are you able to give birth?

[Livinglogical]

Don't go down on them when they're on their period for a start xD
Sex is fine though, as long as its protected.

If you're going out and they're on the rag 'hey do u need any pads or tampons or any of that shit?' is fine if u wanna ask them.

Periods affect women differently. Usually the first day and sometimes the second day it feels like someone randomly poking you with a red hot needle down there... periodicly xD so you never know its coming ahaha and the rest of the time there's a dull to moderate ache. I don't take anything, I just bare with the pain. Some people maybe get it worse though and need paracetamol or something, whatever. Sometimes a day or two before it we get a bad headache or feel randomly emotional.

You need to know that if u sleep next to her during it the blood might leak out onto the sheets... espesh if she lies on her back. It happens at least once every couple of months. But as long as she stays on her side of the bed you'll be fine haha.

That's it really, its not really a big deal, its just a bit of blood and gore.

[mistixs]

Some women like to be licked out while on their periods. & If he's fine with it, then why not?

[Livinglogical]

@mistixs Yuck. But yeah fair enough, if they've had their sexual health screening done and can show him that they are clean then I guess its fine.

[rgb008]

Honestly, just don't be a child about it.
Grown men who are all like "omg ewwww pussy blood! its so gross and scary!" like its some toxic waste are very annoying.
Understand that is normal and it means she's a healthy woman who can have children. Any man who finds that to be horrible and scary is pretty immature in my book.
If she stains the bed, she will feel bad. There is no need to make her feel horrible about staining the sheets. Just be an adult and put them in the washing machine. Bleach them if that makes your mind feel better.
Medication wise, midol is the best (to me).
Tampons and pads are personal preference, so just ask her. If you're willing to help out and buy her some, I'm like 99% sure she will greatly appreciate it.
My boyfriend can ask me anything. Strangers- no. Guy friends- nah.

[WillowTree]

Tylenol don't do shit. Anything with ibuprofen in it helps like Motrin or Naproxen.

Low dose zinc supplements weaken cramp pain.

Heating pads help with cramps.

Offer chocolate bars or chocolate cake or anything with real chocolate in it.

Ask her what type of absorbency she wants in tampons or pads. We usually have a favorite go-to brand. They're not all the same.

Back and body massages are always welcome.

Our sex drive will fluctuate. Sometimes we just don't want to be touched down there when we're on our rag. Don't take it personally if she refuses sexual advances.

It's blood loss. Just let her sleep.

[amarahorrorstory]

Sometimes she's gonna bleed through. It happens to all of us. Whether it's panties, jeans, bedsheets. We bleed. Don't make a big deal about it because even if she is the only one who knows, it's mortifying and disappointing enough. I hate ruining my clothes, I don't want to talk about it. Just comfort her, grab her some fresh clothes if you can. If she likes chocolate, she really will want it, it's weird, something in our brains just makes us want it. Some girls want sex during her period, some don't. Ask her, just grab a towel or do it in the shower. Pain pills will save her life and HEATING PADS are so nice to have. Careful not to joke too hard or bag on her, weird things will make her upset for literally no reason. Ask her what kind of tampons she likes cause using a kind you don't like is kind of a pain in the ass, literally.

[PrettyKitty31]

Midol or Tylenol. Chocolate is always needed. Some girls like salty snack foods or ice cream. All that crap most women try to stay away from the other 25 days of the month.
You probably should ask or maybe take a peek under the sink to see what she uses, however that seems pretty above and beyond for you to have to do.
Do NOT ask a stranger about her period. That's like trying to pet a tiger. Not a good idea.
How are you feeling? Is there anything I can do for you? Those are ok questions to ask.
When a girl has her period it does differ from girl to girl but typically cramps and back aches are most common so heating pads can be a godsend.

[Tealtop1]

lmao i like this question and it's very true that we're hush hush about blood... yet masturbation and cumming is perfectly acceptable.

Things to know
-Cramps feel like a pitchfork being stabbed into your abdomen and being swirled likes a spaghetti fork
-We get cold sweats and hot flashes
-Some get sick or vomit
-Some of us get sore boobs (fun fact: our boobs also fill with blood during our period)
-Some of us break out
-We either feel the need to eat everything or nothing

Things to buy?
-any snack; opt for a balance of both salty and sweet
-a heating pad works wonders
-a massage if you're up for it
-a lot of tv/movies

[KittieCat]

I'll talk to anyone about a period. Anyone can ask me about a period ^^ I don't know why it's so taboo. Anyways I'm like a period pro.
Medication:
- Depends on the girl, her other symptoms, and cramps
- If her stomach is upset stay away from ibuprofen and try tylenol or midol.
- If not you can use a couple of pain relievers to help
- some medications don't even scratch the surface for some girls
- heat pads and weed are your best friend for cramps

Tampons and Pads:
- ask her what she likes and if she doesn't have an old package or picture ask what brand and how absorbant it should be. (Some are light normal super etc etc) and if there's anything else you should know.

[Bubblesxxxxx]

Medications are usually just pain killers, unless she suffers from extreme cramps then she’d have special meds provided from her doctor. Chocolate can help though and a hot water bottle is nice to put on the abdomen to relieve pain. Now when it comes to buying her tampons and pads, if you’re stuck buying them then she should just tell you the brand and the thickness e. g. thin, thick for pads or for tampons e. g. regular, super absorbent... etc. If you had to guess safest bet would be to get regular sized pads. Some girls feel disgusting and gross on they’re periods so just reassure the, that they are beautiful.

[mistixs]

A stranger randomly asking me about periods, or any other bodily function, would be weirdddddd haha.

But as for guy friends or boyfriends they can ask me ANYTHING! I really like talking about periods actually haha

Midol is common, and CHOCOLATE!!! That's a common craving for menstruating women, but really I'd ask your girlfriend what she prefers.

It makes me respect men a thousand times more when they're considerate about periods. So props to you. :)

[nalaa]

I don't know, just the basic biology. You should know what's going.

personally I don't care for candy or junk food on my period. Tylenol, is Ibuprofen, right? That should be fine. Aspirin isn't great, since it makes your blood thinner, but I've done it before.
sex is actually meant to help for period cramps

[bridesmaid2018]

Tylenol and ibuprofen are very similar