Let’s talk about ‘that time of the month’, girls
On World Menstrual Hygiene Day let's make sure that no young girls are afraid of - or uneducated about - their period arriving
ALMOST everyone has them, but in this country many young girls do not have female mentors to provide guidance about feeling comfortable with their bodies.
We’ve compiled some questions that you may want to share with young girls who are preparing to reach this stage of their lives, and who may not be able to ask questions about their period, or what to expect.
What is a period, exactly?
The menstrual cycle is the regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system (specifically the uterus and ovaries) that makes pregnancy possible.
The cycle is required for the production of ovocytes, and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
Basically, young girls begin having their period each month anywhere from the age of nine years.
How long will it last?
A regular cycle lasts anywhere from four days to eight days.
Does it hurt?
The honest answer is: Sometimes.
Your period pain is mostly caused by the womb contracting or ‘squeezing’, and is an achy feeling felt in your stomach and lower back.
Where does the blood come from?
Period blood comes from the lining of the womb called the endometrium.
This blood is not dirty, smelly or bad blood that girls or women should be made to feel ashamed of, but is simply a part of the normal menstrual cycle.
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What is PMS?
The different phases of your cycle may affect women’s moods.
In some cases, hormones released during the menstrual cycle can cause behavioural changes in females – mild to severe mood changes can occur.
How much blood will I lose?
On average a woman loses 3 to 5 tablespoons of blood and tissue during her period.
This varies from 75ml (quarter of a cup) to 125ml (half a cup) at the very most.
Why does my period not come on the same date every month? Should I be worried?
No, there is no need to worry! It is normal.
This is because periods come in cycles rather than in months.
A cycle is calculated from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period.
A cycle is usually about 28 days, but because the menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, emotions, diet, health and lifestyle, they can be shorter (21 days) or longer (occasionally up to 90 days).
Depending on when a girl/woman ovulates (releases her egg), her periods can come earlier or later than expected.
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Why do pads and tampons need to be changed regular during your period?
Bacteria thrives in the dark, warm and moist environment and this is why pads and tampons should be changed at least every four hours.
When these are not changed often enough, bacteria builds up causing discomfort and skin irritations.
How should I wash myself? Should I use soap or a douching solution?
The vagina is ‘self-cleaning’ and has a natural smell that is normal.
Douching, washing the vagina with a chemical mixture from a plastic bag and nozzle, is no longer recommended because it interferes with the normal flora of the vagina that keep it slightly acidic and healthy.
The outer labia and pubic hair should be washed at least twice daily with mild soap and water.
Will I lose my virginity if I wear a tampon?
No, tampons do not break your hymen, and will not affect your virginity.
Having vaginal sex breaks virginity.
Tampons are essential for girls who do sports such as swimming, skiing, surfing, dancing and gymnastics.
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Sources: Kotex South Africa/Wikipedia
