It's not likely, but there's always a chance - particularly at the end of the menstrual cycle.¹ Besides, unprotected sex puts you at risk of sexually transmitted diseases.²

Actually, it's just the opposite! Periods are the female body's natural way of cleaning itself out. And they are a sign that your body is healthy.³

Not true! Some women sweat more during their periods, or find their skin and hair becomes greasier because of the influx of hormones, so it's important to keep clean and fresh.⁴ Anyway, clean feels good. Hey, have you checked out Always Ultra & Freshelle yet?

If you feel like exercising, go for it! It's actually a great way of controlling PMS and cramps because it increases the supply of oxygen to the muscles. ⁵ and if you're feeling a bit bloated, sweating out all that excess fluid can help with that too. You don't have to rest or exercise, unless you feel like it. Just do whatever helps you to have a happy period.

You might know when one of your close girlfriends is having her period, but that's just because you know her that well. Chances are, unless you are broadcasting it aloud, most people can't tell you are on your period. You can't tell just by looking - or by a woman's behaviour either.

Everyone's period is different. While the average period may last four to five days, it's perfectly natural for a period to last anywhere between three to eight days.⁶ If your period is typically longer or shorter than that, you should talk with your doctor about it.

This is a site about pads. But the truth is, pads don't work in the water. So if you're planning a trip to the pool during your period, wear a tampon. If you do, it's absolutely fine to go for a swim.⁷ You have absolutely nothing to worry about. If tampons aren't your style, you can still wear a pad in your swimsuit - just stick to sunbathing, okay?

It is a proven scientific fact that women experience hormonal changes roughly two weeks before their period.⁸ These hormones can bring on PMS symptoms like irritability, depression and fatigue, among other things.⁹Check out our section on PMS for a more in-depth look at pre-menstrual syndrome.

It may feel like a lot, but it's really not that much. The average loss of fluid (including blood) varies between women and from day to day during menstruation. You lose about 6 to 9 tablespoons of menstrual fluid during your period, but on average, only about four to six tablespoons (about 35ml) of blood are lost.¹⁰ It may look like a lot, but your body contains more than 5 pints of blood, so it doesn't miss the amount you lose and quickly makes it up. Some women do have a heavier flow than others though. Find the Always pad that's right for you by comparing the absorbency with our pad comparison tool.

Tampons can't take away your virginity. The only way to lose your virginity is by having sex.¹¹ But some women are still uncomfortable using them and that's okay too. Pads work just as well. Find your perfect pad with the Always product selector.