All About Menstruation (The Female Reproductive System)

The significance of menstruation

Menstruation is a major course of change in a woman’s life. It is the point when a girl turns into a woman, enabling her to become a mother. Menstruation is also known as menses, which is derived from Greek terminology referring to the cycle of the moon round the earth which takes around 28 days. This is the same periodic cycle that a woman follows, as all periods come around roughly every 28 days.

Menstruation

Menstruation is a natural occurrence which usually takes place in a girl’s life during the stage of adolescence around the age of 12. This is the same phase that is known as puberty. During this stage a woman experiences many body changes such as the development of breasts, an increase in height and vaginal discharge. This is the same age when boys develop fine hairs on their face. Pubescent boys and girls experience many changes which mark their adulthood. Menstruation is the most important of all these changes.

Female hygiene

Most girls are apprehensive when they experience these body changes. The first period is often the worst and most painful. It is important to teach young girls about menstruation when they turn 12. It is also important to teach them about using sanitary napkins or tampons and maintaining female hygiene to avoid the risk of infections and diseases. It is important to change pads or tampons every 3 to 4 hours to avoid risk of infection. Explaining the female reproductive system and menstruation to young girls can make them feel positive about their body changes.

The female reproductive system

Menstruation depicts the normal female reproductive system. Menstruation is a significant part of the female reproductive system, which starts at puberty and ends with the menopause. The menopause signifies the end of menstruation, which means that a woman can no longer conceive children.

All About Menstruation (Puberty and Periods)

The change of life

Menarche is the first period of the female sexual experience and is a major phenomenon in a girl’s life. This phase, also known as puberty, marks the transition from girl to woman. Periods show that a girl’s body is preparing itself for motherhood. Sometimes, a girl is not weary about the bloody discharge that happens during periods and may be scared. This happens because of a lack of sex education in schools and a lack of information taught by teachers, counsellors, guardians and parents. It is important that young girls receive enough knowledge about menstruation or periods to avoid anxiety and nervousness.

What is puberty?

Most girls start to have their periods between the ages of 10 and 15 years. Different girls have their periods based on their individual growth rate. There is nothing to worry about if you have your periods sooner or later than other girls of your age. Some of the changes that appear in the body during puberty are the development of breasts, vaginal discharge, a narrower waist and an increase in your height.

What is menstruation?

Menstruation is a sign of growth and development and shows that you are growing up. Your body prepares itself to have a baby once you see your first period. Each month blood, tissues, eggs and other hormones develop in the body to prepare for childbirth later in life. If you don’t have sex, these eggs and tissues are disposed off via menstruation. Menstruation stops while you are pregnant because the body needs the blood and tissues to help you carry the baby.

Hygiene during periods

It’s important to maintain good feminine hygiene when you have had your period. If you wear a pad or tampon for too long, it can lead to body odour and infections. Sometimes, if a pad or tampon is worn for too long, it leads to bacterial growth and serious illnesses. Douching may look like an act to maintain feminine hygiene but it is not so. Try not to use harsh soaps to get rid of the bad smell. There are some gentle products especially designed for feminine hygiene, which can help rid these smells during your period.