|
|
|
|
 Menstruating for the first time
PREPARING A NEST
Every month the body prepares a rich lining of blood in the womb, like a soft nest, in case the woman becomes pregnant.
Every month the ovary releases an egg that travels down the fallopian tubes to the womb.
Usually, the egg is not needed and it dies.
The rich lining of the womb then breaks down and leaves the body through the vagina. This process is called menstruation.
If a woman and a man have sex at the time the egg is released, without using a contraceptive, the sperm and egg may join to make
a baby. The fertilized egg will plant itself in the lining of the womb and start growing.
Then menstruations stops.
This is the first sign of pregnancy.
PAIN
Some girls get cramps and belly pains at the start of their period. Exercising can help reduce the pain. If the pain gets very bad, you can take some paracetamol or aspirin and lie down with something warm on your belly.
KEEPING CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE
Good hygiene is important during menstruation. Wash yourself at least once a day. Do not use deodorants or perfumes on your genitals because they can cause irritation. Girls can use different materials for keeping clean during their periods, such as sanitary towels or napkins. In the hot and humid climate of Tanzania we recommend using protection outside the body for cleanliness. It is healthier than using tampons. Sanitary towels are worn tucked inside your panties.
You can buy them in shops. They cost between Tshs 600/- to 2000/- a pack. You should change the towel every few hours so that he blood does not smell or grow germs. If you do not have money to buy towels you can use cotton wool or pieces of cotton cloth, such as old bath towels or pieces of khanga. Make your own towels by sewing up pieces of cotton cloth. They will absorb the blood well. But remember that they need frequent changing and washing to prevent germs getting into the vagina and making you ill!
SOME FACTS ABOUT MENSTRUATION
Can I have sex during menstruation? It is not recommended, especially if it is unprotected sex (sex without a condom). If you have HIV, the HIV virus will be in your menstrual blood so your partner could easily be infected. But you are at risk, too. If you have sex at this time with a male who has HIV or any other STDs, you are more likely to get infected than at any other time of the month.
Does sex cure menstrual cramps? No, sexual intercourse will not cure menstrual cramps. This is just a myth that young people pass
around. If I keep track on a calander, can I know which days are my safe days when I will not get pregnant? No you cannot. Adolescent
girls and many adult women tend to have irregular periods so they cannot predict their safe days. In addition, there are no safe days
against HIV and STDs. You can be infected with an STD any day.
To be truly safe, protect yourself everyday!
| |
 |
 |
 |
What do you think about this article? Tell us!
Go here >> |
 |
 |
» to Top of article
»Back to List
|
|
|
|
Find out more
