Girls in Mumbai learn about menstrual hygiene at an event in April. Images are for representational purposes only. File | Photo Credit: Trupti Arekar
Starting the conversation about periods helps kids in more ways than one. Sending a message that leaves no doubt, provides relevant information, and assures that menstruation is a natural physiological process, helps girls stay prepared, but also removes fears and misconceptions related to menstruation.
Menstruation has traditionally been talked about in hushed tones. This Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), #PeriodFriendlyWorld is starting a conversation on social media about menstrual hygiene, breaking taboos and stigma around menstruation and access to menstrual products.
Normalize the conversation
Normalizing the conversation about menstruation and educating children should be the way forward. Jaishree Gajaraj, senior consultant, Obstetrician, and Gynaecologist, MANGAI Women’s Health Exclusive, said that many schools have organized sessions for children. “We see girls who are premature, and because of awareness, we are no longer surprised. Mothers have to sit with their children and explain the whole process. They have to tell them that they do not need to menstruate every month, and they do not have to stop during three days and maybe longer,” he said.
Sumana Manohar, senior consultant, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Apollo Women’s Hospital, said that educating children at home and at school will help strengthen menstruation as a physiological phenomenon.
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“Let’s look at the age of menarche. The average age is between 10 and 15 years. Both puberty that occurs before the age of eight, called precocious puberty, and delayed puberty beyond the age of 16 should be evaluated. Usually, puberty occurs between 10 and 12 years. So, ideally, schools should start educating girls about menstrual hygiene and how normal physiological processes are during class V. The school environment should be conducive, being able to change sanitary napkins, and clean toilets are important,” he said. .
While the Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India states that the average age of menarche is 13.5, this is not the case in urban areas, where the average age of puberty is 10.5 to 11.5. Jaishree Gajaraj added, “The reason is that children are fatter these days, due to increased estrogen production and hormonal imbalance. Lifestyle and food habits lead to obesity in children.
There are many doubts and concerns about menstruation. But there is no need to worry about some things. As Dr. Sumana Manohar: “Irregular periods are quite common in the first three years of menarche. This is not a big problem. Two to three menstrual cycles in a year during the first three years, and three to four menstrual cycles from the third year are normal due to not ovulating properly.
Irregular periods
Worried mothers taking their daughters to the doctor for some related problem is quite common. “We see mothers carrying their daughters for irregular periods. This is not something to worry about. Due to irregular menstruation, there may be heavy bleeding or pain that can be treated without medication. However, if there is heavy bleeding and unbearable pain, medical attention is needed. Some of the main concerns that parents have are abdominal pain and cramps. It is important for mothers to comfort their children and there is nothing to fear,” he said.
K. Kalaivani, director, Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Government Hospital for Women and Children, said children should be informed that pain or cramping is quite normal on the first and second day, which will subside later. “Someone is worried about excessive bleeding. It varies from person to person. They don’t need to worry because it subsides after the third day,” he said.
Regarding hygiene, he said, “Some people don’t shower for three days, but that’s not the case. Personal hygiene is important. Times have changed, and there is better access to sanitary napkins with the State government providing them for free to schools. “Vending machines are also have come to several places,” she said.
Jaishree said minors should use regular pads, while those above 20 years of age – married or unmarried – can use menstrual cups. “We must tell children that this is a normal physiological event. It must be taught in such a way that in the following years, children will look like this. To enable a better orientation to menstruation, we must teach children girls and boys together. Parents and older siblings should be encouraged when asked and there is no secret,” he said.
