There’s nothing more erratic than being on your menstrual cycle. You lose control almost over everything. No two periods are ever the same and you could reach menopause and still not be used to having Aunt Flo show up every single month. There is assured discomfort at this time of the month, every month. Not only is the actual period uncomfortable, some of the pain management remedies are equally as not ideal. Have you ever been burnt by a hot water bottle?
We still live in a world where women still need to disclose being on their period and be exempted from certain religious practices. Despite being extremely uncomfortable, women are still required to carry on as if everything is normal. Since the 28th of May is Menstrual Hygiene Day, here are some of the ways in which menstruation is uncomfortable.
Well Mr Price has developed a new concept called “Periods panties “
Fluid absorbing underwear which holds up to 50ml of Fluid which also locks odour .
Think it’s a cool idea especially for Primary and secondary school menstrual campaigns .
Kudos 👌🏾 pic.twitter.com/R1jZjtUyXs
— Juuuuleeeeeyaaaaah 🏳️🌈🇿🇦 (@JuliRee_Mts) March 23, 2022
Premenstrual Syndrome
PMS is such a confusing time. You don’t know if you are pregnant or terminally ill. The boobs hurt, they are heavy as stone, you are nauseated. You have headaches, abdominal cramps and mood swings to boot. One minute you’re fine and the next you’re crying buckets for no reason.
I think #PMS sucks and I don’t think I’m the only one. Know why? Because it’s unfair to you and the ones around you. Today, I’m going to show you 3 tactics for improving your #moodswings, kicking PMS in the butt and finding emotional #wellbeing. Because that’s what you deserve! pic.twitter.com/qeat5EOJcP
— Menstrual Education by Vulvani (@Vulvani1) March 23, 2022
Period Pain
According to scientists, period pain can be equated to an actual heart attack. The scientific name for period pain is dysmenorrhoea. If you have severe period pain, please visit a gynaecologist and get a professional diagnosis. Period pain can be mistaken for a more serious condition like Endometriosis. Stay ready for those spontaneous sharp butt pains which render your legs useless.
Those butt period pains hit different
(not in a good way) 💀 pic.twitter.com/fWfXrLD7Kw— Period harmony 🩸 ✌️ (@periodharmony) August 3, 2021
Lack of supplies
Due to water rationing, most women and girls don’t have access to running water. The debate about reusable pads raises the issues of hygiene and safety of reusable pads without running water. Disposable pads are a luxury for under privileged girls. Not having pads doesn’t excuse girls from their daily chores. So they resort to unsafe products instead of sanitary wear.
Period Poverty affects girls' school attendance, performance, health and wellbeing #EndperiodPoverty @R1CFoundation pic.twitter.com/mgJJzuNjsx
— Ms. Chibwe 📷 🇿🇲 (@ChibweLumpa) February 18, 2022
Leakage freakage
The reason why pads have wings is because they take flight so much. The glue on pads is clearly fake. Every time you sit down you have to run an assessment. What colour is the chair? Can I get up from it without anyone seeing if I’ve leaked. When people are leaving, you want to be the last one and you want to be the absolute last one to get up so that you can run a check before you leave. Most girls were surprised by their first period and have PTSD of having leaked in front of the whole class.
my pants when my period leaks through: https://t.co/01toqOBRcu
— weird little flute (@ASTROCUPID) April 22, 2022
Paranoia
One thing a period will do, is surprise you. You can track your days and it will still show up or not. You dread having to survive period pain but have you ever had your period not show up? This is terrifying especially if you’ve indulged in sexual relations because now you think you’re expecting a baby. Truth is, you can have a delayed period for a myriad of reasons.
When you sneeze while you’re on your cycle and it feels like the river Nile just gushed out onto your pad. Now you’re unsure if it leaked onto your clothing.
Anything that isn’t fresh doesn’t have a pleasant smell. You know how a butchery filled with old blood smells? Now you’re scared that everyone can smell your period. Not only that, but if you have to share a bed with someone else, forget about a peaceful sleep, with every toss and turn, you’re wondering if you have displaced your pad which will now leak. Also, can the person sharing the bed with you smell your period?
Your vagina's scent can change throughout the month. It tends to be acidic before your period & pungent afterwards.
Your smell might be more noticeable post-workout, because of sweat glands, & during sex, thanks to the natural lubrication you produce.
— Talk2Gynae (@talk2gynae) February 17, 2021
Post-period
For girls with longer periods, the pads may cause chaffing due to the prolonged friction. There’s also the issue of not knowing exactly when your period will end. You’ll get a clean pad twice and thinking you’re home free and then all of a sudden, the last kicks of a dying horse. To protect yourself, invest in some pantyliners so that the residue from the cycle doesn’t catch you off guard. Develop a period aftercare routine to re-calibrate the hormones and pH balance.
Not only is the period uncomfortable, the home remedies you resort to, are equally a thorn in the flesh. Please seek medical advice from a medical expert on pain management. If you buy the right period products for you and change them as regularly required, you should be fine. Minimise your movements, take your painkillers, hydrate and stay away from light-coloured clothing.
All the best for the next time your uterus punishes you for not giving it a baby.
The pain caused by cramps is equivalent to the pain caused by a heart attack; however, don't let that stop you, girl 🫠
Video courtesy: @thesheertruth #periods #wowmaniya pic.twitter.com/MCU8sKmFks
— wowmaniya (@wowmaniya) April 25, 2022