Menstruation is biological health process

 Menstruation Periods are biologically healthy body process, 

but yet taboos exist?

 

 Take rest...

TEENS whisper so that no one can listen. 

It is very normal like other biological processes to clean our bodies.

 But still it is considered DIRTY.

 In our Bhartiya culture, it has been frequently observed that people do not openly discus about menstruation. They always have some kind of hesitation, which force them to whisper only about periods and pads. They believe that menstruating girls are impure, sinful due to which one should not touch them. This type of behavior towards female can lead to feelings of shame, stigma and loneliness.

 Even brandname is Whisper..

There are numerous myths related to menstruation all are listed below with their scientific reasons: -

1]  Menstruating females are not allowed to touch any of the objects in the house, especially cooking in the kitchen.

In ancient period, females used to do all the house chores, all by themselves. Even when they were dying with cramps due to periods, no relief from household work. The elder lady of the house made some amendments like the menstruating female in the house will not work and will take proper rest because of cramps, fatigue etc.

2]  Menstruating females are not allowed to touch/eat pickles. Because people believe that if the menstruating woman touch or eat the pickles, the pickles might get spoiled soon.

Pickles are high in sodium which can contribute to water retention and bloating. If a woman is already experiencing bloating as a symptom of her period, eating pickles might adverse the situation, so better do not eat pickles.

3]  If a female misses her period, she is pregnant.

Late period or missed period do not signify that the female is pregnant. Late period might happen due to some hormonal imbalance like PCOD, PCOS, unhealthy diet or stress.

4]  Periods are costly

Females belonging to rural areas consider sanitary pads to be expensive. Sanitary pads are also available at reasonable prices/free of cost, but these females do not afford spending money disposable pads. They reuse old cloth piece every month, which is why their menstrual hygiene may suffer the most.

5] Menstruating females cannot enter temple and perform pooja in various family and social events.

In Bhartiya culture pooja is a religious activity and religious ritual has denied healthy woman. It is harsh truth of discrimination. 

6] During periods one should not take head-bath and wash hairs.

It has nothing to do and taking head bath or washing hairs should be ok.

7] Shopkeepers at the medical store usually gives the sanitary napkins wrapped in newspaper and then covered by black polythene, as no one know, but something confidential that should not be seen by others. Even sanitary pads are kept hidden in house in some corners.

So now its high time that people change their attitude on menstruation myths and accept as normal healthy biological process to clean the female body!

We thank Shreya Ghosal for singing and playing teacher role in this PERIOD SONG to create awareness among teeangers on this health and clean process. 

https://youtu.be/hrSOUSnRXTQ?si=yY12WFHMW7sMRb4v

Sanitary pads are expensive for girls in slums, in villages. Just imagine about their first menstruation experience in teenage. Nicely picturised in thsi video

https://youtu.be/hrSOUSnRXTQ?si=yY12WFHMW7sMRb4v

Teen Rijul 

 

Parent and Teen Daughter communication of personal problems need better understanding.

Father as well as Mother plays a very important role in the life of TEENAGE Daughter.  Nuclear family & joint family have its advantages and disadvantages. There are question about PUBIC hair, its saving & cleaning, about menarche/menstruation, its timing, cleaning, recurrence, pain, about breast development and bra, about body hair, about pimples, about sexual feelings, about opposite gender attraction and so on..  

As soon as daughter enters in her PUBERTY years, Mother has to have opened communications on the PUBERTY developmental issues and her health & hygiene.  In the absence of such communication channel, daughter may seek & search information about her personal growth and reproductive health with others, mainly from friends. Many times the friends also may not have adequate knowledge. Sometimes it increases the risk of molestation of daughter by someone near-one. Teenage sexual abuses remain unnoticed most of the times due to fear and shame both.

In the case of only FATHER-DAUGHTER situation, the matter becomes worse. Daughter in most of case feel shy to ask the FATHER about her personal issues. In such case maybe a female teacher may help or a counselor in schools may be of help.

Nowadays, lot of information is available on internet. But, while searching such information one is likely come across PORN sites unintentionally. POP UP window of porn sites may lure them to watch details and lead them to other such sites.

So, it is always better that parents themselves become more knowledgeable on PUBERTY growth issues and as per age discuss with daughter.

For more information one may visit blog & website

http://teensnparents.blogspot.com

http://www.teensnparents.com

or ask specific question after surfing the above, if at all needed:

http://teensnparents.com/contactus.htm

First pelvic exam is embarrassing to many girls, and so avoid reporting of infections and pain in their reproductive organs.

First pelvic exam is embarrassing to many girls, and so avoid reporting of infections and pain in their reproductive organs. During pelvic examination, the girl is asked to be comfortable in partial sleep mode at the very edge of the exam table, with her feet in stirrups, knees bent and relaxed out to the side. If she is not down far enough, the exam will be more difficult and more uncomfortable for her. The stirrups are padded to avoid the stirrups digging into her feet, any soft padding material can be used. The images are shown below for better understanding.

Teen girls may have never shown their private parts / genitals till now to any doctor. Even her genitals are not shown to any females including her mother. The mother daughter relationship should be like very very close friends, so that all private issues related to reproductive system can be discussed and examined freely. Mothers of pubertal daughters are advised to do so to build the healthy personal relationship with daughter to educate her on every information of human reproduction according to daughter's age.

