Break the silence surrounding periods this Menstrual Hygiene Day
Girls should not feel embarrassed or self-conscious when having their periods. Instead, they should embrace the changes that are happening to their bodies.
Today, 28 May marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a day aimed at educating girls about menstrual hygiene and understanding their cycle. Menstrual Hygiene Day also aims to break the silence that surrounds women’s periods and enable women to reach their full potential.
Kotex is a brand that has been around for over 90 years and has always aimed to be there as a support for women during their periods. As a brand Kotex stands behind the fact that period or not, you can reach your full potential.
Kotex health expert and midwife Sister Burgie Ireland has put together some educational tips on understanding period blood.
According to her, periods are normal. “This blood is not dirty, smelly or bad blood that girls or women should be made to feel ashamed of. Period blood is all part of the menstrual cycle. Girls should not feel embarrassed or self-conscious when having a period. Instead, they should embrace the changes that are happening to their bodies. Your body works the same way whether you are having your period or not,” she said.
You might have realised that your period blood looks different sometimes. Sister Burgie addresses two important questions regarding period blood …
Why does my period blood seem different to what I have previously experienced?
Your period blood tells you a lot about your health. Girls may experience the following:
• Rusty-brown, brick or dark red blood
Women who eat lots of red meat and green leafy vegetables will have more iron in their blood. When this iron mixes with air, it can make period blood look darker. This blood is normal.
• Brown blood with mucous
Experiencing this type of bleeding is normal. For some girls or women, this is a sign that their period will start in the next 24 hours, or it may happen on the last day of your period.
• Raspberry/ light pink
A girl’s first and early periods can be lighter in colour. Girls or women who play extreme sports, diet seriously or are underweight can have lighter, scantier periods. This can also be a once-off implantation bleed at the start of a pregnancy, which is normal.
• Pink blood with mucous
Many girls experience pink blood with mucous. It’s normal, and means that your period is about to end.
• Dark crimson with big clots
When this happens for every period, it can be a sign of an undiagnosed connective tissue disease, e.g. Lupus, or a blood disorder. It is also associated with endometriosis, approaching menopause or a sign of estrogen hormonal imbalance. You may want to visit a doctor if this occurs.
• Bright red with clots
This is a sign of fresh bleeding, and can be caused by fibroids, polyps, cysts, some sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) such as chlamydia or a pelvic infection. It could also happen with a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. You may want to visit a doctor if this occurs.
Sometimes I have days where my period smells. What can I do to prevent this?
Period blood has its own smell. This is not a bad smell, but it is different. To prevent body odour while on your period:
• Change your pad, tampon and panty-liner at least every four hours
• Wash every day
• Wear clean undies every day
• Wear comfortable (rather than body-hugging) jeans
Maintaining healthy menstruation is all about understanding your period cycle and that periods are normal. Don’t let your period stop you from experiencing new things and reaching that full potential you’re made to achieve.
So, let’s celebrate World Menstrual Hygiene Day by starting the conversation and use this day as a platform to ask the questions that need to be asked.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.I
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
