Leolanda B • Namibia, Africa • 23
I was 13 when I first got my period. I woke up to get ready for school and when I went to use the toilet, there were some blood stains on my underwear. I already knew about periods but I was still in shock because for some reason, I thought it wouldn't happen to me.
I already had a packet of pads in my drawer so I just showered and put one on. I didn't tell my mom that I got my period and just carried on as if everything was normal. But I felt a bit embarrassed about it.
I had light bleeding for 3 days and it didn't come back for another 3 months, but was then accompanied by severe abdominal pain, so my mom figured out that I had been hiding it. Nothing happened but I think she was upset and we then went to get painkillers and sanitary products.
