Despite the fact that menstruation is experienced by nearly one third of the world’s population, it is still shrouded in secrecy and taboo for some reason. One in five girls miss school because they are on their period only in the United States. Is it not because they are sluggish or do not have access to a tampon or pad? It’s because of how menstruation is viewed in our culture. This must be altered. Girls feel ashamed and embarrassed to talk about their periods because we stigmatize them so much. As a result, they stay home from school and miss out on important opportunities. However, this need not be the case! There are many things we can do to make menstruation less of a stigma and more comfortable for everyone. There are five ways that we can all collaborate to make menstruation less of a stigma.
Half of women experience menstruation on a regular basis
During her period, the average woman loses less than two tablespoons of blood, or about 30 milliliters. However, depending on their bodies and health conditions, some women may lose more or less blood. Contrary to popular belief, menstruation is not filthy or hazardous. In fact, it is a healthy, completely natural process that aids in maintaining the cleanliness and proper operation of the female reproductive system.
However, many women still have negative thoughts and feelings about their periods. This is frequently brought on by a lack of knowledge about what menstruation is and how it works. It indicates that the body is functioning normally and is not ill. Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about.
It’s a process that has been going on for centuries and will continue for as long as women are around. In preparation for the possibility of becoming pregnant, the uterine lining thickens on a monthly basis. The thickened lining and some blood are shed through the vagina if there is no pregnancy.
The typical duration of this shedding process is three to seven days. During menstruation, however, there are a few things that can go wrong. For instance, some women experience excessive bleeding, which can result in anemia. Dysmenorrhea, a condition in which women experience extremely painful periods, may affect some people’s daily lives.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition that affects some women and can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, bloating, and acne. Despite all of these potential issues, menstruation is generally not something to be concerned about.
It’s nothing to be ashamed of it’s a part of life
Menstruation is a natural process that occurs to all women and is not something to be ashamed of. There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed about it. In point of fact, it’s normal. Menstruation is the subject of numerous misconceptions and myths. Some people, for instance, believe that menstruation is filthy or unsanitary.
Simply put, this is not true. Blood from menstruation is not filthy or unclean. It’s perfectly healthy and normal. Another common misunderstanding is that women are irrational or moody during their periods. Yet again, this is false.
Women’s periods do not cause them to be irrational or moody. Periods do not cause mood swings, but they can occasionally cause physical discomfort. Last but not least, there is the erroneous belief that women should avoid physical activity during menstruation. Also false is this. Women should and can exercise during menstruation.
Menstruation does not necessitate limiting physical activity. Therefore, don’t worry about your period. It’s normal to experience it. Additionally, there is no need to feel guilty about it. It’s normal and not something to be ashamed of.
Periods should not be hidden because they are not gross or dirty.
In point of fact, they are an essential and natural component of a woman’s reproductive cycle. Your uterine lining grows each month as your body gets ready for pregnancy. That lining is shed when you don’t get pregnant, and that’s when you get your period.
Having a period is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Every woman on the planet experiences this at some point in her life. In fact, roughly half of the world’s population is thought to menstruate!
Therefore, the next time you experience your period, keep in mind that you are not alone and that it is not unpleasant or gross. Let it just flow!
Menstruation Should be Taught to Girls and Women at School.
It is estimated that less than half of women understand key terms related to their bodies and reproduction, and that only 24% of women worldwide know everything there is to know about menstruation. Menstruation is not discussed openly in many cultures, which can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment.
In order for girls and women to understand their bodies and feel proud of them, they should be taught about menstruation at school. Every woman goes through menstruation at some point in her life, and it is not something to be ashamed of.
Girls who receive menstruation education are more likely to use sanitary products effectively and have a better understanding of their bodies, according to studies. Additionally, they are more likely to feel at ease discussing menstruation with others, which may assist in reducing the stigma associated with this topic.
In conclusion, women and girls ought to be taught about menstruation in school so that they can comprehend their bodies and feel proud of them. Every woman goes through menstruation at some point in her life, and it is not something to be ashamed of.
