User:Aniket8632/sandbox

Introduction
Stayfree is a product of the global company Johnson & Johnson, the world’s largest medical devices and diagnostic company and the sixth largest consumer health company.

Source: http://www.jnj.com/connect/about-jnj/

The brand is a strong player in the sanitary napkins category, driving market trends and constantly developing products that keep providing women with even better protection during their period. This stems out of the brand’s commitment to “creating the most comfortable protection experience, so women around the world have the confidence to stay connected to their lives, every day of the month.”

Stayfree’s products are created in order to meet the various requirements of women, offering a range of both Maxi and Ultra-Thin sanitary napkins.

Maxi products like Stayfree Secure cottony soft are good when consumers want to transition from cloth. Stayfree Secure Extra Large gives up to 12 hour worry free leak protection.

The Ultra Thin range gives comfortable protection to consumers. Stayfree Advanced has unique soft touch cover which is clinically proven for zero irritation and with Blue gel core it gives superior protection. 99% ultra users agree that Stayfree Advanced gives comfortable protection.

Stayfree All Nights gives complete night protection because it is longer, wider & has more gel pockets than regular ultra napkin which prevents back and side leakage.

About
Stayfree has taken up a movement for 'change', starting with a ‘Time to Change’ campaign, inspiring women to stand up for what they truly believe in and take matters into their own hands when it comes to tackling social issues. This core thought has seeped its way into a number of socially driven activities sponsored by Stayfree, including an initiative called 'Women for Change'.

The Stayfree Women for Change initiative by Johnson & Johnson Limited is working towards bridging the gap between Indian women of two contrasting worlds. Stayfree is supporting UNICEF and other institutions that are working towards the upliftment of marginalized women across the country. This programme will give privileged women a platform to support their weaker counterparts with essential health and hygiene facilities thus bringing about a change that will make women equal to women.

Source: http://www.stayfreewomenforchange.com/

Stayfree is now synonymous with 'positive change' and continues in its efforts to help make a difference to society and enable young women to do so as well.

Brand Heritage
The launch of the first beltless pad in the US, Australia and Brazil in 1974 is only one of the many innovations Stayfree has brought to the market to help emancipate women from the confines of uncomfortable period protection.

Source: Stayfree Brand Book

What happens when girls hit puberty?
Typically, girls enter puberty between the ages of 8 to 14. Their brain releases chemicals known as hormones into the blood, which travel to different areas of the body and results in growth and development. For instance, girls may gain a little weight but their waistline and hips will become more defined. All of these are signs of puberty. Though it varies from girl to girl, these are the physical changes to their body. These changes include:


 * Breast Bud         8 years – 13 years
 * Onset of pubic hair 9 years – 14 years
 * Maximum growth     10 years – 14 years
 * Menarche           10 years – 14 years
 * Adult Breast       12 years – 14 years
 * Adult Pubic Hair   12 years – 14 years

What is a menstrual cycle?
After hitting puberty, a woman’s body undergoes hormonal changes wherein one of the ovaries releases an egg that travels through the fallopian tube waiting to be fertilised. Also, a lining grows in a woman’s uterus that prepares her body for the conception of a baby, in case the egg from the ovaries get fertilised. If the egg doesn’t get fertilised, the body then needs to lose this lining which dissolves with the egg and is released from the uterus forming periods. The blood travels out of the uterus through the cervix and is then released through the vagina out of the body. When this lining is completely shed from the uterus the flow stops. The whole process, from the build- up of the lining to the discharge is known as a menstrual cycle.

How can I mange my period calendar?
Mark the date when you get your first period; and the date when the next period starts. Count the number of days between the two dates and you will get the number of days for your menstrual cycle. Thus you can keep track and prepare for your next period.

How long does the menstrual cycle last?
Most women have a menstrual cycle approximately once every 28 days. When periods first begin, it could vary from three weeks to six weeks before the next. It could also be as short as 21 days or up to 40 days.

