Real Stories For Real Periods: Empowering The Next Generation Of Girls

Ask Gen X and Millennial women for an embarrassing story and periods might come up a few times. From first-period fears to dreaded leaks to being caught without backup, for many of us, our periods have been a real drag.  

The taboo that surrounds the deeply personal and yet communal rite of passage left many feeling confused and embarrassed. But now, Gen X and Millennials are raising Gen Z girls and have the opportunity to ditch the period shame and properly prepare them for this significant milestone.

Just as period conversations have evolved, so too have the products we put our trust in. Since 1983, Always has been pushing innovation to make talking about and having periods more comfortable. With the launch of Always Pocket Flexfoam pads, you can have the same full-size protection you need but in a tiny, pocket-friendly package. It’s these kinds of innovations that help change and inspire conversation around periods for the next generation of girls. 

Let’s talk about periods. Period. 

Gen Z is nothing if not authentic so approaching the topic with openness is key. Maybe the conversation starts as casually as swapping TikToks and asking if they have any questions. Getting ahead of the first period may feel like an unwanted conversation at the time, but opening up that forum provides such comfort when it does happen.

For Elizabeth, age 50, her experience felt more embarrassing than empowering. "I was 12, way back in 1987, so it shouldn't have been a surprise when some blood appeared one night, but it was. At that time, that was on the early side to get your period, and I felt unprepared and embarrassed to be one of the firsts among my friends. Although we’d covered the topic in school, my parents had not spoken to me about it."

Lindsay, age 38, recalls the shock of getting her period. "I was 10-going-on-11. It was summer and I noticed a brown spot in my underwear. I screamed for my mom. She gave a sympathetic chuckle and fished a pad out from under the sink."

This is a familiar experience for Gen X and Millennials, but it's a shock that can be avoided. Using accurate terms can help normalize the experience, while sharing your own "first" story not only helps girls relate but also feel a sense of comradery among women. Most importantly, remember that every experience is different and presents differently. 

Let’s talk about normalizing periods—for girls and boys

You may think getting your period at home is comforting, but the experience can bring feelings of embarrassment and secrecy no matter where you find yourself.

"My mother prepared me for my first period—we had "the talk," she showed me how to use pads and told me about things like cramps and headaches," Ashley, 39, remembers. "Then, when my period came, I instantly forgot everything she had told me. My first instinct was, 'I need my MOM!' but I was at home with my dad and too embarrassed to tell him I got my period. I ran over to my friend’s house in tears, with a giant wad of toilet paper in my underwear. Thankfully, her mom was a great help and got me sorted but reaching this milestone was difficult to wrap my head around. I was in Grade 5 and remember thinking, 'I don’t want to be a 'woman' yet'."

Ashley’s story is not an uncommon one and illustrates the importance of removing the period stigma for both males and females. Elizabeth, now a mother of two teens, used her experience to change that in her household. "I knew I wanted a more open, matter-of-fact approach with my own kids," she says. "I started talking to my daughter about it early, a good five years before it actually happened for her. We also talk about it openly around my son because it’s natural and normal for, uh, half the population. I want my son to be the type of partner who’ll pick up pads at the store and not be all weird about it."

Let’s talk about period preparation

It’s important for girls to understand what’s happening to their bodies, but being prepared with the proper products and knowledge of how to use them is essential, too. Creating a period kit that’s accessible in the home or in a backpack can alleviate the shock and fear that can come with the surprise of this milestone. 

Fortunately, period products have come a long way and offer both protection and discretion in ways women once dreamed of. "In those days, pads were bulky," Lindsay says. "Nothing was discreet and the crinkle of the wrapping could be heard from space. My mom tried to look on the bright side, suggesting that the pads I would now be schlepping could tuck into my waistband when making trips to the bathroom."

Pads today can easily be slipped into a pocket and still offer full size protection. The new Always Pocket FlexFoam pad, for example, is their smallest but biggest innovation to date because while it may be small, the peace of mind it gives is huge. Made with foam, it’s highly absorbent and conforms to your body shape, which gives you that comfortable, secure fit with up to zero leaks, zero feel, zero bunching protection. 

Gen Z may not realize this, but for the Gen X and Millennials it’s a game changer that could have written a very different story for many. But now, girls don’t have to fear the leaks or discomfort of a bunched up pad or cringe at the anything-but-discreet crinkle of a pad shoved into their waistband. And let’s hope no girl has to resort to a stack of toilet paper in their underwear ever again. Instead, she can have Always in her pocket so she can confidently stay on the go when she’s on her flow

Try the Always Pocket FlexFoam, your new best ally for your first period and each one after that.