Everything You Need to Know About Menstruation! What to Do When It’s Uncomfortable and How to Calculate Your Cycle.

"My period has started," hearing these words from his girlfriend might give the boyfriend a mixed feeling of relief and disappointment. Relief that it's here, but disappointment because it might mean that they can't make love during this time. However, is it really impossible to have sex during menstruation? What should the boyfriend do if the girlfriend feels unwell during her period? Today, Xiaoxue will introduce to you the physiological phenomenon that all your female friends experience every month - menstruation.

What is menstruation?

Menstruation, also known as the menstrual cycle or Aunt Flo, is the physiological phenomenon where blood or mucosa is periodically discharged from the uterine lining through the vagina in females. The occurrence of the menstrual cycle is related to the levels of hormones in the body. To prepare for pregnancy, the uterine lining thickens and releases an egg, which is usually discharged on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. At the same time, the thickened uterine lining is ready to provide nutrients in preparation for pregnancy. But if pregnancy does not occur, the uterine lining breaks down and is discharged as menstruation.

When does menstruation start? How is the cycle calculated?

A woman's first period is called menarche, which signifies her entrance into puberty. This usually occurs between the ages of 8 and 16 and can be influenced by factors such as genetics and diet.

Usually, the cycle for ovulating women ranges from 21 to 35 days, with most at about 28 days. Stress impacting hormone secretion can affect the timing, and if it’s been too long since the last period, it’s advisable to consult with a professional physician.

Many websites and apps now make it convenient for women to calculate their cycles. I recommend the app I'm using right now, "Flo Health: Period & Ovulation Tracker".

APP STORE link: Click to visit

GOOGLE PLAY link: Click to visit

What to do when you feel uncomfortable during your period?

Along with menstruation comes period pains. The contractions of the uterine lining during menstruation can cause abdominal pain, and may also be accompanied by headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and lower back pain. Psychologically, it may also lead to irritability, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Every woman experiences her period differently; some might feel slight or no discomfort, while others find it too severe to maintain normal activities. I'd like to remind my sisters here that it's not true that painless periods are normal. Don’t add pressure on yourself thinking you're abnormal if your symptoms are pronounced. If the pain is unbearable, find suitable relief methods. Here I've compiled some common relief methods, so that monthly visits from this friendly foe can go more smoothly.

Heating Pad: Warm towels, hot water bottles, electric blankets, and warm packs are all useful tools. During period pain, you can place them on your lower abdomen to relieve discomfort. Be cautious with warm packs; prolonged direct contact on the skin over 15 minutes may cause low-temperature burns. Use intermittently.

Hydration: I highly recommend drinking lukewarm water. Although water might not immediately alleviate pain, staying hydrated during your period is crucial. Moreover, reduce intake of drinks, especially those with caffeine and alcohol, as these diuretics can lead to dehydration.

Nutritious Food: I recommend calcium tablets and fish oil. Taking calcium supplements during menstruation can reduce muscle cramps, and fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate endometriosis symptoms. Women who consume adequate amounts may also lower their risk of cervical cancer.

I often hear the myth that you shouldn't eat cold foods during your period. However, eating cold foods does not actually affect period pain severity. Especially in summer, the hot weather, coupled with period discomfort, could mean eating cold foods might help you relax and relieve stress. As everyone’s body is different, I suggest trying small amounts if you're intrigued. Determine if it works for your body before having more, don’t suppress yourself because of a myth and add stress.

What should companions do when their girlfriend or family member has a period?

During menstruation, women may experience both physical and emotional discomfort. Imagine how you feel when you're ill; your mood isn't usually at its best. If your girlfriend, family, or friend is on their period, showing understanding and helping out when possible can strengthen your relationship.

How can you assist? Get sanitary pads for them, prepare nourishing foods, or provide thoughtful items like warm packs and hot water bottles. I believe the most crucial aspect is refraining from saying things like "Is it really that uncomfortable?". In a state of discomfort, these words can push the relationship into an icy pit and only serve to hurt the other party.

Can you have sex during your period?

It is possible to have sex during your period, but remember these few points.

1. During menstruation, the immune system is weaker, so pay attention to hygiene if engaging in sexual activities.
2. Having sex during your period doesn’t mean you can skip condoms. There is still a possibility of pregnancy. Wearing condoms also helps prevent STDs, so always wear them when needed.
3. Deciding whether to have sex during periods should respect both parties’ wishes. Mutual respect is key to maintaining the relationship.

How to view menstruation

Menstruation is a perfectly normal physiological phenomenon, an essential part of growing up for every woman. Learning how to coexist with menstruation can be considered a personal journey for each woman. While period pains may bother you, make you uncomfortable, or inconvenient, don’t bottle it up. Talk with friends or family for support, or seek advice from a professional doctor. Above all, keep yourself relaxed during your period, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself, which is the best way to get along with menstruation.