Everything in life becomes a little easier when we have proper knowledge about it. The same goes for menstruation. The right information will not only help them make the right decisions regarding periods, but it will also teach them that it’s just a normal part of life.
According to some studies, 2.3 crore girls drop out of school at the onset of their period and 71% of girls in India remain unaware of the menstruation process until their first period arrives. Girls are unaware of the new changes that occur physically and mentally as well. Girls have to go through PMSing and severe mood swings. PMSing is a premenstrual syndrome that can occur days and weeks before. This indicates that having a menstruation navigating guide would make life much easier for teenage girls.
1. Understanding Menstruation
First of all, what is menstruation? It’s nothing scary. It’s just your body’s natural way of letting go of tissues it doesn’t need. Every month, a girl’s body prepares for pregnancy, and when no pregnancy occurs, the uterus sheds its lining along with blood flowing through the vagina. It starts from the age of 12 years to 15 years and continues till menopause which starts from the age of 45 to 55 years. The period blood continues to flow from a minimum of 3 days to 7 days maximum and the average is of 5 days.
2. Preparation of Menstruation
None of us know when our periods are going to begin. That’s why, it’s always better to stay prepared. Teaching kids where the pads/tampons are kept in the house and how to use them can help them immensely on D-day. Sofy has a wide range of sanitary products from Antibacterial to Sofy Cool SuperXL, from Sofy tampons to Sofy Pantyliners. You can choose according to your need and flow and be ready for your monthly guest.
You can also refer to the Sofy’s period education https://www.sofy.in/period-education/ page as it can be a period guide for new comers.
3. How To Tackle Everything in Periods
Once periods start, girls can start exploring which menstrual products suit them best. They need to be taught about the different sizes and materials that would go with their skin and lifestyle. But blood flow is just one of the things menstruation brings. Cramps, bloating of the stomach, headaches, and mood swings are all friends of the flow. And we all experience them to varying degrees. Pain relievers like ibuprofen and meftal spas can work to mitigate these but you can always consult doctors while taking it. You can even go for home remedies like soothing ginger tea and hot water bottles. You can use Heat Patch or massage your tummy with essential oil so that your cramps can be minimized. You can opt for low-intensity aerobics exercise or can do some yoga asanas. But most importantly you have to take care of your diet and should avoid caffeine and salty foods. And on the days you’re just not feeling like doing anything, cozy up with a movie and chocolate and chill.
4. Maintaining Good Hygiene
Good hygiene is important all year round, especially during your period. That’s because periods can sometimes cause skin irritation and infection if you don’t keep your intimate area clean. Take care to use the right pad or tampons, and change it every 4 -6 hrs. Regular warm baths will not just keep you feeling fresh as a daisy but even in a better mood as it lessens period pain.
5. Dealing With Leaks
When you are new to menstruation or don’t know whether your flow is heavy or low, there can always be a chance of leakage. Wearing dark-coloured pants and panty liners can prevent you from spoiling your outfit. Pro tip: always carry extra pads and tampons so that you can change them any time you want. The pads should be of that size which can cover your crotch and the little area around. This pad comes with wings so that it should stick to your panty and not get bunched up.
These little tips and tricks will surely help you breeze through your cycles. But you can always ask your elders and loved ones for help and advice.
FAQ’s
2. Why is it important to understand menstruation?
Understanding menstruation helps to demystify it as a normal biological process and eliminates fear or confusion, especially for young girls. Proper knowledge can empower girls to manage their periods confidently and make informed decisions about their health and hygiene. This education can also help girls recognize and cope with the physical and emotional changes that accompany menstruation.
3. What should girls know before their first period?
It is important to educate girls about the possibility of their period starting at any time, especially between the ages of 12 and 15. They should know where to find sanitary products like pads and tampons in the house and how to use them. Being prepared in advance helps prevent panic or embarrassment when their period starts unexpectedly. Products from Sofy, such as Sofy Cool Super XL or tampons, can be useful options.
4. What are the common symptoms associated with menstruation?
In addition to the flow of blood, menstruation often comes with other symptoms such as cramps, bloating, headaches, mood swings, and fatigue. These symptoms vary from person to person, with some experiencing mild discomfort while others may have more severe symptoms. It's important to note that these symptoms are normal and can be managed with self-care or over-the-counter pain relievers.
5. How can period cramps be managed?
Menstrual cramps, caused by the contraction of the uterus to shed its lining, can be alleviated through several methods. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or mefenamic acid can reduce pain. Natural remedies, such as drinking ginger tea, using a hot water bottle, or doing light yoga or aerobic exercises, can also help ease cramps. Additionally, massaging the abdomen with essential oils can provide relief.
6. How can girls maintain good hygiene during menstruation?
Maintaining good hygiene during menstruation is essential to avoid infections and irritation. It is recommended to change pads or tampons every 4 to 6 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Regular warm baths can help keep the body fresh and reduce discomfort. Using the right sanitary products, such as pads or tampons, is key to preventing skin irritation in the intimate area.
7. What can girls do to prevent leaks during their period?
For girls who are new to menstruation, leakage may occur, especially if they are unsure about their flow. To prevent leaks, it is helpful to wear dark-colored pants and use panty liners as a backup. Always carry extra pads or tampons, so you can change them when needed. Choosing the right pad size, such as those with wings to stay secure, can prevent bunching and minimize leaks.
8. How can girls prepare for their first period?
Girls can prepare for their first period by understanding how to use menstrual products like pads and tampons, knowing where they are stored at home, and keeping some products in their school bags or purses. Education from parents, teachers, or online resources like Sofy’s period education page can guide girls on what to expect during their first period and how to manage it.
9. How can menstrual symptoms like bloating and fatigue be reduced?
Bloating and fatigue during menstruation are common due to hormonal changes. To reduce these symptoms, it is helpful to avoid caffeine and salty foods, which can cause water retention and worsen bloating. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and getting enough rest can help reduce fatigue. Light exercises, such as walking or yoga, can also improve energy levels and reduce bloating.
10. What advice should girls follow to make their period experience easier?
Girls should focus on maintaining good hygiene, staying prepared with the right menstrual products, and learning to manage common symptoms like cramps and bloating. Experimenting with different products like Sofy Cool Super XL pads or tampons will help them find what works best for their needs. They should also seek advice from trusted adults or loved ones and use self-care strategies, such as heat patches or indulging in relaxing activities, to make periods more comfortable.
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