Written by: Kristýna Marie Kubcová
The menstrual cycle is a natural and healthy part of a woman's life and reproductive health. However, the first period is often surrounded by questions, uncertainty, sometimes even shame. Let's try to talk about menstruation with our daughters so that they experience it with a sense of self-confidence and are not ashamed to communicate the needs associated with it.
Expectation vs. reality
You may remember your first period. Was her arrival accompanied by calmness and certainty, or on the contrary, surprise and fear? Were you ready for her, or were her first signs a shock to you? Did your parents explain to you what was happening to your body, or did they just stick a pad in your hand and say that "you are already a woman"?
Each of us grows up in an environment with different by the degree of openness of communication, especially regarding reproductive health. Although we live in the 21st century, talking about menstruation openly can still raise a few eyebrows. At the same time, it is precisely open communication that will help young girls to have about menarche realistic expectations and feeling safe when it comes.
How to talk to children about the first period?
If you belong to the generation of parents who felt more confused about menstruation growing up and you're raising a daughter (or daughters), try to prepare them for this milestone so that their experience is instead full of confidence.
- Be honest. If you have a younger child who is curious about period products, don't be shy about explaining what happens to a woman's body during menstruation. Adjust the complexity of the information to their age. But it's never too early to talk to your kids about importance intimate hygiene.
- Choose the right words. Sometimes we tend to talk about menstruation as a period that has to be "suffered". Try to talk about it matter-of-factly, putting it in the context of the entire menstrual cycle and explaining that it is a completely natural process that is a sign of a healthy reproductive system.
- Share your experience, if you have the opportunity. Emphasize that every body is unique and the first period (and the cycles after it) can look very different for everyone, which is completely normal. ok.
Signs of menarche - timing, color and other symptoms
The first period comes about between the ages of 11 and 13, but it can be much earlier or later. It often appears (just a few years) after the first signs of puberty, such as breast growth and pubic hair. Menarche is usually light pink, bright red or has the form of a brownish discharge. It can be a few drops or heavy bleeding. How to know that the first period is approaching? Under the influence of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, physiological changes occur mainly, such as sensitive breasts, acne, cramps in the lower abdomen, discharge or staining. But emotions are also affected and previously unknown mood swings may appear.
Choosing the right period product
If you want to buy your daughter a more ecological alternative to disposable pads or tampons, reach for a menstrual cup, menstrual panties or a combination of both. A menstrual cup is ideal for a day spent at school bench, sports or travel, which makes life easier for women of all ages, but especially for the youngest. With weaker menstruation, it can last up to 12 hours, and with proper care it can easily last up to 10 years. For intimate health like cotton, you can complete the right menstrual aid with care for intimate hygiene.
Menstrual cup and virginity
The hymen, a flexible and thin layer of tissue with one or more openings, can be perceived as an obstacle to the use of devices that are inserted into the vagina. But the truth is that before the first period, it often breaks naturally - during sports or discovering one's own body. Even so, the existence of the hymen (or its remains) may not be an obstacle, as it is a flexible tissue.
Generally, if a girl is used to using tampons, she should not have a problem even with a menstrual cup of smaller size. It is important that the menstruating woman knows her body well and feels comfortable with the product. If you are not sure, we recommend that you consult a gynaecologist about using the cup.