For many – if not most people with ovaries, the first period is unexpected, painful and secret. Without saying something, we are taught silently not to talk about periods, although it is a natural part of the menstrual cycle. However, sweeping the problem under the carpet can have negative effects. “As sociological studies show, the menstrual quantity is based in ideologies, construct the menstruation of women as leaky, unsanitary and irrational. Such discourses show a social imperative to ensure that menstrual blood is hidden, ”explains a study in social semiotics. Not longer, let’s say! So read on – and take this as your keyword to talk about your periods more.
It is effective to talk about their periods
A brand that pushes out of her shame is Kotex, which has teamed up with experts, pioneer, South Africa’s Ministry of Basic Education and some of the most popular influencers in the country in order to spread a message of hope and empowerment in the menstrual cycle. This was part of her contribution to the month of the woman from 2024. As part of your campaign, you attended schools to inform young people about periods, dispel myths, deal with stigmata with periods and share practical tips.
It is deeply necessary in a country in which 43% of people with periods have approved to experience stigmatization and shame that are bound to menstruation, which, according to Kotex’s latest survey, occurs more often. In order to break the stigma and bring menstrual problems to the fore, more and more influencers jump on board to share their findings. On Tikkok, the day #periods has 100,000 contributions with hundreds of tags, from #Periodstories to #Periodhacks. It is encouraging to see the conversation, especially with the knowledge that more than half of Gen Z Tikkok and Instagram uses to search for answers to a question – instead of consulting Google.
“Efforts like this [to talk about periods] are crucial for the continued encouragement and support of young girls and women to be the best versions of themselves, regardless of the time of the month, ”claims the lawyer for medical specialists and health, Dr. Nosipho Danielle Mhlanga.
Read more: Do you have two periods in a month? These are all possible reasons why
Speak more space in change
Another possibility is that it is effective that it can create real changes. For example in 2018, armed with the knowledge that many people with periods in South Africa have difficulty doing sanitary products, Kotex and its industry colleagues went lobbying to remove the VAT rating for sanitary pads. It worked: Seitigen have now been rated zero or VAT.
Similarly, we need such conversations to grow further so that more research is put into menstruation that can help those who have a cycle. A typical example: It was only this year that a study confirmed that the absorption claims of period products are misleading because the products are tested with salt water – not an actual blood.
The implications of the study results are far more far than buying the wrong tampons: Per researcher, this means that doctors may undermine severe menstrual bleeding, a factor that signals larger health states.
Simply put, the more we discuss our experiences – good or bad – the more we can ask for changes. Here experts give how to address the topic when it feels cumbersome.
Experts tips to talk about periods
As a mother, normalize the conversation
Your first period can be a discouraging, confusing experience. By calming your child, you can feel comfortable with your developing body. “Emphasize that menstruation is something that happens to all women and is a sign of a healthy body,” says Dr. Esther Rockson, an ob/gyn resident in Mitrand. “You could say:” Periods are a normal part of a woman. It’s just your body that should. ‘”
And, says Naznin Bhom, Academic intern of pharmacist at Zoie Health, suffer from euphemisms or negative connotations. Avoid phrases that imply a shame, such as “a dirty secret” or “this time of the month”, “” “.” Instead, menstruation as a sign of maturity and as an important aspect of health. By promoting the open dialogue and calming down, you can help girls feel enabled. must. “
Finally, they promote questions, says Dr. Rockson. “Let her know that you can ask you something and that there is no stupid question. This openness helps to eliminate any feeling of embarrassment, ”she adds.
Read more: These unusual PMS symptom treatments actually work – minus pain relievers
How to talk about periods at work
Painful periods or the extreme fatigue that can often complete it with work difficult. Dr. Rockson recommends preparing yourself in advance, choosing the right time and setting (like a one -on -one interview) and keeping the solution focus. BHOM recommends this line: “I sometimes have painful periods that can influence my focus. I would be happy about any flexibility during this time. ‘This opens up a dialogue and demonstrates its professionalism and at the same time prioritizes her health, ”she adds.
Avoid Pro Dr. Rockson to explain yourself or apologize. “They deserve to take care of their health, and to be honest should not require excessive excuses,” she says.
How to address the topic with your document
So that you make things crystal clear for your doctor you need help (via an offer of contraception), you come with a few things in your arsenal. Dr. Rockson suggests “to conduct detailed records about her periods, symptoms and their severity. Observe things like the frequency of your periods, pain levels (e.g. cramps, headaches, etc.), flow (light, heavy) and how this affects your daily life (e.g. lack of work, movement inability). If you have this data, you can make your concerns more specific, ”she says.
Next, she recommends asking herself to ask targeted questions: “Is it normal to have so much pain?” Or “could this be a sign of something like endometriosis?”
“Use a clear, uncomplicated language,” says Bhom. “How” I experienced heavy cramps and irregular cycles. “If you dismiss or feel gas lit, do not hesitate to look for a second opinion. You deserve compassionate and thorough, and it is important for yourself!”
Be louder about the stigma of the period everywhere else
“To cultivate a culture that does not normalize severe pain in time, they honestly share their experiences and encourage others to do the same,” says Bhom. “Promotion of conversations about menstrual health without stigma and promotes the idea that the search for help for time problems is not only acceptable, but also essential.”
For Dr. Rockson is part of the change in the narrative the challenge of myths and stigms. “If you have people who play down time or reject the need to see a doctor, carefully correct them,” she says. In a similar way, when someone causes their struggle with periods, they recognize their fight. After all, Dr. Rockson important that it is important to support the hardworking work and school guidelines. “Support guidelines in workplace or educational environments that make it easier for people to manage their periods without shame or need. This can include things like the provision of paid illness vacation for menstrual pain or the guarantee of easy access to menstrual products, ”she says.
Read more: 4 most common questions that women ask about their sexual health