Dispel Common Misconceptions Regarding Periods
There are numerous common misconceptions regarding periods. Some of the most common include:
1. Periods Are Filthy and Unsanitary
One of the most prevalent misconceptions regarding periods is that they are filthy and unsanitary. Many people think that women who have periods are somehow unclean or impure and that they are dirty and unclean. Simply put, this is not true. Periods are a healthy, natural part of a woman’s reproductive cycle, and they are not filthy or unclean.
2. Periods are Painful
The idea that menstruation is always painful is another common misconception. Although it is not always the case, some women do experience pain during their periods. Period pain is not something that all women have to endure; there are numerous ways to manage it.
3. You Can’t Get Pregnant while you’re Having Your Period
Another untrue myth is that you can’t get pregnant while you’re having your period. It is true that getting pregnant during your period is less likely, but it is still possible. It doesn’t matter if you’re on your period or not if you’re having unprotected sex. There’s always a chance you’ll get pregnant.
4. Periods are a Sign of Weakness
This myth is especially harmful because it perpetuates the notion that women are somehow weaker than men because they have periods. Contrary to all evidence, this is not the case! Periods are not harmful to a woman’s health and are a normal part of her reproductive cycle.
5. During Your Period, You Shouldn’t Exercise
This myth is based on the idea that exercising will make your period pain worse. However, this assertion is unsupported by any scientific evidence. In point of fact, exercise can assist in relieving period pain! Don’t let your period stop you from getting active if you’re feeling up to it.
6. You Should Avoid Sexual Activity During Your Period
Another common misconception about periods is that women shouldn’t do anything sexual during their period. Again, this assertion is unsupported by any scientific evidence. Engaging in sexual activity during your period can actually alleviate cramping and other symptoms! During your period, you shouldn’t avoid having sex with your partner if both of you are comfortable doing so.
7. You Should not Wear White Clothes During Period
Another common misconception about periods is that you should not wear white clothing during your period. White clothing is perfectly acceptable to wear during your period. In point of fact, at this time of the month, dressing in white can actually help you feel more stylish and confident!
8. You Should not Swim During Period
This myth stems from the belief that sharks will be drawn to menstrual blood. However, this assertion is unsupported by any scientific evidence. Sharks don’t like menstrual blood, so you can swim safely during your period.
9. You Should not Use Tampons During Period
This is yet another erroneous myth about menstruation. Tampons are a perfectly safe and efficient method of menstrual management. There is no reason to avoid them, and in fact, they can be very helpful in controlling your symptoms.
10. You Should not Have Sex During Period
This is the final and most damaging of the common misconceptions about periods. This myth perpetuates the notion that women should not have sexual relations during their periods because they are somehow unclean or impure. Simply put, this is not true! Periods are a healthy, natural part of a woman’s reproductive cycle, and they are not filthy or unclean. Engaging in sexual activity during your period can actually help alleviate cramps and other symptoms. During your period, you shouldn’t avoid having sex with your partner if both of you are comfortable doing so.
We Should Openly Discuss Menstruation and Break The Taboo Surrounding It.
While menstruation is a common occurrence for nearly half of the world’s population each month, it remains largely taboo. In point of fact, research has demonstrated that nearly two-thirds of women are hesitant to discuss their periods.
There are a number of issues with this. First of all, it may cause people to make poor choices about menstrual hygiene and health.
It can also make it hard for women to talk about any issues they’re having with their periods, like pain or a lot of bleeding.
Additionally, the taboo surrounding menstruation can harm women’s and girls’ self-esteem. A lack of understanding of periods can result in shame and embarrassment, which in turn can cause social isolation.
It’s past time to talk about periods openly and break the silence. This can assist in enhancing menstrual hygiene and health, reducing embarrassment and shame, and ultimately empowering girls and women worldwide.
Key Takeaways
By discussing menstruation more openly, we can all contribute to breaking the taboo surrounding it. Let’s work together to make menstruation less of a stigma. We can begin by promoting awareness on social media and sharing this blog post with our loved ones. Periods will become more normal as we talk about them more. Therefore, let’s get started; menstrual hygiene is something of which we ought to all be very proud!