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Pregnancy

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:33:53 GMT

Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy can be a scary subject for a lot of girls; however it’s only a concern if you are sexually active. The best time to engage in sexual activities is when you have a committed partner and when you are in an exclusive relationship (both of you not seeing other people). Even then accidents might happen, just one time not using contraception might result in a little bub of your very own, and unless you planned for this, it can be stress filled and worrying time. You are not alone though, research suggests that two in every 100 girls aged between 15 and 19 years become pregnant every year in Australia. Luckily, you have a secret weapon to make sure that doesn’t happen; good info!! U by Kotex is here to be your guiding light on sensitive subjects, like how to avoid getting pregnant, what to do if you think you are pregnant and how to deal with an unforseen pregnancy.

How to avoid getting pregnant?

The only sure fire way to ensure you don’t get pregnant is not to have sex at all. Even making the decision to have sex is a really massive one and something you shouldn’t really do without your mind and body being totally ready. If you have decided to have sex and feel you and your partner are ready for it, there are a few precautions we recommend. The first thing you should think about is what kind of contraceptives (something that stops you getting pregnant) you are going to use. Pregnancy is not the only thing to worry about, keeping your vagina healthy usually means using a condom to prevent STDs. Speak to your doctor about your options.

Choose a birth control method, whether it is The Pill, Condoms, a Diaphragm or a different option prescribed by your doctor. Reminding your partner and getting him to remind you to use protection can make the whole process a lot easier. If you find you don’t feel comfortable with your first chosen method of contraceptive, try another one until you have found one that that you and your partner feel comfortable with.
If you did have unprotected sex (come on girls, you should know better than that) and are really worried about getting pregnant, you can get the Emergency Contraceptive Pill from pharmacies or chemists. It is possible to take this pill up to 120 hours after unprotected sex (although the earlier the better) and in most cases it will stop pregnancy. Young mums (20 years and under) are more likely to have complications during pregnancy and birth so if you are pregnant make sure you have spoken with your doctor about the different options available.

What to do if you think you are pregnant?

First things first, what signs might suggest you are pregnant? Well, often girls notice is that they missed their period for the month. While a late menstrual cycle does not always indicate a teenage pregnancy, if combined with other noticeable things going on with your body you should sit up and take notice:

Some light bleeding or spotting – this type of bleeding is normally lighter in colour than a regular period and doesn’t last as long (see our period when pregnant section for more info on this)
Nausea – Morning sickness is one of the typical signs of pregnancy. For some girls, the queasiness can start as early as two weeks after conception.
The area around your nipples suddenly going a little darker.
Going to the toilet a lot – pregnancy causes you to need to pee way more than usual.
Really tired – it takes loads of energy to grow a baby and this might make you mega tired all the time.

If you have any of these things happening to you, a quick trip to the local chemist for a home pregnancy test might be a good option. They are really easy to use, it’s as simple as weeing on a little strip and hey presto in 5 minutes you know whether you are pregnant or not.

How to deal with an unforseen teenage pregnancy?

What if the pregnancy test is positive (gulp)? Well although the home pregnancy tests are quick and easy to use, they have been known to be wrong on some rare occasions so make an appointment with your doc to get a proper blood test, just to double check the results. The next step is talking to your parents; they might be even more shocked than you but in most cases will shower you with love and support to get you through this difficult time. If you feel that for some reason, you can’t talk to your parents, a friend, relative, teacher, or your doc are all good choices in terms of people to chat to. You may need to involve the baby’s father in some of these talks. The key thing to remember is that you need your friends and family more than ever before and being able to talk with each other, especially when emotions are running high, is important to making the situation as easy to deal with as possible.

Contraception

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:52:22 GMT

Contraception

When was the last time you chatted with mum about the benefits of condoms, or discussed the Pill over vegemite toast with dad? Hmm, we know contraception is not a popular dinner time convo but that doesn’t mean it should be swept under the rug!

Sex is a big deal, a REALLY BIG DEAL, bigger than your first day at a new job, bigger than getting your driver’s license, if fact it is probably one of the top 10 biggest things in your development as a young woman. So while you may feel like you really want to get your first time over with, we reckon it’s not worth rushing in as sex can have some pretty big emotional and physical impacts on your body.

If you are thinking about having sex, it’s always a good idea to get clued up on what you are about to get involved in,luckily U by Kotex is here to give you the D-L. Check out our content below to find out our top contraception tips so you can feel confident that your first time will be safe and fun.

With all the different contraception options available it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed, but don’t stress! If you are worried or unsure about ANYTHING related to sex, you should defs ask an older friend that you trust about it, your mum or maybe a fav aunt or cousin.

Condoms

Condoms are also known as rubbers, wrappers, doms, love gloves, johnnies, raincoats, etc. There are about as many names for condoms as there are different types, however they all do pretty much the same thing; stop pregnancy and STI’s. The condom comes under the barrier method (sounds so romantic, NOT) of contraception.

Condoms are normally made out of latex (a fancy name for rubber) and are designed to stop a boy’s semen (aka sperm) from getting too close to the egg in your body. Condoms come in all different types and sizes for all different types of guys and gals. Most condoms also have a substance called spermacide which kills all the sperm, but won’t harm you or your boy.

Every time you engage in some kind of sex a new condom must be used, (they can’t be reused like last week’s Cosmo mag). Condoms are the only type of contraceptives that can stop unwanted pregnancy AND nasty sexually transmitted infections, so they are a v popular contraception choice. According to recent studies condoms are about 98% effective, if you use them the right way.

