Menstruation is when blood discharges through the vagina from the uterus lining. They usually start around twelve years; some might get them earlier and some later. We have put together 5 things girls should know about periods.
- What should I do when I bleed for the first time?
A lot of girls may have this fear surrounding the notion of having their period for the first time. But when you think that every other girl older than you have gone through their own period and are now absolutely okay, you should be okay, too. Some girls wonder if their first period is going to hurt—because bleeding—but that is not true at all. You don’t bleed through the vagina because you have been hurt, it’s because your ovaries need to shed unused eggs.
When you finally have your first period, the very first thing you need to do is remain calm and just acknowledge, ‘It’s finally here.’ Then, if you happen to already have your pad, just take it and quickly plaster it on the inside of your panty. If you don’t have one near you, you could either ask from a friend or the school nurse if you’re at school, or call your parents to bring you some pads for the remainder of the day.
- Can a tampon get lost inside the vagina?
Most girls know what to do with the pads, but tampon may be a little bit of a mystery because it is not talked about as commonly as the period pads. However, tampons are actually a great tool to have around because they are easy to use and generally aren’t as ‘messy’ as pads. You see, pads collect your blood only after it has been discharged from the vagina. When the blood fills the pad enough, the outer lips of your vagina, which are called the labia can also get wet and comfortable.
A tampon though, collects and absorb blood in the vagina before it gets out. Some girls wonder if the tampon can get lost in the vagina if they move some certain ways too hard, but this is not true at all. There is no other opening besides the urethra where pee comes out, so, there is no way the tampon can go anywhere else but out.
As stated by the National Health Service, while tampons cannot go beyond your vagina, they can sometimes become lodged inside it. Even though the vaginal canal is only three or four inches long, occasionally, a tampon may get stuck just out of your reach. If this happens, there’s no need to panic. A tampon cannot get lost inside you, and it will remain in your vagina after you’ve inserted it.
- Is it safe to exercise during my period?
Menstruation is a time when your body becomes generally weaker than usual and you may be easily sleepy during the day. This doesn’t mean you are sick; this is just the natural biology of the female body. Appreciate that your body is shedding some unfertilised eggs and that this process means you are a healthy woman with a fully functional reproductive system.
Now, during such a period, you may not be able to participate in heavy sports as per usual. It doesn’t mean you can’t exercise at all, but just be aware of the limitations of your body during this time. Also, rather than wearing a pad to collect blood during menstruation, if you are keen on doing some sports the tampon may be more comfortable to wear for such an occasion.
According to Medical News Today, it is considered healthy to exercise during your period, and it can even help alleviate common period-related symptoms. However, it’s perfectly fine to take a break from workouts when you don’t feel up to it. If you’re not in the mood for intense exercise, you can opt for light weight exercises. These activities can promote the production of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good hormones,” which can help reduce anxiety, depression, and pain, ultimately improving your mood.
Don’t forget to rehydrate yourself with a lot of fresh and quality water after your exercise.
- How can I avoid stomach pains during period?
Sometimes, during periods girls can experience a lot of pains from stomach cramps, ovulation pains, headache, to painful breasts. One way to prevent such discomforts is through paying attention to what you’re eating at least a week before period starts. This is especially super important because most girls will have an immense appetite a week or so before period, so, they tend to eat a lot of foods without paying attention to the side effects of consuming certain types of foods.
A week or so before your period starts, try your best to completely ditch deep-fried foods as salty and greasy foods tend to cause cramps during the menstrual days. So, instead of indulging in fried foods, you would do better to eat a lot of fresh vegs and fruits that will make your period that much more comfortable. Drinking lots of water can also help with clearing water retention in the breasts.
- Are there foods I shouldn’t eat during my period?
Just like a week before your period starts your body can be a little vulnerable, during period there are also certain foods you had better avoid. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should be banned from eating them, rather you need to just be mindful and minimise your intake of them.
Some types of foods that aren’t very beneficial during menstruation include salt (quickly dehydrates your body and worsens water retention), chillies (spicy and can make you experience hot flushes as well as stomach cramps), dairy and sugary foods are also best left behind for now.
According to Healthline Media, it is advisable to steer clear of consuming salty foods during your period. This includes items like canned soups, bacon, and chips, which are high in salt content. The hormones associated with menstruation can already lead to water retention, and a diet rich in salt can exacerbate this, resulting in feelings of gas and bloating.
Although there are these foods that are best avoided during the period, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge in your favourite chocolate or cookies when you want to. However, try to not go crazy on them to prevent unpleasant menstruation. Just be reasonable and kind to yourself during this time.
To wrap things up, talking about periods is still taboo in many places, and people feel weird talking about it. Knowing these things about the period can raise awareness and improve the knowledge of females and males.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Women’s Periods?
Women’s periods, also known as menstruation, is a natural and normal part of a woman’s reproductive cycle. It is a complex process that occurs in the female body every month, and it often comes with a range of physical and emotional changes. While most people are aware of the basics of menstruation, there are many interesting facts about women’s periods that are not commonly known. In this paper, we will explore some of these fascinating facts about women’s periods.
1. The average woman will have around 450 periods in her lifetime.
The average age for a girl to start menstruating is around 12 years old, and the average age for menopause is 51 years old. This means that most women will have around 40 years of periods, with an average of 450 periods in their lifetime. However, this number can vary greatly as some women may have irregular menstrual cycles, while others may have shorter or longer periods.
2. Menstrual cycles can vary in length and duration.
The menstrual cycle is the time between the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. While the average menstrual cycle is around 28 days, it is normal for women to have cycles that range from 21 to 35 days. Similarly, the duration of periods can also vary, with most periods lasting between 3 to 7 days. Factors such as stress, diet, and exercise can affect the length and duration of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
3. Menstrual blood is not just blood.
Contrary to popular belief, menstrual blood is not just blood. It is a mixture of blood, tissue from the lining of the uterus, and mucus. The amount of blood and tissue varies from woman to woman and can also vary throughout the menstrual cycle. On average, a woman will lose around 2-3 tablespoons of menstrual blood during each period.
4. Painful periods are not normal.
While some cramping and discomfort during periods is common, severe pain is not a normal part of menstruation. Menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea, can be caused by contractions of the uterus as it sheds its lining. However, if the pain is severe and affects daily activities, it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Women experiencing severe period pain should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
5. PMS is a real condition.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days leading up to a woman’s period. Symptoms can include mood swings, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, and food cravings. While PMS is a common condition, it is estimated that only 5-8% of women experience severe symptoms that can interfere with daily life. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle are thought to be the cause of PMS, and lifestyle changes and medication can help manage the symptoms.
6. Periods can sync with other women in close proximity.
An interesting phenomenon known as ‘menstrual synchrony’ has been observed in studies where women living together, such as roommates or sisters, tend to have their periods at the same time. However, the exact cause of this synchrony is still unknown and is a topic of ongoing research. Some theories suggest that it could be due to pheromones, environmental factors, or social influences.
7. Periods can affect a woman’s athletic performance.
Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect a woman’s athletic performance. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are high, women tend to have more energy and better coordination. However, during the second half of the cycle, when progesterone levels increase, women may experience bloating, fatigue, and decreased coordination. This can have an impact on performance, and some female athletes may choose to time their competitions around their menstrual cycle.
In conclusion, women’s periods are a complex and fascinating process that deserves more attention and understanding. While it may not be the most comfortable topic to discuss, having knowledge about menstruation can help women better understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health. It is also important to break the stigma surrounding periods and promote open and honest conversations about this natural and normal part of a woman’s life.
