The first menstruation for a teenager, or pre-adolescent, are an important and difficult time. This is why practical advice is needed to know what to do, advice that helps manage and play down the appearance of period.
There is a book, “Manual of Wonderful Girls”, designed by Intimina, which speaks to young girls through the stories of 5 heroines and their experiences with the menstrual cycle. A storytelling choice under 12, designed to offer opportunities for conversations with teenagers on managing the physical and psychological changes of their age. A valid tool to overcome the 10 most common false myths among adolescents.
The book is launched to coincide with the International Women’s Dayand it is a way to welcome all the young girls who will soon (or recently) have to manage their menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cycle, the 10 most common myths among teenagers
“Arriving at wrong conclusions is very easy, especially when the answers are made from deductions or stories handed down. It is essential to educate women and especially adolescent “little women” to make a conscious choice for better management of the menstrual cycle”, explains Roberta Rossi, psychotherapist and sexologist at the Clinical Sexology Institute of Rome during an analysis of clichés regarding the use of menstrual cups, answering the most frequently asked questions (doubts about mood, hygiene, fertility and the use of devices). And it lists the 10 most common false myths among adolescents on the topic of periods and first menstruation.
1. PMS manifests itself as irritability and nervousness. FALSE
About 5% of women of childbearing age experience severe premenstrual syndrome, called premenstrual dysphoria, characterized by sudden and severe mood swingsbut also by physical symptoms such as swelling or muscle pain and other symptoms, such as poor concentration, decreased interests, lethargy and changes in sleep and appetite.
Most women of childbearing age (around 70-75%) experience common discomfort, such as headaches, swelling of the breasts and abdomen, heaviness and increased irritability. However, most of them does not indicate significant impairment in daily life. The luckiest (20%) almost don’t notice it. All this would be a consequence of the hormonal oscillations that occur in the second phase of the cycle, when progesterone, which helps to accommodate the possible pregnancy in the uterus, decreases when it does not occur. This condition would trigger the premenstrual syndrome by modifying the quantities of brain neurotransmitters involved in mood, gratification and alertness. Each woman will respond differently to these alterations, manifesting more or less intense symptoms.
2. Exercising during your period is unhealthy and can damage your uterus. FALSE
There are no scientific studies that prove that physical exercise (here 12 typical exercises to do at home) during menstruation has harmful consequences. Dancing and exercising during your period is safe and in some cases physical activity can relieve cramps and even improve mood and reduce the feeling of tiredness often associated with the menstrual cycle.
3. Inserting a tampon (or cup) into the vagina will tear the hymen. FALSE
A common concern is that inserting a tampon or menstrual cup can “tear” the hymen. So long as the hymen is an elastic structure, inserting a small object such as a tampon or cup will not cause any tearing. Also, during menstruation the blood will make insertion easier if done correctly.
4. You cannot get pregnant if you have sex during your menstrual cycle. FALSE
This is a decidedly dangerous statement that many women and men rely on. A woman is unlikely to get pregnant if she has unprotected sex during her period if she menstruates regularly. But it is still a possibility.
Ovulation occurs on average after 14/15 days from the start of menstruation, but if a woman has an irregular cycle, a short cycle, or bleeds longer than normal, it is possible that her fertile period overlaps with her menstrual cycle. Additionally, new research in the field of reproductive health and fertility suggests that sperm can live in the cervix for up to 5 days after sexual intercourse. It would be good to assume that no day is safe to have unprotected sex, unless you use effective contraception.
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5. The menstrual cup is not hygienic. FALSE
Once the contents of the cup have been emptied, it can be washed with water alone or soap and water, necessarily neutral, free of oils and perfumes, and then it will be ready to be used again. If water is not available, you can temporarily clean the cup with a tissue, paper or hygienic wipe and, subsequently, reinsert it, taking care to rinse it with water as soon as possible. At the end of the cycle, it can be sterilized in boiling water and stored in its case.
6. The blood collected in the cups has a bad smell. FALSE
The cup plays the role of collecting the menstrual blood inside it, creating a sort of vacuum to be kept in place, in this case the blood, not undergoing the oxidation process, it is absolutely odorless.
7. Cups are not comfortable for those with heavy flows. FALSE
There are cups on the market with different capacities, ranging from 13 to 39 ml, if we consider that an average tampon can contain up to 18 ml the calculation is easy. The average time of use, even for those with an abundant flow, is around 8 hours and this is important choose the right model for your needs.
If you have a heavy flow, you will have to empty it more often than the hours it is recommended to keep it for and a lot will depend on your lifestyle habits.
8. Cups are not comfortable for those with busy lives. FALSE
There is no contraindication to using the menstrual cup if you lead a hectic life, in fact its use will help you feel freer, without fear of getting dirty or having to always carry pads with you to change. So go ahead with your frenetic pace whether it’s work, sports or hobbies.
9. I have to remove my menstrual cup to urinate and/or defecate. FALSE
The cup can be safely held for urinating and/or defecating. Unlike the tampon, the menstrual cup it is more hygienic and safe because you won’t have the problem of the thread that must remain outside the pads remaining wet.
10. I have to remove my menstrual cup when I sleep. FALSE
The menstrual cup can also be worn at night, because it can still be used up to a maximum of 8 hours, without having losses and inconveniences. Obviously all this depends on the type of cup (such as size) and the type of flow.
[Foto di digaita da Pixabay]
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2024-03-15 11:33:55
#Menstrual #cycle #menstruation