Why does menstruation happen?
Menstruation happens because female hormones in the body start functioning. It is a sign of a woman’s fertility. Menstruation is the basis for procreation.

When does menstruation start for most women?
Usually between ages of 9 to 15 years.

At what age do periods stop occurring?
Periods stop occurring when the hormones responsible for menstruation stop functioning. This phase normally occurs after a woman reaches her forties and can vary from person to person. This stage is called menopause and it marks the end of her reproductive cycle.

Is it normal if the duration of my period keeps varying?
Yes, this is normal - most adult women’s periods last for 2 to 7 days, generally with a light flow, or ‘spotting’ in the final days. Your period will settle down to approximately the same number of days in each cycle as you grow older.

Is it normal if my period date keeps varying?
Most periods take 6 months to 1 year to become regular. So in your first year, your menstrual cycle may change. Periods can become irregular and vary for many reasons. Some common reasons are:
 * A change in environment or daily routine
 * Tension about something like exams at school
 * Excitement about something - a vacation or a picnic
 * Excessive training / workouts/ exercises
 * Losing or gaining weight in a very short span of time
 * Bulleted list item

In case you experience any of the following problems for a prolonged period you should immediately tell your mother and see a doctor.

Why is my period irregular?
In the first year of menstruation it takes a little while for your body to settle into its natural rhythm due to which your periods are irregular. Other reasons could be:
 * Acute stress, travel or illness
 * Excessive dieting or overeating
 * Infections and anemia.
 * If your period is irregular over a long span of time then consult a doctor.

Is it normal to have irregular flow?
Yes, the menstrual flow is generally heaviest during the first 3 days and gets lighter over the following few days. However, some girls have a medium flow for up to 5 days. But if you have a very heavy flow for more than 7 days every month, with blood clots, or if you’re worried about your periods in any way, you should talk to your parent, a trusted adult or see a gynaecologist about it.

The amount of flow changes during the course of my period. Is this normal?
Usually on the first 2-3 days of a period, the flow is the heaviest and after that it slowly tapers off towards the 4th and 5th day. Some women may experience heavy flow on the 2nd and 3rd day instead.

My period is late. What can this mean?
There are many reasons for delay in periods apart from pregnancy. Miscalculations about your date, stress, illness, eating disorders, being overweight or being an athlete can contribute to the delay in periods. If you’re still worried, consult a gynecologist and get a check-up.

When should I consult a gynaecologist?
It is necessary to consult a gynaecologist under the following conditions:
 * Even after 2 years of starting your periods, they continue to be irregular and unpredictable
 * Menstrual flow which is very heavy or lasts much longer than your normal number of days
 * Severe discomfort, stomach cramps or pain
 * After starting menstruation, your period stops occurring for several months
 * If you do not start menstruating until the age of 17
 * Bleeding of the vagina in between 2 periods

What is white discharge? Is it normal?
Every woman suffers from vaginal discharge. It is light, limpid, viscous and mucous. The amount of the discharge depends on the time of the menstrual cycle. This is naturally produced from the womb neck. It contains fluids and cells that are excreted for keeping your vagina clean and protecting it. They are common at the beginning and the end of your cycle. But if it causes irritation, pain or gives a foul odour, then you should consult your doctor about it as it indicates yeast infection. Source: http://www.pinkdischarge.net/what-are-the-causes-of-white-discharge-in-women/

Why is my mood terrible when I am about to get my period?
Many girls suffer from PMS or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome. The typical symptoms like mood changes, depression, irritability etc. occur due to hormonal changes happening before menses. You can minimize the effect of the PMS by engaging in activities like music, reading, going out for a walk and so on.