The Pill

The Pill we talk about here refers to all the oral hormonal method of contraception. The Pill is the most popular contraceptive out there and since its introduction in the 60’s almost 200 million women have used the Pill. The Pill contains certain chemicals (normally the hormones Progestogen and Oestrogen) that stop your egg from being released by your ovaries. When taken correctly the pill is up to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The Pill can also make your periods lighter (awesome), less painful (super awesome) and more regular (super super awesome).

Unfortunately using the Pill as a method of contraception only stops pregnancy and not STI’s like HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, and Herpes etc. The Pill can also have some side-effects, such as weight changes, some tenderness in your breasts and a small minority of girls who take the Pill report some skin problems. The Pill needs to be taken regularly – set your phone alarm or get into a routine – and even one missed Pill can cause pregnancy (eeek). The Pill needs to be prescribed by your doctor so chat with them first about the different brands and which one is right for you.

Other Methods of contraception

If you are anything like us – we would forget our head if it wasn’t attached to our body – then taking the Pill every day might be a big ask. If you want a contraception method that doesn’t come with a social schedule then the Contraception Implant might be your choice. It is a small piece of plastic that is inserted into your arm, slightly under the skin. It acts pretty much like the Pill (except that you don’t have to remember to take it every day) and it can last up to 3 years! It’s only available with a prescription so chat to your GP to see if this is a good option for you.

A diaphragm is a little like a condom for women. It is a small latex dome that you would fit so that it completely covers your cervix. Diaphragms can be re-used (after a little cleaning with some soapy water) but should be left in place for up to 8 hours after sex. The good news is that diaphragms only need to be used during sex but they can be tricky to insert correctly. Again, chat to your doctor if you want to go with this option.

As with all things sex, gossip spreads fast! There is lots of talk about contraceptive techniques that are even less effective than getting boys to do the washing up! The withdrawal (aka Coitus Interruptus) contraception method is commonly used but defiantly not recommended. With this method your partner withdraws his penis from you just before he climaxes. Trust us on this one, stopping during sex will probably be the last thing on his mind so this should be the last contraceptive method on your mind.

The Rhythm method is also known as fertility awareness. This method of contraception works by using your menstrual cycle to have sex at the time of the month when you are the least fertile. Women are more likely to conceive at some points of our cycle than others, but knowing the right time is the tricky bit. Predicting your period is hard enough – predicting your fertility is about 10 times harder so give this one a miss.

The days of leaving contraception for the guys to look after are well gone, it’s your body and you are going to be the one who worries about the consequences of unprotected sex. If you and your partner think sex might be just around the corner make sure you have done your homework about the consequences. So take matters into your own hands and keep condoms in your purse (don’t just expect him to carry the responsibility of having protection).

Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs)

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:32:00 GMT

STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease (also referred to as STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection), and can be passed from person to person during sexual activity. The number of people contracting STDs is on the rise every year, especially among guys and girls under 25. If you’ve had unprotected sex (sex without a condom), it’s best that you take a trip to the doctor and get an STD check-up. The BEST way to protect yourself from getting an STD is to use a condom at all times. And yes, you can get an STD from oral sex, so if you are sexually active, play if safe and be sure you use condoms. Your body will thank you for it!

It’s a good idea to be clued up on STDs whether you’re sexually active or not. Knowing your vagina when healthy is important so you can tell when things are not right. Some are just irritating and treatment is quick and easy, but others are much more serious and are not curable.

Explore this site for a rundown on STDs to help you understand what each one is, how you get it and how it can be treated. The info is courtesy of Marie Stopes International, the sexual health experts.

If you’d prefer a quick snapshot of all the STDs in one tidy little fact sheet, then download it here.

Pap smear

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Pap smear

Part of looking after your vagina is having regular checks by a heath care professional. Pap smears are one way to ensure you maintain a healthy vagina – it only takes a few minutes and it could save your life!

What it is

It’s an internal examination where the doctor takes some cervical wall cells to test that everything’s a-ok. Unhealthy cells can turn into cervical cancer.

What it does

A Pap smear checks for the early warning signs of cervical cancer. The doctor is on the look out for abnormal cells so they can be dealt with as quickly as possible. But remember, a Pap smear will only check for problems with your cervix, not for STIs or other problems with your reproductive system. You will need to ask your doctor to test for these separately.

What’s involved

A Pap smear may be a tad uncomfortable, but it doesn’t hurt (so no excuses!). Most girls can hardly feel it. You lie on your back and the doctor will gently insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to gain access to the cervix.
A small brush collects a few cells from the surface of the cervix. The cells are placed on a glass slide and sent away for testing. You won’t have to wait around for the results – it takes one to two weeks so your doctor will be in touch.
It is also common and recommended to have other examinations when you are at the doctor for a pap smear – such as STI testing, blood tests, swabs, and breast examinations.
Should you have one?
You should have your first Pap smear within two years of the first time you’ve had sex. To make sure things stay nice and healthy, it’s recommended you have them every two years after that, even if you no longer have sex. You can register for reminders to have a pap smear within your state and territory – see http://www.health.gov.au/internet/screening/publishing.nsf/Content/register

Why they’re important

Cervical cancer is one of the top ten most common cancers amongst Australian women. But the good news is that it’s also one of the most preventable and curable. Early detection is important – so make sure you keep your body at its best by getting down to the doctors every two years for a cervical check-up and STI check.

Who can do it?

