Break the silence around periods this Menstrual Hygiene Day
JOBURG – Health expert and midwife, Sister Burgie Ireland, has emphasised that periods are a normal bodily function and not something to be ashamed of. Here are some things you need to know ...
Did you know that today marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day?
Health expert and midwife, Sister Burgie Ireland, has emphasised that periods are a normal bodily function and not something to be ashamed of.
“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 on their periods, instead embrace the change that is happening to their body. Your body works the same way whether you are on your period or not,” said Ireland.
You might have realised that your period blood looks different at times to what you normally see. Ireland 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 below:
Rusty-brown, brick or dark red
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 with mucous
Experiencing this type of blood is normal. For some girls or women, this is a sign your 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 playing extreme sports, dieting seriously or who 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 with mucous
Many girls may experience pink mucous blood which is normal. This only 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 eg 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 STIs eg 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 underwear every day
- Wear comfortable (rather than body-hugging) jeans.
Maintaining a 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.