What is PMS?
PMS stands for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome that is a combination of symptoms some girls suffer from a week or so before their period. The symptoms usually go away after your period starts. The intensity of the symptoms varies from woman to woman. PMS gives rise to mood swings, like feeling depressed and sometimes unusually upset and angry. Mood swings are just one of the effects. Some also develop breast tenderness, headaches and tiredness. There is nothing to worry about as it happens to most women and girls going through their period.

Why do I get pain during menstruation?
As the uterus throbs for pumping out the menstrual blood, hormonal changes affect the abdomen causing pain sometimes in thighs and legs too.

How do I deal with the pain during my period?
Some girls do experience period cramps and pains. These cramps feel like tummy pains or a dull ache in the pelvic region. Here are a few tricks to relieve the pain:
 * Place a heating pad on your abdomen or take a warm shower
 * Do some gentle exercise such as walking or stretching
 * Get a massage, try some yoga or meditation
 * Avoid fatty or greasy food and maintain a good diet
 * Have a hot soup or a soothing herbal tea

Medication and herbal remedies are available at pharmacies. If your cramps get unbearable and affect your regular activity, visit a gynaecologist.

Is it normal to get clots in my menstrual discharge?
Small clots in menstrual discharge are common but passage of big clots is not normal. If you experience heavy clotting then you need to see a gynaecologist.

Sometimes I get brown discharge; is it serious?
Brown discharge is not normally serious. It may happen towards the end of your period, and is just “cleaning out” your vagina. But one needs to rule out an underlying hormonal imbalance and/or a local problem by visiting a gynaecologist.

I get scanty periods only for 2 days. Is it normal?
Scanty periods could be caused by stress, lack of sleep, or an abnormal level of physical activity. However if the period is recurrently scanty, one should consult a gynaecologist.

Why does the blood from my period smell?
Menstrual fluid starts to smell when it comes in contact with air. A pad worn all day at school can get pretty strong smelling. If the pads are changed often and good hygiene is maintained, there should be no foul odour.

I avoid using my school toilet. Is it going to harm me during my periods?
Not drinking enough water and forcibly preventing urination can cause infections such as Urinary tract infection. Moreover not changing pads frequently enough can cause foul odour and can lead to infection

How do I maintain menstrual hygiene?
Many women feel uncomfortable and unclean during their menstrual cycle. However, warm baths may help to alleviate cramps and give a fresh, clean feeling. Vaginal douching is unnecessary and can cause the normal chemical balance in the vagina to shift and actually lead to bacterial vaginal infections. Baby and feminine wipes are okay to use every now and then, but everyday use is not advisable.

What products do doctors recommend for protection during periods?
Gynaecologists advice usage of sanitary napkins for better hygiene during periods. 98%* of Gynaecologists strongly believe that commercial sanitary napkins are effective in preventing Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) / Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and skin infections. The use of rags and old clothes is rule rather than exception in rural areas of India. Rags and old clothes that are unclean and unhygienic that increase the chances of RTIs including urinary, vaginal and perineal infection. If left untreated these infections may sometimes lead to potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome. An independent study was conducted to check the occurrence and measure the growth of harmful microorganisms which act as potential causative agents of infectious diseases in the women using rags and old clothes. It revealed,
 * Very heavy growth of organisms with intense odour within limited growth/incubation period
 * Bacteria counts more than 10000
 * Growth of fungus up to 100
 * Presence of possible pathogens

Gynaecologists strongly believe that cloth usage increases the risk of RTIs/ UTIs and skin infections.

Source: Claim based on research conducted during the year 2010 by the Nielsen Company.

What are sanitary napkins and how do you use them?
A sanitary napkin is an absorbent pad to be worn on your panty during your period in order to absorb the menstrual blood. Depending on your menstrual flow, choose a pad of appropriate thickness and absorbency.

The following steps explain how to use a sanitary napkin:
 * Remove the paper on the backside of the pad and stick it on your panty
 * If the pad has side wings, remove release paper from wings. Wrap wings around both sides of panty and press firmly
 * Before dumping the pad in dustbin, roll it in a paper
 * Don’t dispose of the pad in toilet

Remember to change your pad every few hours.

