From Stigmas to Strength
The Basics
What is menstruation?
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Periods, otherwise known as menstruations, affect all female humans and are a regular part of women's lives during reproductive age. The cycle of menstruation varies for each woman, but it usually occurs around every 28 days. During menstruation, the uterine lining sheds, causing bleeding from the vagina for around 5 days. This bleeding may feel heavy to women, but it is actually only around 5-12 teaspoons. Periods are an important part of puberty, and women begin their menstrual cycles around ages 8-16 and have them monthly (except when pregnant) until menopause around ages 45-55.
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Menstruation is an essential part of reproduction and is caused by hormones. Each month, hormones cause the eggs in the ovaries to grow and mature. Then the body produces the hormone estrogen, which causes the womb lining to thicken in preparation for receiving a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, then the hormone levels drop and the thickened lining of the uterus breaks down and sheds, starting the period.
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Sources: 1, 2
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Proper Menstrual
Hygiene:
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Although caring for your body while menstruating is not extremely demanding, these practices are hard for many women who do not have access to the resources they need or the education to know how to properly care for their bodies.
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1. Wash regularly- Bathe once daily to keep the body clean and to avoid odor.
2. Change pads and tampons often- This must be done to avoid life-threatening toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Prolonged exposure to damp pads can also irritate the skin and increase the risk for infection.
3. Use correct tampon absorbency- Using a tampon that is too absorbent can also cause TSS.
4. Wipe from front to back- This avoids exposing the vagina to anal bacteria that can cause a urinary tract infection or yeast infection.
5. Practice safe sex- Unprotected sex during menstruation puts women more at risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B.
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Source
Products:
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Every woman needs access to menstrual products while on their period in order to continue with every day life. These products are simple but essential to proper hygiene and must be changed every few hours.
Tampon- soft material in a cylinder shape that is inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood; some have plastic or cardboard applicators and some are interested using the fingers
Pads/sanitary napkins- rectangle of material worn in women's underwear to absorb menstrual blood; some have extra material on the sides called "wings" to keep the pad in place and avoid leaks
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Affects of Improper Hygiene:
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Although most women endure simple discomforts, such as lower back pain, bloating, cramping, and mood swings during their periods, women all over the world also face life-threatening consequences from improper hygiene during their monthly menstruation.
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Take a look at this chart to see some of the serious consequences from poor menstrual practices.
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