All GPs do Pap smears, but you may feel more comfortable with a female GP. Just find a doctor that you trust – it’s just another day at the office for them. There’s absolutely nothing to feel embarrassed about!

Pictures

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:35:09 GMT

Healthy Vagina Pictures

For many girls just talking about vagina’s can be a no no, never mind looking at your own one. Society has made our anatomy almost a taboo subject in the past, thankfully that is slowly changing. You shouldn’t be embarrassed or shy about looking at your own vagina and can be rightfully proud of it. Some girls are clueless about their Vjay, what the different parts do, what is ‘normal’ and even the way it looks. Well there is no ‘normal’ looking vagina; just like your face is different to almost everyone in the world so is your vagina. So let’s get right to it and find out what makes a vagina so very special.

Vaginal makeup

As you can see in the picture your vagina is made up of a few different parts, all the parts you can see in the picture are part of the ‘outside’ of the vagina that is called the ’vulva’. Your ‘inside’ vagina is a tube that goes all the way from your vulva to the beginning of your womb (this part of your body is called the cervix).

Let’s work our way down the picture from top to bottom.

Clitoris

The Clitoris is pea sized button shape right at the top of your vagina. It is super sensitive and contains more nerves (8000 give or take) than any other part of your body. The clitoris is one of the parts of your vagina that makes you feel good if it is touched or stimulated.

Urethra

Your urethra is a little tube that transports your urine (wee) from your bladder to your vagina. Think of it like a long straw that helps you go to the bathroom.

Labium Majora

These are the folds of skin that go right from the top of your vagina to the bottom. They form the boundaries of the vaginal area. The labium majora’s main job is to protect all the other sensitive parts of your vagina.

Labium Minor

These are kinda mini-me’s of the labium majora. They start at the bottom of your vagina and meet all the way at the top near the clitoris. Like the labium majora, they protect the delicate parts of your vagina, are very sensitive. They can even change colour slightly depending on your mood – just like that mood ring you have!

Your vagina is a very special part of you and there are hundreds of things going on inside there to keep it healthy and functional. Did you know it has its own cleaning system to ensure that it runs well all the time? If there is a really really strong smell along with pain or irritation you should make an appointment with your Gynae to get it checked out. Good hygiene, plenty of rest, and a good diet with lots of water are the best ways to make sure you have a healthy vagina.

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Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:42:46 GMT

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Platinum V2

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:49:44 GMT

Your personal Invite

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:56:17 GMT

What's Hot

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:59:03 GMT

Australia’s Next Top Model photo shoot

In Episode 4 of Australia’s Next Top Model, the models participated in a photo shoot for U by Kotex. The girls were required to model gorgeous, colourful dresses against a graffiti backdrop to promote the new-look U by Kotex pack designs. Frankie’s photo was chosen as the winning shot to be used in a campaign to promote the new pack designs on the U by Kotex website. Congrats Frankie!

Google site map

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:01:44 GMT

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Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:58:04 GMT

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Kimberly-Clark may at any time in its absolute discretion revise this Legal Statement including any or all of the Terms and Conditions. By continuing to use this Site after any revisions are made you are bound by such revisions.

Other

Kimberly-Clark, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to monitor and remove postings and discontinue site availability at any time without notice. If any term, condition, or provision of this Legal Statement is determined to be unlawful, invalid, void, or for any reason unenforceable, the validity and enforceability of the remaining terms, conditions and provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. This Legal Statement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Kimberly-Clark relating to the subject matter herein.

The advice provided in this material is general in nature and is not intended as medical advice. If you need medical advice, please consult your health care professional.

By using this site, you are acknowledging your consent to the foregoing terms and conditions. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, DO NOT USE THIS SITE.

Privacy Policy

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:57:01 GMT

Introduction

Kimberly-Clark Australia Pty Limited ("KCA") respects and upholds your rights to privacy protection under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and is required to comply with the National Privacy Principles in respect of the collection, use, disclosure and handling of personal information. This Policy details the practices we have adopted to protect your privacy, so that you can feel confident about how we manage the personal information you entrust to us.

When and how do we collect personal information

Personal information is any information that can be used to identify you. KCA may collect information from you including your personal information (such as name, e-mail, phone number, date of birth and postal address) in the following ways:
through our websites;
when you contact our Consumer Advisory Service in order to make a consumer inquiry or complaint about a particular KCA product;
when you participate in KCA consumer promotions and market research; and
when you apply for employment with KCA.

What do we do with the personal information?

KCA’s primary goal in collecting personal information is to ensure that our consumers are satisfied with our products and to provide our consumers with the best possible quality of customer service. Your personal information is never shared, sold, rented or otherwise disclosed outside the company (except as required for any statutory or legal requirements) in ways different from what is described in this Privacy Policy. We will take all reasonable steps to maintain the security and integrity of your personal information including the use of computer access passwords, lock-up cabinets, personnel policies and firewalls.

Information collected through our websites

We do not collect personally-identifiable information from you, unless you provide it to us voluntarily and knowingly. This means you are under no obligation to provide personal information when visiting our websites. However, if you specifically agree to follow-up contacts by us or ask to be put on our mailing list, we may require your personal information in order to contact you from time to time.