Can a pad give full protection? Are they safe?
Sanitary pads have several layers of absorbent pulp so they can absorb a lot more fluid thus providing better hygienic protection. Moreover, the cover of the pad draws the fluid into the pad keeping you drier than when wearing cloth. There’s also a plastic barrier at the bottom which prevents leaks. Homemade cloth pads which are reused over a period of time tend to harbor infections. Hence 98%* doctors feel that sanitary pads are essential to maintain menstrual health.

?Source: Claim based on research conducted during the year 2010 by the Nielsen Company

How many times should you change your pad?
It is advisable to change your pad after every 4-5 hours at least. You may change sooner if needed.

What are tampons and how do you use them?
Tampon is a new modern form of menstrual protection made of cotton or rayon which needs to be inserted in the vagina for absorbing menstrual fluid. A tampon works by fitting snugly inside the vagina where there are practically no sensory nerves. A tampon expands within the vaginal walls soaking up the menstrual flow. A small string at one end of the tampon makes it easier to remove.

A tampon cannot get lost inside your body, because the opening to the cervix is too small to let a tampon to pass through.

How do you dispose a used pad or tampon?
Wrap your sanitary napkin or tampon in a paper and dispose it in bins placed in toilet areas of your college, office or public areas. Never flush your sanitary napkin or tampon in the toilet as it can clog the sewage system.

How do I choose between a sanitary napkin and a tampon?
The first time you get your period, you might want to try a regular sized pad or tampon. If the regular size looks like it’s filling up too quickly, then try a bigger sized one. If after a few hours, it looks like there’s not much blood there, then you can switch to a lighter pad or a thinner tampon.

Some girls use two different absorbencies – one for their heavy days and a lighter absorbency for their lighter days. There are also special pads for the night time. These are longer and wider so that they can cope with all the moving around that happens while you’re asleep.

What are Liners and what are they used for?
Liners are meant to be used in between periods to absorb discharge that’s released from the vagina. This discharge amount changes during the month. Liners are like a spare pair of panties that can be changed anytime of the day.

They can also be used:
 * When you’re expecting your period to start
 * Towards the end of your period when you’re not sure if it’s finished yet
 * When you first start using tampons, you can wear them as a backup until you are completely confident of using a tampon on its own

Aren’t sanitary pads too expensive to buy every month?
Sanitary pads ensure protection from the infection that a cloth pad would lead to. These infections can be harmful and more expensive in the long run than buying pads. They also give us comfort, freedom from tension and better convenience. Therefore, they are worth buying. Also, not all sanitary pads are expensive.

What is the proof that a pad is good?
98%?doctors recommend sanitary pads for good menstrual health because using cloth can lead to reproductive tract infections.

?Source: Claim based on research conducted during the year 2010 by the Nielsen Company

How do you carry pads if you are travelling / working outside home?
You can carry a sanitary pad discreetly in a clean envelope, which you can keep in your bag/purse when you are travelling. When you need to change you can use the same envelope to dispose the pad.

How do I buy sanitary pads from the market as I feel embarrassed?
Menstruation is the sign of your womanhood and is nothing to be ashamed of. Moreover, the chemists and grocers are experienced in dispensing sanitary pads discreetly. They treat it as any other grocery/general item they keep in their shop and do not attach special importance to your buying it. Hence undertake this exercise: Walk up to the nearest chemist or a grocer’s shop and buy sanitary pads. You will notice that it’s neither difficult nor embarrassing.

Everyone says you need to be prepared for your period by having pads or tampons. What happens if I don't have them?
If this happens, here are your options: Borrow from a friend, visit the school nurse if you're at school, or call home so your mom or dad can bring you what you need. If you are desperate and trying to keep your clothes from staining, you can fold up some tissues or toilet paper and place them in your underwear. That won't work for long, so you'll need to get some pads or tampons quickly.

