Periods
Definition
Normal vaginal bleeding that occurs when females reach puberty (age 11 - 14).
Who/what/where/when/why/how
As young as 9 years old till menopause (~51yo)
Shedding of uterine lining + blood when there’s no embryo implantation
Menstrual flow lasts for about 3 to 7 days with varying amounts of discharge
Menstrual syndromes may occur pre/post or even during your period, with symptoms varying from person to person and age to age!
These include but are not restricted to: Abdominal/pelvic cramps, Lower back pain, Bloating and sore breasts, Food cravings, Mood swings and irritability, Headache and fatigue.
Period problems
PMS (Premenstrual syndrome):
Occurs 1-2 weeks before period is due
Due to hormonal changes
Some symptoms include acne, bloating, breast tenderness, emotional tenderness, tiredness, food cravings, headaches, joint or muscle pain,
Mood swings, trouble falling asleep, gastrointestinal issues (constipation, diarrhoea).
Cramps
Occurs as uterus contracts to help lining shed
Ways to reduce the pain include exercising, resting, painkillers, using a hot water bottle/heating pad or soaking in a hot bath, orgasm (yes, really. Endorphins and oxytocin are natural pain relievers.)
Misconception that taking painkillers are bad for health.
When taken in appropriate amounts as recommended by the doctor, the risk of long term side effects are minimal.
Irregular periods
If you are sexually active, always remember that the #1 cause of a missed period is pregnancy -- until otherwise proven. Simply do a home pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. If in doubt, speak to your doctor.
Don't panic if your period is late -- there are also various reasons that can cause this including illness, medication, hormonal imbalance, stress, travel (especially with drastic changes in climate), poor nutrition, over exercising, sudden weight gain or loss
Stains
While I appreciate the monthly notification that my ovaries are functioning, with it comes the perilous likelihood of me unwittingly creating the next piece of impressionist art painting with my garments as canvas. Out of laundry soap at home? Try mixing some baking soda with cold water for a quick fix.
Menstrual products
Pads
What
Most common
Placed on upper side of panties to absorb blood as it is discharged from the body
Different sizes available depending on menstrual flow
One time use
Who / When
Vaginal canal too dry to insert other types of menstrual products
Tampons
What
Inserted into the vaginal canal directly
Absorbs menstrual fluids
Less likelihood of leakage
Reusable
Needs to be removed
Who / When
When freedom of movement required (e.g. during exercise)
Menstrual Cups
What
Inserted into the vaginal canal
Collects menstrual fluids
More than tampon
Difficulty inserting and removing
Reusable
Who / When
Hectic days; can be worn for up to 12 hours (vs. 4 to 6 hours for tampons and pads)
Environmentally-conscious
Period-resistant Underwear
What
Worn as normal underwear
Absorbs menstrual fluid discharged
Absorbency level of up to 4 tampons (varies according to brand)
Reusable and wearable on normal days
Who / When
Those lazy to track their periods
Environmentally-conscious
Travelling / convenience
Myths
Not everyone’s period is a 4 week cycle (range from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens); i.e. period may not be late, your body is just ticking to its own clock!
If you notice any unusual symptoms, (e.g. extreme, persistent pains or abnormally heavy menstrual flow) it is always best to get checked.
Myths about period products
Tampons and menstrual cups may get “lost”
The cervix is where your menstrual cup sits quietly, doing its job of collecting your menstrual discharge as it flows out of your uterus. Unless you are giving birth, the cervix is only slightly open to enable this discharge, and acts as a barrier preventing any object (including the penis!) from entering your uterus.
With its much narrower, constricted opening, it is virtually impossible for your tampon or menstrual cup to enter
However, it definitely can get stuck, especially for ill-fitting cups and beginners who are not familiar with positioning them properly.
Products like tampons and menstrual cups (vs pads) lower the chances of leakage happening
incorrect placement/sizing may result in similar probability of leaks/staining for all 3 products
I dont like the idea of inserting something into my vajayjay.. It sounds harmful for my body
Inserting tampons/menstrual cups into your vagina does not harm vaginal flora
However, it is important that you
Wash your hands before inserting or removing them
change a tampon after 3-4 hours and menstrual cups within 12 hours to prevent toxic shock syndrome
Resources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods
