You can be proud of your period!
In many cultures, there are many different beliefs about menstruation. Menstrual blood is the subject of many superstitions and is sometimes considered taboo or shameful.
Sometimes menstruation has to remain hidden and some families never discuss the subject with their children. If this is the case for you, try talking about it with an older sister, a friend, an aunt or your mother. Even if they seem embarrassed at first, they’ll probably have some advice to give you.
If you don’t have anyone to talk to, find out more through WeerWi!
On the WeerWi website you can talk to a virtual counselor. If you want more details, you can also call and send a message to a midwife. The midwives from Lydia and Adama answer your questions discreetly and free of charge every day from 8am to 10pm.
When you understand your body, your life improves!
You can be proud of your period!
The first menstruation generally occurs between the ages of 9 and 16. After that, until about the age of 45, almost every woman in the world has blood flowing from her vagina for several days every month, except during pregnancy.
Your period is natural and a sign of good health. From the moment you start your period, your menstrual cycle begins, and you can be proud of that because you’re joining the community of women around the world!
The importance of following your cycle
I advise you to keep track of your menstruation, to avoid unpleasant surprises or stains on your clothes. All you have to do is write down your period in a notebook and count the number of days until your next period. You can also easily track your cycle with the WeerWi app, noting down what you observe each day.
To find out when your next period is due, you can also note the emotions and symptoms you feel. Some girls notice a change in mood or the appearance of pimples, stomach pains, headaches, tiredness, irritability and swollen breasts before their period.
What should I do if I get a period stain?
A stain on your clothes is something that happens to everyone, especially at the start of your period. If you see a girl with a stain on her clothes, take care of her! It’s never an easy time, and solidarity between girls and women is very important during your period!
Tell her discreetly that she has a stain. Lend her a piece of clothing to put around her waist to hide the stain and accompany her to the toilet or the infirmary.
Then help her find a menstrual pad. If she’s not feeling well, it’s best to help her get home so she can rest.
You’ll see, if you help her, she’ll help you when you need her!
Sources : Jack Parker, Aïssatou Ndahté Cisse & Toubibadakar.