It is common to start getting your period some time between the ages of nine and sixteen years. You stop having periods when you reach menopause, at around the age of fifty. 

It is common for a period to last for three to six days and to bleed about 50 ml of blood (about 3 tablespoons) during the entire period. Your period may come at a different time each cycle, or at around the same time every month. It’s different for different people.

The ovaries contain many eggs. Every month, an egg develops and is released into the fallopian tube. This is called ovulation. At the same time, the lining of the uterus becomes thicker to prepare to receive a fertilised egg. The egg can be fertilised by sperm. That’s how pregnancy occurs.

If the egg is not fertilised, the lining of the uterus is not needed. In that case, the body sheds the lining of the uterus along with blood. That’s what a period is. After a period, everything starts over again.

Some people may feel sad, angry or anxious a few days before their period. Some people feel swollen in the stomach or breasts. This is called PMS. You can get help if it affects you a lot. 

Period pain

Some people get stomach or back pain when they have their period. You can try over-the-counter painkillers that you can buy at the supermarket or pharmacy. 

Some people bleed a lot

If any of these apply to you, you are bleeding too much:

• You have your period for more than seven days.
• The blood contains clots.
• You bleed through your period products.
• You have to change your period products very often.

You don’t need to have your period if it makes you feel unwell. There are contraceptives that can stop your period. This is not dangerous. Talk to a midwife or doctor if you want more information.

If any of these apply to you, you are bleeding too much:

• You have your period for more than seven days.
• The blood contains clots.
• You bleed through your period products.
• You have to change your period products very often.

You don’t need to have your period if it makes you feel unwell. There are contraceptives that can stop your period. This is not dangerous. Talk to a midwife or doctor if you want more information.

You can get help if you are having period problems. For example:

• You bleed too much.
• You haven’t had your period for six months or more, and you know that you are not pregnant or in menopause.
• You are very sad, angry or anxious before your period.
• You are in a lot of pain and regular painkillers are not helping.

Then contact one of these clinics:

• A gyneacology clinic (gynekologisk mottagning).
• A health care centre (vårdcentral).

It’s okay to have sex during your period if you and your partner want to.

It is possible to get pregnant while you are on your period. Therefore, always use condoms or other contraceptives if you do not want to get pregnant.

There are different types of period products. There are different sizes of pads and tampons. Choose the size you need depending on the amount you bleed. The main types of period products are:

• panty liners
• pads
• tampons
• menstrual cups
• period underwear.

You can buy panty liners, pads and tampons at a supermarket or pharmacy.

You can exercise as usual when you have your period. You can go swimming while using a tampon or menstrual cup.