''Creating A Period-friendly World''
Research has shown that an average of 1.8 billion ladies, menstruate every month across the world. And sadly, millions out of those billion ladies are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a healthy and dignified way.
Menarche marks the beginning of a new phase and new vulnerabilities in the life of an adolescent girl. And as such, it must be managed properly and with dignity. Before we discuss common ways to manage this sensitive time in the life of an adolescent girl, let’s first talk about what menstruation is all about.
What Is Menstruation?
It is common knowledge that ovulation happens before menstruation. So here’s a little story about menstruation.
Certain chemical Messengers (hormones) are released during your menstrual cycle. These hormones cause the lining of your womb to thicken so that if a pregnancy occurs, an egg could be implanted into your uterine lining. These hormones also cause ovulation, releasing eggs from your ovaries down to your fallopian tubes. Now this is where they wait and see if the sperm can fertilize them. But if fertilization doesn’t occur, the lining of your uterus breaks down and sheds. This is your period!
Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of your uterus. Menstrual blood flows from your uterus via your cervix and out through your vagina.
MenstruaL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT
It refers to access to menstrual hygiene products to absorb blood flow during menstruation, privacy to change the materials at appropriate intervals, and access to facilities to help dispose of used menstrual management materials.
When proper menstrual hygiene is observed, certain infections, body odor, and health complications are prevented.
Below are some of these practices:
- Wash your hands before and after using a menstrual product (sanitary pads, tampons, etc).
- Discard used disposable menstrual products properly.
- Change sanitary pads/tampons every 4-8 hours and change more frequently if having a heavy flow.
- Have a separate set of underwear just for your period flow. And keep them clean always.
- Bath at least thrice daily during your menstrual days.
- Keep your genital area clean.
What Poor Menstrual hygiene could cost you
- Reproductive and Urinary Tract Infections.
- Body odour.
- Discomfort during the day’s activities.
- Complications like; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, infertility, etc.
WORLD MENSTRUAL HYGIENE DAY
Every 28th May, menstrual hygiene day is observed to emphasize;
The need for proper hygiene during menstruation and the importance of access to menstrual products and education.
You too could be a part of this campaign by;
1. Enhancing menstrual hygiene awareness in your
community.
2. Padding a girl in school/ community or doing that through an NGO like Pink Health Organization.
3. Practicing the menstrual hygiene tips, you’ve learned.
CONCLUSION
Menstruation is a significant event in the life of every female. Therefore, this significant period must be managed with so much care and dignity.
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