A woman menstruates on average 2,000 days in her life and will need 10,000 sanitary pads. But not all women have access to clean, safe toilets or the means to buy pads. This is what is known as "menstrual insecurity". Unfortunately, menstrual insecurity has...
For young girls, the first period is often expected, and sometimes dreaded. They arrive during puberty, generally between the ages of 9 and 16. It's normal and a sign of good health. During this period, blood flows from the vagina. The length of the period...
The menstrual cycle is made up of 4 phases: menstruation, the pre-ovulatory phase, ovulation and the premenstrual phase. This 4th and final phase takes place just before the menstruation, and is known as the premenstrual phase, often referred to as "premenstrual syndrome" (or PMS). This is...
It is because of the menstrual cycle that women can have children. It's a cycle that lasts 28 days on average, sometimes a little longer or shorter depending on the woman. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends the...
Sport is very important for your physical, mental and intellectual well-being. Sport is the best way to stay fit and live longer. People who practise sport improve their health and prevent illness, particularly non-communicable diseases. Sport also helps to improve your performance at school and...
Mood swings are caused by variations in hormones during the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. The 2 hormones responsible for a woman's cycle are oestrogen and progesterone. Each person's experience is different and these changes can vary from one cycle to another. Knowing which phase of...
From the moment she starts menstruating, a woman can become pregnant if she has sexual intercourse during certain days of her cycle. This time is called the "fertile period" and lasts about 7 days each month. You can calculate this period by observing your body and...
Many cultures have beliefs about menstruation. It's possible that some of these beliefs exist in your culture and that you can't take part in community life during your period. Originally, these beliefs were made to allow women to rest during this time, when they have...
Your period is natural and a sign of good health. From the moment you start your period, your menstrual cycle begins. You can be proud of this, because you're joining the community of women around the world. You'll see that when you understand your body,...
Menopause is the stage in a woman's life when her period stops. The menopause often occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, when a woman has not seen her period for at least 12 months. From then on, a woman can no longer have...