If you are nervous about telling the school nurse, a teacher, or another adult about what you need, write it down on a piece of paper or use code words. You might say that "it's that time of the month" or that you need some "personal supplies." Even better, keep extras in your backpack, locker, or gym bag.

What if my period starts when I am out and I am not carrying a napkin?
You should always keep a pad in your bag for emergency especially around the date of your period. However if caught unawares, for temporary protection, folded up layers of clean tissue paper can be used till you get a pad.

How can I look good and feel good during my periods?
A proper diet, exercise and good personal hygiene of bathing and wearing fresh clothes throughout the month will keep you fit and feeling good during your periods.

Will I not feel tired after losing so much blood?
No. A proper diet with sufficient iron content and enough regular exercise should not make you feel tired. Your body makes up for the blood loss within 48 hours. Though it may seem like a lot, the total blood loss during your entire period is about 100 to 150ml or one small cup full.

Will I put on weight if I eat a special recommended diet to lose weight?
You can run the risk of suffering from anemia on not maintaining a proper diet. This has long-term health and reproductive consequences. Maintain your figure with a proper mix of diet, avoiding fatty foods and exercise rather than starving to lose weight.

Is it okay to delay my periods by having pills?
It is not healthy to disturb the natural cycle of your body. Never take such pills without consulting a doctor.

What if blood leaks through my Underwear and Pants?
When there's blood on the back of your pants, if you are wearing a sweater or jacket, you can take it off and tie it around your waist. Then get a fresh tampon or pad so that it doesn't bleed through your pants more than it already has.

Change as soon as you can. You'll need to rinse your underwear and pants with cold water as soon as possible. Sometimes, the stain comes out and sometimes it doesn't. To avoid this mishap, change your pads and tampons regularly, and keep extras in your backpack or locker.

As added insurance, wear dark-colored underwear and pants during your period.

Can I go swimming during my period?
Swimming during your period isn't a problem. However, you will want to use a tampon when swimming so you don't bleed on your swimsuit. Pads won't work. The tampon won't fall out if it is inserted correctly.

Tampons also can be helpful for girls who exercise or play sports during their periods. Although pads will work, they can be bulky and uncomfortable.

I get pimples every time my periods are coming up, why does this happen?
Getting pimples is not uncommon during your periods. The hormonal changes in your body cause the acne to flare up during your menstrual cycle. The good thing is that pimples associated with periods tend to become less of a problem as you grow older.

Source: http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstruation.html

How do I get rid of the vomiting that happens during my periods?
Hormone changes are the primary cause for the vomiting during periods. Eating smaller and more frequent meals might help. If you throw up a lot or for more than a couple of days, your symptoms worsen over time, or you are unable to keep fluids down, see your doctor to make sure something else isn’t going on.

Source: http://www.seventeen.com/health/period-puking

Why does menstruation start early for some women and late for others?
Every woman has a different pace of body development. Menstruation will only commence when the hormones responsible for menstruation get activated. Hence there is no fixed age for commencement of menarche.

Is it true that consumption of papaya brings heavy bleeding?
This has no scientific basis although alternative therapies believe in it.

What are the main causes of Anaemia?
50% women in India suffer from the problem of anaemia. It means that there is insufficient blood in the body. It happens because of less iron content in the blood. If you don’t eat the right food which is rich in iron content then you are likely to suffer from anaemia.

The following are common symptoms of Anaemia:
 * Dull, tired looking skin
 * Whiteness on inner side of the eyelids
 * Pale, white gums
 * Whiteness in nails
 * Weakness and fatigue

To support women suffering from anaemia, click on the following link and make a positive difference to their lives: http://www.stayfreewomenforchange.com/stayfreewomenforchange/support-a-woman

Source: Between the ages of 15-49 years. Table 10.24.1 National Family Health Survey, 2005-06, India. Volume I