There are some features of our websites that require you to sign up to use. If you do sign up, we use the information you supply for the purpose of providing products, product information or services you request. Because of the volume of requests we receive, we may have to give your name, e-mail and postal addresses to a fulfilment house or distributor of our products who assist us in carrying out your requests.

p. Our websites sometimes include notices of sweepstakes or other promotions we are conducting, and we may permit you to enter electronically in some cases. If that occurs, we will use the information in accordance with the section below entitled ‘Consumer Promotions and Market Research.’

h3. Children

Children’s Privacy is of primary concern to us. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. Any communication we receive that is identified as being from a child under the age of 13 will not be kept by KCA.

h3. Cookies

Like many companies, we sometimes use ‘cookie’ technology on our websites. These cookies are stored on your computer by your browser. When you log in, the cookie tells us whether you’ve visited us before or you are a new visitor. The cookie doesn’t obtain any personal information about you or provide us with any way to contact you and the cookie doesn’t extract any information from your computer. We use the cookie to help us identify website features in which you have the greatest interest, so that we can provide more of what you want.

Links

Websites operated by KCA may contain links to other sites operated by third parties. KCA makes no representations or warranties as to the privacy practices of any third-party site and is not responsible for the Privacy Policies of other sites.

Information collected through Consumer Advisory Service

KCA will use the details you provide to our Consumer Advisory Service (whether by e-mail, telephone, letter or fax) in order to provide you with the information, services and products necessary to satisfy your consumer inquiry or complaint. This may involve sending a replacement product, information sheet or follow-up letter in relation to your inquiry or complaint or making a follow-up call. We may also use the information you provide to monitor repeat complaints about a particular KCA product.
Personal information collected from you by our Consumer Advisory Service may also be used for internal product development and quality control purposes.
Your personal data is stored in a database and we also keep paper records of all correspondence that is sent to you. Any serious complaints that KCA receives are printed out and filed separately in hard copy so that they may be given special attention and be investigated expediently.

If your complaint is escalated and requires further investigation, your personal information is de-identified (made anonymous) and forwarded to KCA’s manufacturing plants for the purposes of determining whether further inquiries into the manufacturing processes need to be conducted. If the complaint is of a particularly serious or urgent nature, then personal or health information about you may be provided to KCA’s manufacturing plants or to external laboratories so that the issue may be analysed and resolved as quickly and effectively as possible.

Information collected through Consumer Promotions and Market Research

KCA will use the personal information consumers supply to us via on-pack promotional stickers, claim/entry forms, coupons, survey forms, questionnaires and through our websites for the purpose of providing you with incentives, prizes, samples and other promotional products, information and services. Any personal information you provide to us may be entered into a database, recorded in spreadsheets and kept in hard copy format. That information may be used for future promotional, marketing, market research, product development and publicity purposes. You may prevent such use of your personal information by opting-out at any time.

We may share your personal information between different departments of KCA and with third parties such as fulfilment houses and advertising agencies who assist us with our promotional, marketing and research activities. We impose obligations on any external organisations with which we share your personal information to maintain the integrity and security of that information.

Information collected through Employment Applications

In processing applications for employment, KCA collects resumes, references, certificates of graduation and qualification and other personal information about candidates. All applications for employment that we receive are stored in our Human Resources Division. A member of our Human Resources team will review your application. Alternatively, we may provide your application to a recruitment agency or contractor who assists in reviewing applications that we receive.
Resumes sent to KCA as part of an application for an advertised position, or sent generally to ascertain whether any positions are available, will be used to match applicants with available opportunities. If we consider that your application may be suitable to our current requirements, we, or a party acting on our behalf, will contact you to request that you attend an interview. We may also ask you to provide us with contact information for individuals who will act as professional and personal referees. We may contact these individuals and ask them questions we feel are relevant to your possible employment with us. We may contact you again to request that you attend further interviews or to inform you of whether we are able to offer you a position with us.

If your application is not suitable to our requirements, we will inform you and destroy or de-identify your application. If your application is not suitable to our current requirements, but we feel that there may be a position in the future for you with us, we will send you a letter informing you that we will keep a record of your application and may contact you again if a suitable position becomes available.

Can you access personal information that you have submitted to us?

p. If your personal information changes (such as your address), or if you no longer wish us to keep your personal information on file, we will endeavour to provide a way to correct, update or remove your records. We may charge you a small fee to cover any administrative costs that we may incur in providing personal information to you. If you believe for any reason that we are holding inaccurate or incomplete information about you, you may ask us to correct it. If you wish to access your personal information or if you have any questions about our Privacy Policy, or any complaint regarding treatment of your privacy by us, please contact:

The Privacy Officer
Kimberly-Clark Australia
52 Alfred Street
MILSONS POINT NSW 2061
Australia

Phone Australia: 1 800 028 334
Fax Australia: +61 (02) 9963 8009
Phone New Zealand: 0 800 733 703
E-mail: Please use our Contact Us feedback form.

What if our Privacy Policy Changes?

p. We will use information in accordance with the Privacy Policy under which the information was collected. If we decide to change our Privacy Policy, we will post those changes on our websites so you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it.

Search

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:03:23 GMT

Site Map

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:28:20 GMT

Contact us

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:10:55 GMT

Email

Please use the contact form below to contact us by email.

Telephone

1800 028 334 (freecall)

Note

Although we welcome your comments and questions about our products and promotions, we unfortunately can’t accept suggestions for our products unless you have a patent or a patent application. Nor can we accept ideas relating to the fields of advertising, sales promotion, artwork, product display or any suggested slogans, product names or trademarks. We have this policy in place to prevent any misunderstandings as to the origin of ideas.

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Our advertising

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Products

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:10:00 GMT

we have something for you

Pads, liners, tampons… whatever it is you’re in to, the U by Kotex® range has something to keep you on the move and feeling fresh, no matter what time of the month.

