Pee is for Pink

Paula C •  Georgia •  13

It was a hot summer and I had eaten an unusual amount of food that day. All day I felt like I wanted to poop, but then again I had eaten a lot that day. At the end of the day, I went to the bathroom and when I looked at the toilet, just one thought crossed my mind:

"Why in the world is my pee pink?"

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Luckily, my older sister's room was close, so I called for her. She looked at me, then at the toilet, then at my bloody underwear. "Oh, it happened" is the only thing she said before giving me a pad and going downstairs to call mom.

Blood, Socks and Tears

Patricia M •  Nairobi, Kenya •  29

Having been a tomboy, I really didn't put much thought into my first ever period experience. Plus, we didn't really get educated about it in school and for some reason that I never understood, all the grown ups avoided the bloody topic.

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When my period finally came, I thought I was tragically dying because I had excruciating pains in the lower part of my tummy and I was bleeding. I had to make it stop because if I survived, my mum would kill me. I couldn't tell her I was bleeding without a wound. So I took my socks, layered it up in my panties and stayed in the house. I used the same socks for 3 days.

Crutches & Cramps

Mary L •  New York •  23

I got my first period a month before I turned 12. I had broken my leg that summer really severely so I was on crutches with a cast on my entire lower leg. I first noticed my period during a trip to Target and had to hobble my way into the bathroom there to confirm that yes, I was bleeding all over my white underwear. My mom had always had light and irregular periods but I learned that mine were strong for a whole week and happened like clockwork.

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Of course it meant she got the tiniest pads in existence for me...Limited mobility made my leaks soooo much worse and I ruined so many sheets, pants, underwear, pajamas, etc. before I had to tell my mom I needed bigger pads a few months later. It was really difficult having a broken leg while on your first period too because showering and using the bathroom looks so different–I needed assistance getting in and out of the shower. Anyways, periods really suck and my heart goes out to all people who may get their first period during less than savory life circumstances!