Below are some common questions that girls often ask.

When does ovulation take place?
Ovulation (when your overy releases a mature egg) starts about 12 to 15 days before your next period. Note that you are highy likely to get pregnant if there is sexual activity within 2-5 days of ovulating. Every person’s body is different, so this is not exact for every woman.

Will I know that I am ovulating?
Many women pay attention to their bodies and with that, they are able to tell when there are changes going on. For example, increased vaginal discharge, abdominal pains and high body temperature are tell-tale signs for many women that they have or are ovulating. It is also possible that a woman will not feel anything.

Is bleeding dangerous?
The kind of bleeding you do during your period is normal and not dangerous. It is NOT like having a deep cut or wound on your body. It is only tiny bit compared to the total amount of blood you have in your whole body.

What should you do?
During your period, it usually gets a bit messy ‘down there’. Since you don't want this blood to stain your underwear or pants, you should use a pad or a tampon to soak up the blood. If you have heavy flow, you can use both.

Can you swim during menstruation?
Sure. Tampons is the way out since the flow is absorbed internally. (change your tampon right before and after you go swimming.) We don't recommend wearing a pad when you swim since it will become wet and not absorb your menstrual flow.

What about sports?
Whether you wear a pad or a tampon, you can still play any sport and exercise as long as you have the energy to do so. Periods are very natural and normal and should never stop you from doing sports your love.

Can I get pregnant during menstruation?
Not likely. Your egg are only good for about a day or so. However, the male sperm cells can survive for many days inside the female organ and fertilize the mature egg anytime it is available. This means you can get pregnent even days after a sexual activity, but by the time your period is active it is very unlikely that fertilisation will take place.



Sources
1. Ovulation and the menstrual cycle, http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/ovulationandmenstrualcycle.htm

More Readings and research on the Menstruation Lessons included the following:
kidshealth.org/kid/grow/body_stuff/puberty.html, www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=289&id=1774, pbskids.org/itsmylife/body/puberty/article6.html, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/organisms_behaviour_health/reproduction/revision/5/, www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/advice/factfile_az/puberty_girls, www.avert.org/am-i-ready-sex.htm, www.ubykotex.com.au/healthy-vagina/pictures/, www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks3/science/organisms_behaviour_health/reproduction/activity/, http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Puberty/pages/introduction.aspx