We can’t promise they’ll make you want to go rollerblading by the beach in bright pink hot pants, but maybe that’s for the best.

Pads

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:36:00 GMT

Ultrathin pads

It’s good to know that should you ever feel the need to wack on some gold spandex hot pants and hit the dance floor Kylie-style, with our micro slim max protection, you can!

Not only are our pads super thin, they’re also super comfy and super absorbent – so no matter what’s going on down there, the spandex is safe.

Our regular pads come with or without wings, because although we love wings for keeping the pad in place, we love our miniskirts too.

snippet not found

Liners

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:37:00 GMT

Liners

It’s perfectly normal to have days where, even if you’re not menstruating, things feel less than fresh down there, but with U liners, no one need know. They’re also great if you just want a little extra protection while using tampons.

For teachers

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:27:58 GMT

request samples for your class

U by Kotex® has sample packs available for your class, which contains ultrathin pads, tampons and liners. These are supplied in a stylish clutch bag that the girls will love.
Please note that these samples are available only to schools in Australia.

request samples now

U Health

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:11:00 GMT

Tampons

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:35:00 GMT

tampons

Unlike rock-chick skinny jeans, when it comes to U tampons, ‘slim’ means ‘comfortable’. U tampons also come with a slender tip because, let’s face it, when you’re suffering period pain, a fat, blunt tampon is the last thing you want to deal with.

And because we know you’ve got better things to do than sit on a toilet scratching away at the side of a tampon wrapper, we’ve made our wrappers super easy to get off – just one quick twist and you’re ready to go.

Menstruation

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:42:42 GMT

Getting your period

Girls can start their periods (also referred to as menstruation) any time between 8 and 17 years old, but most girls start their menstrual cycle between the ages of 11 and 14. You might have mixed emotions about getting your period. Some girls can’t wait to start their periods and feel left out if they haven’t got theirs, especially if all their girlfriends have. Whereas other girls would be perfectly happy to be get theirs at an older age. There is no way to make your period come sooner or delay it from happening. Don’t panic if you haven’t started your period yet – you will start menstruation when your body is ready.

When you get your first period you’ll notice that a small amount of blood will leak from your vagina. This bleeding is perfectly normal, will last for a few days and usually happens every month. On average, the bleeding lasts for about five days, but can be as short as two days or as long as seven. Your period flow can be light, heavy, or somewhere in between. There is a great range in how much menstrual fluid each girl loses during menstruation. Your flow may start out light, then get heavier, and then get lighter again. Depending on the heaviness of your flow, you’ll lose between 2 to 6 tablespoons of blood each period. And don’t worry if it takes a bit of getting used to. Once your period has started you will continue to have it until you’re about 50 – so you’ve got plenty of time!

Puberty

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:51:46 GMT

What’s happening to you?

You’ve probably noticed a lot of changes recently. Your body might be changing on the outside and you may be feeling different things, both emotionally and physically, on the inside. Girls in your year at school are growing breasts and that boy you’ve had your eye on has suddenly got taller and maybe even begun to grow facial hair. As you’ve noticed, whatever changes you are experiencing, every single person you know will go through, or has gone through puberty. The more you know about puberty and these changes, the more comfortable and confident you will be, now and in the years ahead.

Why U by Kotex

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:41:11 GMT

The U by Kotex difference

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:13:00 GMT

When it comes to most fem care products and their wrapping, they’re usually boring to look at and annoying to use. So we’ve taken the crazy step of making our products easy to unwrap, less dullsville to look at, and easier to find in your bag.

U by Kotex? tampons come in bright coloured wrappers that come off with one easy twist. Our equally colourful pad wrappers peel off the pad in one quick action, so no more annoying bits of paper. As for our liners, they’re individually wrapped in funky bright coloured pouches too.

No matter what time of the month it is, and no matter what you’re wearing, U by Kotex® has something that’s right for you. Whether you’re wearing your skinny jeans with a tampon / Ultrathin Pad, enjoying a stress-free night’s sleep with an overnight pad, or just enjoying everyday freshness with a liner, we’ll make sure your clothes are safe and your nether regions are fresh.

80 years! That’s how long we’ve been perfecting our fem care in Australia (that’s heaps longer than anyone else).
Not only have we got to know quite a lot about what works best down there, we’re also constantly coming up with new ways to make our products even better. Take our Ultrathin Pad, for instance, it’s fast absorbing core and soft cover, will have even the most hardcore tampon-only devotees thinking twice.

Some brands treat periods as if they’re some sort of dull, clinical medical procedure of which we must never speak. While we’re not suggesting you should sing ’I’m having my period’ from the rooftops, we have chosen to be as confident and bold with our products as the girls using them.

Get the most out of U

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:19:00 GMT

FAQs

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:41:00 GMT

Tampons

How do I use and remove a tampon?
What if I put the tampon in too far?
How often should I change my tampon?
How do I know if the tampon is full?
Can I leave the tampon in overnight?
Can I leave the tampon in while I am having sex?
Can using a tampon break my hymen?
What is the tampon made of?

Ultrathin Pads

How do I know if the pad is full?
How often should I change my pad?
What is the best pad to use overnight?
How do I dispose of a used Ultrathin?
Why are your Ultrathin Pads individually wrapped?

Tampons

How do I use and remove a tampon?

First time tampon users
It is a good idea to become familiar with your body as it is easier to insert a tampon when you know where it’s going. To do this, you will need a mirror and a chair (or the edge of the toilet).

