A060 What are Periods Called in Other Countries?

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A057 Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

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A106 More Discharge During Pregnancy Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry (A Lot of Discharge During Pregnancy)

More Discharge During Pregnancy Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Worry

A099 What Is Vaginal Discharge?

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What are Periods Called in Other Countries?

A065 What is PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)?

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A040 What Causes Irregular Periods?

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A055 Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms

Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms

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A113 The Down Low on Period Underwear

A137 Different Types of Discharge

Different Types of Discharge

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The frequency with which you change your sanitary towel depends on your particular flow. The heavier your flow, the more often you should change your sanitary towel to reduce the risk of leaking. The lighter your flow, the less often you may need to change your sanitary towel. It is recommended to change your sanitary towel every four to eight hours.

How often should I change my Always Platinum sanitary towel?

So far this year we’ve helped over 15,000 girls stay in sports, in partnership with Sported. We’ve provided financial grants and sports equipment to organisations across the country so they can help #KeepHerPlaying.

Learn more about Sported [here](https://sported.org.uk/).
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A085 What’s a Bladder Infection?

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Some of the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are like the flu, but they can become serious quickly. The signs of toxic shock syndrome are:

- Rising body temperature (102 degrees Fahrenheit/38.8 degrees Celsius or higher)
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhoea.
- A sunburn-like rash.
- Muscle aches.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting, or near fainting, when you stand up.


If you experience any of the toxic shock syndrome symptoms we’ve mentioned and you're wearing a tampon, remove the tampon and call a doctor. Tell the doctor that you have been using tampons and suspect toxic shock syndrome. If you're wrong, all the better. But it's better to be over-careful — what's important is to get speedy treatment.

Symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome

Girls experiencing period poverty miss out on the activities that they love (End Period Poverty)

Girls experiencing period poverty miss out on the activities that they love

A138 What Does Yellow Discharge Mean?

What Does Yellow Discharge Mean?

A028 What Causes Heavy Periods?

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However, knowing what causes [heavy periods](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms-and-menstrual-cramps/why-you-may-be-getting-heavy-painful-periods/) can take some of the anxiety out of the experience.

However, knowing what..

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A136 Discharge During Menopause

Discharge During Menopause

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Lumpy boobs – what? Scared? Don’t be. Breast lumps are quite common. Most [breast](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/period-tips/how-to-check-your-breasts/) lumps — about 90 per cent — are benign (noncancerous). Here’s everything you need to know about breast lumps.

## What Causes Lumps?
Breast lumps can be caused by lots of different things. For example:

- Fibrocystic breast disease (fibroadenosis): a growth that causes lumpiness and tenderness
- Fibroadenoma: a small growth, more common in young women in their 20s
- [Cyst](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/period-tips/ovarian-cysts-causes-treatment-and-prevention/) (fluid-filled lump)
- Trauma (like accidents)

## Get to Know Your Boobs
A girl should get to know her boobs. Examine how they look and feel. You’ll notice that your breasts feel different at different times of the month. That’s because the milk-producing tissue in the breast becomes active in the days before [menstruation](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/my-period/4-facts-about-menstruation/) starts.

## Know What Changes to Look For
If anything feels or looks different (even if it’s not a well-defined lump), tell your mum and go see your doctor. Most lumps aren’t cancerous so don’t worry, but do get expert advice.

If you have "lumpy boobs" you might think, "Oh, my boobs are so lumpy, there’s no point in examining them". NONSENSE! If you examine your boobs every month after your period, you’ll get to know the areas that are often thicker and lumpier. You should see your doctor if you find any new lumps.

## Treatment for Breast Lumps
Most benign breast lumps don’t hurt and don’t need any treatment. But it’s really important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible if you notice a lump, just to get it checked out. If lumps cause tenderness, wearing a well-fitting bra may help. You can also try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen. There are prescription drug available that can be used to treat the pain if other methods don’t help. Just make sure to talk to a parent before taking any medicine. Occasionally, a lump may cause chronic pain. If this is the case, it can be removed with surgery.

