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

Question

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 · Accepted Answer

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 · Accepted Answer

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.

Livinglogical · Answer

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.

rgb008 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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

happydancer · Answer

Nurofen, Voltaren panadol are all commonly used. I would say all offers of anything sweet or food she really likes would be appreciated.

Every girl has different preferences and needs in terms of tampons and pads so yes I would ask her first.

Personally I might find it a bit weird if a stranger asked me about it, but a friend or a boyfriend I would have no problem answering any questions.

Quick tips I find a heated wheat pack helps heaps and being in a comfortable curled up position so cuddles and so on are great! And please do understand we don't enjoy the mood swings either.

by the way you are an awesome guy and I think any girl would be lucky to have a boyfriend as considerate as you!

HaitianBeauty_12 · Answer

just wish guys knew that during that time we are more sensitive and moody than usual and to be extra nice or offer to cuddle. You can also give her ibuprofen, tea, chocolate, ice cream. Rub her stomach for her.

ccfighta76 · Answer

Wow... ok. The best thing is to be cool about the whole period thing. Sounds like u r. Some guys run away. But its a natural thing and unfortunately for chics it sucks. Hormones, attitudes and mood swings r huge and not just during the period. A few days before too. I do advil. Best to get a pic or an old package. I know im very particular about my monthly supplies. Just be upfront and ask questions and tell her u just wanna help... just be cautious u might get ur head bite off.

yeppp · Answer

Candy doesn't help physically but its always does mentally always ask how heavy she is and which kind of period products she prefers. Never say she's on it with she's mad thats rude. And if she wants you to know she's on her period she will tell you. Then and ONLY then can you talk about it ( i live in the united states to)

MlleCake · Answer

Really all that matters to me is that my partner understands how the menstrual cycle works. I have NEVER needed a man to go down to a store and buy me sanitary supplies and I am almost done having periods.

I probably don't mind any questions.

I don't really need any special treatment.

XDozzyOX · Answer

Advil, iBurophen (heavy flows), chocolate and cute little gifts. Ask what she wants, go to the details and read what it says on the packages, you'll find your way through. Honestly If any of my guy friends were to ask any question about periods in general (not personal) I'd answer them.

bridesmaid2018 · Answer

oml a guy who actually wants to know XD
I take advil and Tylenol, which help. Dark chocolate also helps my crapms. Ask her what brand of tampons/pads. If your getting jher pads, ask her what number to, cuz ig they do numbers now... and questions? just ask her how she's feeling (her cramps) and ask her is she needs anything

cheeseysouffle · Answer

Every girl is different in her period and how she chooses to deal with them.

Anonymous · Answer

CRAMPS!
It's like you have bruises and someone is beating you on it. And sometimes it feels like my bones in my stomach just crush together. And you can't stand up straight and you throw up of pain. And you take 3 times more pills and you are still in pain! You feel sick you are cold but sweat somehow. You are mad at one moment and all of a sudden you are laughing. All of this for 7 days!😑 But the pain isn't that bad after 3-4 days.
That's my experience.

Mydnite · Answer

Chocolate, Wine, Ice Cream, Celebrex, and rubbing of the lower back and you'll be set for life.

TheButterfly · Answer

I hardly get mine and I don't get cramps... so my only advice would be soft cups instead of tampons

AliceWaves3443 · Answer

I personally would just ask her and then later on surprise her with some of the brands she likes

Whaaaaa · Answer

They're FUCKING PAINFUL

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