Place the mirror the edge of the toilet.
Move the mirror between your legs and have a look.
Find your labia (the folds of skin covering the entrance to your vagina) and gently spread them open with your fingers to find the entrance to your vagina. This is where the tampon goes.

Removal To remove, pull the string at the same angle at which the tampon was inserted. If you should ever have trouble finding the string, the tampon can be reached easily with your fingers if you are in a squatting position.

What if I put the tampon in too far?

It is impossible for them to insert the tampon too far as the opening of the cervix (inside the vagina) is too small for the tampon to pass through.

How often should I change my tampon?

Tampons should be changed approximately every four hours, depending on the heaviness of the period. A tampon should never be left in for more than eight hours.

If you find it difficult to remove the tampon after four to five hours, you may be using a larger absorbency tampon than necessary. Try using a tampon with a lower absorbency.

How do I know if the tampon is full?

A light tug on the string will tell you if it is time to change the tampon. If the tampon does not slide out easily you can leave the tampon in place for a little longer. Tampons should be changed approximately every four hours, depending on the heaviness of your period, but should not be left in for longer than eight hours.

Can I leave the tampon in overnight?

Back to top

U by Kotex®? recommends using a pad at night as tampons should only be used during the day, when you can change them regularly. Try the Ultrathin Overnight Pads in the U by Kotex? range.

Can I leave the tampon in while I am having sex?

Back to top

You should remove the tampon prior to any penetrative sexual acts. This will ensure that the tampon does not become wedged in the vagina, and that you do not lose the string inside the vagina.

Can using a tampon break my hymen?

Back to top

Consumers should be advised that research indicates that using a tampon may break a woman’s hymen, although this is uncommon.

What is the tampon made of?

The string for our tampons is made of polyester-viscose fibre, which is stronger than cotton strings.The tampon itself is made from a combination of viscose fibre and polyester / polyethylene fibre:

*Tampon absorbent core – viscose fibre
*Tampon cover – polyester / polyethylene fibre

The wrapping is made from oriented polypropylene (OPP).

ultrathin Pads

How do I know if the pad is full?

Back to top

Some common indications that a pad is full are:

a feeling of wetness
occurrence of stains and
a feeling of dampness or heaviness on the pads

However, for personal hygiene, you should change your feminine pad regularly, whether full or not.

How often should I change my pad?

Back to top

Consumers should be advised that pads should be changed approximately every three to four hours, depending on the heaviness of the period.

What is the best pad to use overnight?

Back to top

Consumers should be advised that KCA recommends you use an overnight pad at night. Try the Ultrathin Overnight Pads in the U by Kotex? range.

How do I dispose of a used Ultrathin?

Back to top

Wrap them in the wrapper or toilet paper and put them in the bin. You shouldn’t flush them down the toilet. Ultrathins have a plastic backing on them to help prevent leaks; plastic doesn’t break down in water so it may cause a blockage.

Why are your Ultrathin Pads individually wrapped?

Back to top

Individual wrapping keeps the pad clean and sanitary. Plus, it makes the product more discreet for you to carry in your pocket or purse.

liners

What is a liner

Back to top

A liner is a product designed to give you a way to feel cleaner, fresher and drier any time of the month and any time of the day or night. A liner is thinner and generally smaller in size than a full size feminine pad. Liners are great to wear as backup protection when you have your period and are using a tampon. They are also great for absorbing wetness and protecting your panties from normal discharge, perspiration, small leaks of urine and unexpected menstrual flow.

When should I use a liner versus a pad?

Back to top

Thin and comfortable to wear, liners are a very versatile product. They can be used in many different situations. For example, if you are using a tampon, you might like to use a panty liner, too, for a little extra protection. You might also like to wear a panty liner when you don’t have your period, to help absorb normal vaginal discharge, perspiration (sweat) and small urine leaks.

I get discharge, is this normal?

Back to top

Yes, discharge is perfectly normal and you shouldn’t be embarrassed about it. Most women get it at some point. Try using a panty liner to stay fresh and dry. However, if your discharge becomes thick or smells unpleasant or if it’s making you itch then this could be a sign of infection. Most infections can be treated really easily, so have a chat with your doctor.

How do I dispose of a used liner?

Back to top

Wrap them in paper and put them in the bin. You shouldn’t flush them down the toilet. Liners have a plastic backing on them to help prevent leaks; plastic doesn’t break down in water so it may cause a blockage.

Sample request

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 21:09:12 GMT

Sample Pack (clutch bag) Contains:

4 x Mini Tampons
2 x Regular Ultrathins
1 x Overnight Ultrathin
2 x Extra Protection Standard Liners
2 x Everyday Freshness Xtra-thin Liners
1 x All About You Educational Info Booklet
1 x Product Pamphlet

A teacher’s master pack is included in your delivery and contains printed copies of these documents:

Lesson Plan & teacher’s notes: Puberty & Menstruation
Worksheet 1: True/False Quiz – ‘Your changing body’
Worksheet 2: Changes to the body (Girl & Boy)
Worksheet 3: The Menstrual Cycle
Worksheet 4: Now you know crossword & clues
A2 Poster: Changes to the body