## How Can You Avoid Sore Boobs?
If you are experiencing growing pains or you’ve noticed some breast growth recently, soreness may be a natural part of your breast development. Wearing a well-fitting bra can help. Get properly fitted (like in a department store).

Some doctors recommend cutting down on caffeine and saturated fats, but this hasn’t been proven to help. If do you drink a lot of coffee, tea or fizzy drinks, and you have sore boobs, stop for a few weeks or try the decaf versions — see if it helps.

Have you ever felt a lump? What happened next?

Lumpy boobs – what?

What’s a Bladder Infection?

A130 Smelly Discharge: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

Smelly Discharge: Causes, Prevention and Treatment

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A109 Spotting Between Periods

Spotting Between Periods

Don’t settle for less than 3x protection: ALWAYS Ultra Normal (Size 1) sanitary towels with wings use the latest technology to create a multifunctional pad with 3 protection features. The InstantDry system absorbs liquid in seconds and keeps wetness away from your skin.  LeakGuard technology locks liquid and helps to prevent leaks. These pads are also equipped with an OdourLock technology that neutralises odours, so that you can feel fresh and clean during your period. With ALWAYS Ultra you can feel confident all day long. Never settle, get 3x protection with Always.

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Try Always Ultra Secure Night Extra with wings, Always’ best Sanitary Towels for overnight protection.

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A135 What is Clear Stretchy Discharge a Sign of?

What is Clear Stretchy Discharge a Sign of?

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## Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?

Some women have vaginal discharge every day, while others experience it only occasionally. Your discharge, its frequency, and the amount you experience will vary based on your normal hormonal fluctuations throughout the month, depending on where you are in your [menstrual cycle](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-girls-and-parents/my-period/how-to-calculate-your-menstrual-cycle/).

This means you may experience more discharge when you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused, while some days you will find a few drops in your underwear.

## What Does Normal Discharge Look Like?

Vaginal discharge can vary in consistency and colour. Sometimes it is clear, and sometimes it is milky white. Sometimes it is watery, and sometimes it has a more stretchy, egg white-like consistency. For instance, when it’s creamier and thicker, it’s usually a sign your period is coming. Oestrogen is being released as the body prepares itself for menstruation. All of this is normal.

Other types of discharge may be a sign that something isn’t quite right. If your discharge has a chunky consistency, is itchy, or is off-colour (think white with cottage cheese-like consistency, yellow or green), or has a new strong smell this is a sign of infection. A visit to your doctor will clear things right up, so it’s best to make an appointment as soon as you can.

## How Do You Get Rid Of Discharge?

There are times when it can be annoying to find that discharge has once again made its presence felt in your underwear. Therefore, it is only natural to wonder if there is some way to reduce or even prevent discharge.

But at these times it is a good idea to remember why you get discharge in the first place and know that Mother Nature is doing her thing for a reason! So, if what you are experiencing is healthy discharge, and you are after ways to stop discharge for an easier life, it is definitely time for a rethink.

If however, you have excessive discharge, it may be that you are suffering from one of a number of problems, and getting to the bottom of it will give you a way to reduce discharge. Some common causes of unusual vaginal discharge can be:

- Allergy: in all seriousness, your vagina may be allergic to something. So if you’ve noticed your body is producing too much discharge recently, have a think – have you changed anything such as your shower gel, washing up powder, or tampon brand lately?

- Contraception: Have you begun taking new contraceptive pills lately? The change in hormones can play all sorts of havoc with your discharge, but the good news is it should soon settle down again, so don’t worry unless this carries on for more than a few months.

- Sexually Transmitted Infection: A heavier discharge combined with any other symptoms – such as pelvic pain, odd smells, discolouration of the discharge – could be a sign of an STI, so it’s worth getting checked out by a medical expert.

- A Forgotten Tampon: Yep, that might sound daft, but if there is a foreign body stuck inside you, your body will be doing all it can to flush it out. The longer it is there, the more it may be contributing to any build-ups of bad bacteria, so the sooner you can remove it, the better!

