MENSTRUATION - Respekt

What is menstruation?

Menstruation begins when you start ovulating. Ovulating is when an egg is released from the woman’s ovary and moves into the fallopian tube and onwards to the uterus where it can be fertilized by the male sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, blood and tissue from the lining of the uterus will be rejected as menstruation. It usually starts between 10 and 15 years of age. Depending on the woman, menstruation happens every 25 to 35 days. Some women experience pain, which happens because the uterus is contracting. This is completely normal.

The inner female genitalia:

How to manage your first period/menstruation?

Don’t feel embarrassed to ask questions about your menstruation. It’s natural and something that all women have.

1. Talk to other girls and women, such as your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, female friend or older woman in your community.
2. Don’t be afraid. It can be scary to see the blood in your underwear, but it is normal and natural.
3. If at school, tell the matron, female teacher or fellow student.
4. Feel proud! Your body is maturing.

Comparing menstrual hygiene materials:

How do i capture the blood?

There are several ways to capture the blood from your menstruation. You can choose from materials that are inserted inside the vagina or placed in your underwear.

Guide for using cloths, pads, cotton or tissue

1. Place a cloth, pad, cotton or tissue on your underwear. Never insert it inside your vagina.
2. Change your cloth, pad, cotton or tissue every two to six hours.
3. If you are re-using a cloth, put it into a closed plastic bag until you can wash it with hot water and soap and dry in the sunshine or iron.
4. If you are using a pad, tissue or cotton, or want to dispose your cloth, wrap it in paper to make a clean package and put it in the bin so it can be disposed with other rubbish or burnt later.
5. Do not drop pads or cloth in the latrine pit as this can cause problems with emptying the pit and if it is a water seal pour flush pan it could easily become blocked.

Guide for using tampons

1. Wash your hands with soap and water
2. Unwrap the tampon (remember only to unwrap when you intend to insert. It is important that the tampon is not dirty under insertion).
3. Sit or stand in a comfortable position – for instance, you can place one foot on something elevated or spread your legs.
4. With one hand, spread your labia (skin outside your vaginal opening)
5. When comfortable, hold the end of the tampon (where the string is attached) and gently push the other end until it is inside your vagina. It has to go up a few centimeters and the tampon should not be felt outside of your vagina. When it is placed correctly, only the string is still visible.
6. Wash your hands after having inserted the tampon.
7. Remember to take out your tampon maximum eight hours after insertion. If your blood flow is heavy, you may need to change it more frequent.
8. Remove by pulling the string gently.
9. Don’t worry if you don’t succeed the first time, it can be difficult the first few times and can take some practice.

Guide for using menstrual cups

1. If you have just bought your menstrual cup, sterilize it in clean, boiling water for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Wash your hands with water and soap
   1. Press the cup down (folding it in half), then fold again on the middle ()
   2. Insert the cup gently and let it unfold naturally inside the vagina. It should feel oval and round. If it feels uncomfortable, gently rotate the cup to have it unfold further.
   3. You can wear the menstrual cup for a maximum of twelve hours. If your blood flow is heavy, you may need to empty it more frequently.
   4. Removal of menstrual cup: Wash your hands with soap and water. Pull the end tip gently and squeeze the cup slightly to relieve suction. Empty the cup and wash it. You can boil it again if neccessary.
   5. For every new period, make sure to boil your menstrual cup before insertion.

You can find an overview of menstrual hygiene materials  .Link to “overview”

How long should I wear one cloth, pad, cotton or tissue?

1. Change the cloth, pad, cotton or tissue every two to six hours or more frequently if you think the blood flow is getting heavy.

How do I dispose of the cloth, pad, cotton or tissue?

1. If you are re-using a cloth, put into a plastic bag until you can wash it with hot water and soap and dry in the sunshine or iron.
2. If you are using a pad, tissue or cotton, or want to dispose of your cloth, wrap it in paper to make a clean package and put it in the bin so it can be disposed with other rubbish or burnt later.
3. Do not drop pads or cloth in the latrine pit as this can cause problems with emptying the pit and if it is a water seal pour flush pan it could easily become blocked.

How should I clean my genitals during my period?

1. It is important to use only water and a piece of cloth to wipe your genitals as using soap can cause a pH imbalance and lead to infection.
2. Keep unused cloths and pads clean (wrapped in tissue or plastic bag) for further use.
3. Pat the area dry with a cloth, and put a fresh cloth, pad, cotton or tissue inside your underwear.
4. Always wipe from front to back after defecation.

How to manage the stomach pain from your period?

1. Put a bottle with warm water on your stomach area when resting.
2. Try to do some exercises like stretching and keep your body active.
3. You can take mild painkillers every four to six hours on most painful days. Seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

What are the pains I’m experiencing? Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

1. Definition: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and behavioural symptoms that occur in a cyclic pattern during the second half of the menstrual cycle
2. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS.
3. Common symptoms include: anger, irritability, depression, and internal tension that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities, sadness, hopelessness etc.