Worksheet 4: Now you know crossword & clues

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:54:47 GMT

Across

² Amenorrhoea is when periods…………………… because of intense physical training

⁴ Girls should …………………… their hands before and after changing a tampon

⁵ Each month a blood rich lining builds up on the …………………… wall

⁶ When a woman is pregnant, she will…………………… menstruate

⁸ Pads and tampons should be wrapped and disposed of in the ……………………

¹¹ The process of releasing an egg is called……………………

Down

¹ The menstrual cycle is about twenty eight …………………… long

³ PMT stands for ……………………tension

⁷ When swimming during her period, a girl should use a ……………………

⁹ Pads and tampons should be changed at least every…………………… hours

¹⁰ Between periods a girl can use a panty …………………… to absorb normal daily discharge

Worksheet 3: The Menstrual Cycle

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:54:33 GMT

Days:1-7

The period is considered the beginning of the menstrual cycle. A period normally lasts for around five days, but can be as short as two days or as long as seven. There will usually be around 2-6 tablespoons of blood lost during each period, depending on the heaviness of the flow. A period occurs because the uterus will shed its lining if an egg (ovum) is not fertilised.

Days:8-14

One of the ovaries releases an egg and the uterus begins to rebuild its lining. Only one egg is released each cycle. The egg will slowly travel down the fallopian tube from the ovaries towards the uterus. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm before it arrives in the uterus, a girl will fall pregnant.

Days:15-28

If the egg isn’t fertilised, the uterus wall will continue to thicken until there is a sudden drop in hormone levels. The lining will then break down, and another period will begin.

Worksheet 2 (part 2): Changes to the body - Girls' bodies

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:55:24 GMT

Rapid growth begins
Height and weight increases
Breast buds begin to develop
Fine pubic hair may begin to appear
The ovaries enlarge and hormone production begins

Breasts continue to develop
Coarser, darker hair appears under the arms and around the pubic area
Vaginal discharge becomes more noticeable
Girls may experience their first menstrual cycle
Increased oil production can cause pimples
Sweat and body odour becomes more noticeable
Emotional changes – uncontrollable emotions and mood swings

Breasts get bigger and may not grow at the same rate
Ovulation begins and periods start, but are likely to be irregular
Pubic hair continues to thicken and darken
Hips widen and become more curvy
Temporary clumsiness can result from body shape changes
Increased tiredness
Sexual desires develop

Breasts are fully developed
Pubic hair covers the vagina and stretches to the inner thighs
Height changes cease
Menstrual cycles are more regular

Get all the info about girls puberty and the female reproductive system

Worksheet 2 (part 1): Changes to the body - Boys' bodies

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:55:24 GMT

Hormone production begins
Sperm grows in testes
Fine pubic hair may begin to appear

Coarser, darker hair appears under the arms, around the pubic area, on the chest and on the face
Emotional changes – uncontrollable emotions and mood swings
Sweat and body odour becomes more noticeable
Penis and scrotum get bigger and the shape changes

Height and weight increases & muscles become more prominent
Sexual desires develop and wet dreams start to occur
Increased oil production can cause pimples
Increased tiredness
Erections start to occur
Pubic hair continues to thicken and darken

Height changes cease
Temporary clumsiness can result from body shape changes (e.g. larger hands and feet)
Voice breaks and deepens – could take one year to happen

Find out more about male puberty and the male reproductive system

Worksheet 1: True/false quiz - Your changing body

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:53:58 GMT

Your changing body

Periods start at 13 years of age for all girls
In girls, one breast may grow quicker than the other
Girls’ and boys’ body shapes will change during puberty
During puberty, increased appetite leads to acne
During puberty, girls grow hair in more places than boys
In boys, it can take up to one year for the voice to deepen
Puberty does change the body’s hygiene needs
All the changes during puberty are external
Sexual desires will develop in both sexes during puberty
Boys and girls are likely to have more energy during puberty

Class display Changes to the Body

Mon, 04 May 2009 17:12:48 GMT

Girls 1:

Rapid growth begins
Height and weight increases
Breast buds begin to develop
Fine pubic hair may begin to appear
The ovaries enlarge and hormone production begins

Girls 2:

Breasts continue to develop
Coarser, darker hair appears under the arms and around the pubic area
Vaginal discharge becomes more noticeable
Girls may experience their first menstrual cycle
Increased oil production can cause pimples
Sweat and body odour becomes more noticeable
Emotional changes – uncontrollable emotions and mood swings

Girls 3:

Breasts get bigger and may not grow at the same rate
Ovulation begins and periods start, but are likely to be irregular
Pubic hair continues to thicken and darken
Hips widen and become more curvy
Temporary clumsiness can result from body shape changes
Increased tiredness
Sexual desires develop

Girls 4:

Breasts are fully developed
Pubic hair covers the vagina and stretches to the inner thighs
Height changes cease
Menstrual cycles are more regular

Boys 1:

Hormone production begins
Sperm grows in testes
Fine pubic hair may begin to appear

Boys 2:

Coarser, darker hair appears under the arms, around the pubic area, on the chest and on the face
Emotional changes – uncontrollable emotions and mood swings
Sweat and body odour becomes more noticeable
Penis and scrotum get bigger and the shape changes

Boys 3:

Height and weight increases & muscles become more prominent
Sexual desires develop and wet dreams start to occur
Increased oil production can cause pimples
Increased tiredness
Erections start to occur
Pubic hair continues to thicken and darken

Boys 4:

Height changes cease
Temporary clumsiness can result from body shape changes (e.g. larger hands and feet)
Voice breaks and deepens – could take one year to happen

Parental Permission Form

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:53:18 GMT

As part of the PDHPE programme, our course unit overview will cover a discussion of body changes, both male and female, as well as the secondary cycle. Some sexual awareness topics will be covered in a way that relates to puberty, the changing teenage body and sense of self.