## How To Manage Vaginal Discharge?

Even if your discharge is normal and healthy, if it is leaving you feeling uncomfortable and damp, it’s perfectly normal to want to get rid of the discomfort. Luckily, [Always Dailies pantyliners](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/) are specifically designed to absorb daily vaginal discharge, helping you stay fresh and confident throughout the day.

[Always Dailies](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect-normal-panty-liners/) come in a variety of shapes, sizes and absorbencies so you can find the liner that is just right for you. With Always Dailies you can keep that morning-fresh pants feeling all day, every day.

Pop one in your knickers first thing in the morning or keep one in your bag to have to hand, as and when you need it. As they have been dermatologically tested, it is safe to wear them every day.

Always Dailies is on a mission to bust common myths around vaginal discharge. In fact, vaginal discharge is totally normal and happens to all of us women. Why make it a taboo topic? We want to provide you with all the information you need and ask for. In case you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us under 0080077634434 or 0800 0285884 (UK), 1800509203 (ROI).

You don't know exactly when you'll get your period. Well, there's a simple solution - be prepared for your period beforehand! [Always Dailies Normal Fresh & Protect pantyliners](/en-gb/feminine-products/panty-liners/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect/always-dailies-fresh-and-protect-normal-panty-liners/) have unique, breathable design and are so comfortable and flexible that you won't even notice wearing them. Irregular or late, your period won't keep surpising you! 

Is It Normal To Have Discharge Every Day?

A086 Breast Lumps: What Do They Mean?

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Do you want to know how to make the most of your periods? Click here to get expert tips on how to deal with all the inconveniences!

Period tips

A132 What Causes Yellow Discharge?

What Causes Yellow Discharge?

Breast Lumps: What Do They Mean?

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Downend Boxing Club, South West


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“As a female boxer it's great to see companies such as Always supporting the rise in female participation in sports. The donation is welcomed after the financial hardship the pandemic has brought. With funding we can increase opportunities for current boxers and open doors for girls looking to get into boxing. Thank you”

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also called bladder infections, are a common problem for a lot of girls. Anyone can get these infections, but girls and women get them more often.

## What are the symptoms?
Here are some symptoms you may experience if you have a bladder infection:

- A sharp burning [pain](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms-and-menstrual-cramps/why-are-you-tired-before-period/) during urination.
- Frequent urination or the urge to urinate a lot.
- Cloudy, dark or bloody urine.
- Pain in the back or lower stomach.
- Nausea/vomiting.
- Fever.

## How do you get it?
You get a bladder infection when harmful bacteria get in your urethra (where your wee leaves your bladder). You can get an infection in many ways, but there are two common culprits: the rectum and the vagina. If a girl wipes the wrong way after going to the toilet (the right way is from front to back), bacteria can move toward the urethra from the rectum and cause a UTI. Bacteria from the vagina can also be pushed into the urethra.

## How do you treat bladder infections?
A doctor can find out if you have a UTI by doing a urine test. Most bladder infections can be cured in a few days by antibiotic treatment, and a doctor can also prescribe medications for painful symptoms.

When a bladder infection has just started, and if it isn't too bad, many teens/women treat it themselves by drinking a few glasses of cranberry juice and lots of water every day for a few days. This can "flush" the infection out of the bladder.

## How can I avoid a UTI?
You can help to prevent UTIs by trying the following:

- Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Don't drink a lot of caffeine (coffee or colas).
- Don't wait to go to the bathroom — pee when you get the urge.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Wipe from front to back whenever you go to the toilet.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also called...

Irregular Periods can be confusing! If your period seems different, check out these reasons why it may seem off – and what to do about it.

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“I can’t thank you and the teams at Always and Sported enough for this funding. We have had lots of young women signing up for the new Ladies Junior Team so the £200 is greatly appreciated and will be put to very good use.”

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What is PMS? Every girl asks this question during puberty! It was known as premenstrual tension, which can manifest itself in many different ways - most commonly physical symptoms, but can also be joined by emotional and psychological ones. Learn all about premenstrual syndrome and its most common symptoms.

__Table of content:__
<li><a href="#so-what-is-pms?">So, What is PMS?</a>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="#when-does-pms-start?">When does PMS start?</a></li>
    <li><a href="#does-pms-change-with-age?">Does PMS change with age?</a></li>
  </ul>
</li>
<li><a href="#what-are-the-symptoms-of-pms?">What are the Symptoms of PMS?</a>
  <ul>
    <li><a href="#emotional-and-behavioral-signs-and-symptoms-of-pms">Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms of PMS</a></li>
    <li><a href="#physical-signs-and-symptoms-of-pms">Physical signs and symptoms of PMS</a></li>
  </ul>  
</li>
<li><a href="#what-causes-pms?">What Causes PMS?</a></li>
<li><a href="#who-gets-pms?">Who Gets PMS?</a></li>
<li><a href="#how-is-pms-diagnosed?">How is PMS diagnosed?</a></li>
<li><a href="#what-can-you-do-to-manage-pms?">What can you do to manage PMS?</a>
    <ul>
      <li><a href="#medications-and-hormone-treatments-for-pms">Medications and hormone treatments for PMS</a></li>
      <li><a href="#vitamins,-minerals-and-supplements-for-pms">Vitamins, minerals and supplements for PMS</a></li>
      <li><a href="#lifestyle-changes-for-pms">Lifestyle changes for PMS</a></li>
    </ul>
  </li>
</ul>

<h2 id="so-what-is-pms?">So, What is PMS?</h2>

What does PMS mean? PMS is a collection of cyclical physical, mental and emotional symptoms that primarily affect women of childbearing age, usually between 20 and 40 years of age. A key role in premenstrual syndrome is played by hormonal fluctuations that occur in women between ovulation and the first menstrual bleeding. In some, these symptoms may also persist during the initial menstrual phase. The exact cause of PMS in unknown but the normal hormonal changes during the cycle trigger receptors to send signals resulting in symptoms which can significantly impact quality of life.   In severe cases PMS is called Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which is now recognised as a disease entity.

Find out [why you crave chocolate before your period](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms-and-menstrual-cramps/cravings-before-and-during-period/)!

<h3 id="when-does-pms-start?">When does PMS start?</h3>

Premenstrual syndrome occurs approximately 7-12 days before the onset of menstruation. However, it has a very individual course - it is different in every woman.

<h3 id="does-pms-change-with-age?">Does PMS change with age?</h3>

PMS probably affects most women over the age of 30. With age, its symptoms can get worse.

<h2 id="what-are-the-symptoms-of-pms?">What are the Symptoms of PMS?</h2>

Symptoms appear before your period starts (as many as five days) and will disappear during your period. Symptoms can affect your body and your brain, and their intensity can vary a lot from girl to girl. (As if you don’t have enough to deal with.)

Today, up to about 80% of women struggle with at least one of the characteristic symptoms of PMS, but this does not significantly affect their daily functioning. What are PMS symptoms? Symptoms are divided into mental, emotional and physical.

<h3 id="emotional-and-behavioral-signs-and-symptoms-of-pms">Emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms of PMS</h3>

The emotional, psychological symptoms of PMS include many symptoms. The most common premenstrual symptoms (PMS):

- Mild depression
- Angry outbursts
- Mood swings, increased tearfulness and apathy
- Concentration and memory problems
- Irritability, nervousness
- Hyperactivity
- Anxiety disorders
- Feeling out of control of one's own life
- Loss of self-confidence
- Sleep disturbances

Find out more: [why you're tired before your period?](/en-gb/tips-and-advice-for-women/pms-and-menstrual-cramps/why-are-you-tired-before-period/)

<h3 id="physical-signs-and-symptoms-of-pms">Physical signs and symptoms of PMS</h3>

In addition to psychological symptoms, a woman may also experience physical symptoms. Some of these can be very strong and annoying. Examples of premenstrual syndrome symptoms:

- Cramps
- Backaches
- Breast tenderness
- Skin problems
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite
- General weakness

What is PMS?

A065 What is PMS?

A089 Pamper Yourself During Your Periods

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