As part of the lesson plan, we would like for parents to be aware and actively involved in starting communication with their child regarding the changes associated with puberty and adolescence. The lessons will include specific information relating to menstrual products, and all students will be offered a range of product samples to assist in their understanding of the menstrual process.

Download the permission form here and make copies of them to distribute to your students, for them to take home and have it signed by their parents.

The form requests their parent’s consent to their child receiving samples of Ultrathin pads, liners and/or tampons as part of the PDHPE unit – My Changing Body.

Part 2: The menstrual cycle

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:54:18 GMT

If the boys are present for this topic, it is suggested that there is a discussion about the importance of boys learning about menstruation. Consider discussing the number of significant women in a boy’s life, both now and in the future e.g. Mum, sisters, future girl friends, wives and daughters will all experience menstruation. It’s important for boys to know how this will affect both themselves, and these women.
Discuss why women menstruate – refer to Worksheet 3: The Menstrual Cycle.

The students should understand the reproductive systems in both sexes before the menstrual cycle is discussed. This will help put the menstrual cycle lesson in context.

Discuss with the students each aspect of the menstrual cycle. Consider creating several sets of menstrual cycle cards with each card representing one step in the menstrual cycle. Divide the class into groups, and give each group a set of cards. Each group should attempt to place the cards in order without looking at The Menstrual Cycle Worksheet.
Discuss with the class other things problems associated with menstruation; “cramps”/menstruation/period-symptoms/cramps/, back aches, sore breasts, headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, weight gain, tiredness, depression and irritability (PMS). Consider discussing methods of relief including heat packs, and pharmaceutical pain relief products, as well as the benefits of being healthy (physical and dietary health). Emphasise that girls should be able to do all their normal activities during their period, including physical activities.
Discuss with the class the things that can affect the regularity of periods; pregnancy, stress, severe dieting, anorexia nervosa, bulimia and strenuous physical training (amenorrhea). Also consider explaining that it can take a few years after puberty has started to get into a regular cycle, and irregularity is not necessarily abnormal at this point.
Bring U by Kotex® Ultrathin pads, tampons and liners to class and ask the class to name each product. Allow the students to take a closer look at the products by passing them around the class. Consider discussing the different sizes of each product, and at which stage of the menstrual cycle they are best utilised.

Some students might be embarrassed about this discussion, so it-s best to ask the group as a whole rather than asking individual students.

Do an experiment with the students to demonstrate the amount of blood lost during menstruation, and how each product absorbs it. About 2-6 tablespoons of blood is lost per period. Consider dropping a few teaspoons of diluted cordial on an Ultrathin pad to demonstrate how it collects blood, and immerse a tampon in a glass of cordial to show how it expands to absorb menstrual fluid.
Discuss with the students the use of tampons, and the precautions that should be taken to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (refer to the U by Kotex® All About You booklet in sample packs for further information). Encourage questions, and stress that TSS only occurs if tampons are not changed as often as required.

Activities:

Worksheet 3: The Menstrual Cycle – This will explain the menstrual cycle to students.
Worksheet 4: Menstruation crossword – This will help reinforce the learnings on the menstrual cycle.
Consider breaking students in to groups to design a slogan and advertising campaign for menstrual products. Encourage a positive attitude towards going through puberty and the changes that are being experienced.*

Part 1: Changing body & secondary sex characteristics

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:53:41 GMT

Many students do not know the formal terms associated with puberty, but may be more familiar with informal terms. It can be a more productive lesson if students are allowed to use informal terms. This is a great way to introduce and explain the relevant formal words associated with puberty and body parts.

Girls Puberty:

Changes generally occur earlier than boys
Breasts get bigger and may not grow at the same rate
Hair appears under the arms and around the pubic area
Increased oil production can cause pimples (need to wash face and body daily)
Increased tiredness
Hips widen and body becomes more curvy
Sexual desires develop
Sweat and body odour becomes more noticeable (need to wash body, clothes and hair, and use anti perspirant deodorant)
Vaginal discharge becomes more noticeable
Ovulation begins and menstruation starts
Height and weight increases
Hair on arms and legs becomes thicker and darker
Temporary clumsiness can result from body shape changes
Emotional changes – uncontrollable emotions and mood swings

Boys Puberty:

Changes generally occur later than girls
Penis and scrotum get bigger and the shape changes
Hair appears under the arms, around pubic area, on the chest and face
Increased oil production can cause pimples (need to wash face and body daily)
Increased tiredness
Voice breaking – could take one year to happen
Sexual desires develop and wet dreams start to occur
Sweat and body odour becomes more noticeable(need to wash body, clothes and hair, and use anti perspirant deodorant)
Erections start to occur
Sperm grows in testes
Height and weight increase and muscles become more prominent
Hair on arms and legs becomes thicker and darker
Temporary clumsiness can result from body shape changes
Emotional changes – uncontrollable emotions and mood swings

Activities:

Worksheet 1 : True or false puberty quiz. Use this quiz to test the class-s knowledge of puberty.
Worksheet 2 part 1 and Worksheet 2 part 2 : Changes to the body. Have the class detail the changes that occur in boys and girls during puberty.
Suggested activity: Have the boys create a quiz for the girls about changes in boys, and vice-versa.See which group scores the best in the quiz for the opposite sex. Consider having each quiz include a mixture of short answer, multiple choice and true/false questions.