For more pictures and images please visit:
http://teensnparents.blogspot.com

The vulva and all private parts are only seen by female gynecologist, so nothing to worry even if it is first pelvic exam. Such pelvic vaginal cervix examinations will be a part of female's routine healthcare in years to come. Your female Gynecologist will have view of your complete vulva under bright light.
As such one can compare the lips of mouth with Labia, Tounge with inside of vagina /cervix and mucus or saliva with vaginal secretions. Inside of mouth remains wet 24X7, similarly inside of vagina remains moist 24X7. It does carry healthy bacterias. So specific odor, wetness and staining is normal. Vagina remains wet similar to tongue and mucus.

What the female Gynecologist will do is explained as under:
Inspect the vulva first. Look within the pubic hair for the tiny movement of pubic lice. May be thenafter pubic hair needs to be shaved off. Some gynecologist will insist that you come with complete shaving of pubic hair or otherwise her nurse will shave the pubic hair for better inspection of vulva. They use a bright light to visually inspect the vulva, vagina, uretha, and cervix. Most examiners find it easy to look just over the light to get the best view. Separate the labia with gloved fingers to look for any surface lesions, redness, or swellings.

Look on the labia for the cauliflower-like bumps that are known as venereal warts. Using magnification (magnifying lenses or colposcope) is very useful when the patient has vulvar complaints and the diagnosis is not obvious.

Look between the folds of skin for ulcerative lesions that can indicate an active herpes infection. Gently retract the clitoral hood back, exposing the clitoris while looking for peri-clitoral lesions Look for the hymen or remnants of the hymen and identify any redness just exterior to the hymen that can indicate vulvar vestibulitis.

Hymen may be present or absent is normal. Hymen is a thin skin having small holes to pass the menstruation blood, clot and vaginal secreations.
The periurethral glands have tiny ducts that open onto the surface. Look for them next to the urethra. While looking at the urethra, note any discharge coming from the urethral opening that might suggest gonorrhea or chlamydia. Uretha is a very tiny hole and only urine comes out. Nothing goes inside uretha. so need not to worry. Vaginal hole is wider and can be seen.Outer labia can be stretched. pics outer labia streached uretha clitoris
Palpate the upper labia majora for masses related to hernias extending through the Canal of Nuck. Palpate the middle and lower portion of the labia majora for masses suggesting a Cyst.Sebum, a white semi liquid, thick substance generally noticed by many girls during puberty and thenafter through the adult life. This sebum may stain panty crotch. the sebum is generally normal unless it is infected and one feels itchy as well as it has a foul smell.

pics teen girl white sebum will stain panty
pics teen girl white thick sebum from vagina
pics teen girl normal white yellow secreation
pics infection at root bottom of outer labia
pics Insert Speculum through labia in vagina for pelvic exam by gynecologist.jpg
pics Vagina inside view with speculum use during pelvic examination.jpg

Warm and lubricate the speculum with warm water.

After warming a vaginal speculum with warm water, separate the labia with one hand while gently inserting the speculum with the other hand. It is frequently more comfortable for the girl patient if you insert the speculum rotated about 45 degrees (so the blades are not horizontal but are oblique). Once past the introitus, rotate the speculum back to it's normal position.
In very rear cases the vaginal opening is so small and labia majora is almost absent in preteens girl. Every mother should have noticed this that the puberty development of vulva, vagina and labia is normal for her daughter. This may require mother to inspect and examine at least twice in a year for the pubertal / teenage daughter. if any abnormality is seen, please report to gynecologist for further consultation.
pics abnormal small vagina opening before n after surgery

The labia, particularly the labia minora, are very sensitive to stretching or pinching, so try not to catch the labia minora in the speculum while inserting it. Gynecologists may ask the girl to "bear down" while they are inserting the speculum and feel that this assists with insertion.

Turning hand palm up, compress the urethra against the underside of the pubic bone. Normally, this doesn't hurt. If it causes discomfort for the patient, it is likely that at least some degree of urethritis is present.

Then insert rubber gloved fingers deeper into the pelvis. Due to contaction the vaginal hole may become tight and increase friction result into pain. So patient have to relax the body and pelvic muscles for easy insertion of gloved fingers. Keeping palm up, curl vaginal finger(s) up, compressing the bladder against the back of the pubic bone. Normally, this pressure creates the sensation that the patient needs to urinate, but is not painful. If it is painful, this is good clinical evidence of cystitis (urinary tract infection), or (less likely) endometriosis.
Obtain specimens for a Pap smear and any cultures that may be indicated.
pics cervical examination pap smear extraction for lab test.

Cervix cancer is a risk and so CERVIX examination is always necessary. Cervix is deep inside the vagina and feel like a finger or thumb. It has one very tiny opening to pass the menstruation blood, dead cells of uterus and liquid secreations. It also allows male sperm to pass from vagina to uterus after ejaculation in vagina from the penis of the husband. The cervix opening and surface should not be damaged by any means. Gynecologist wear rubber gloves to avoid any touch / friction of their nails. Also speculum have smooth surface and gynecologist is experienced to use it.

But teenage girls and young females should never insert finger without rubber gloves even for masturbation. Never ever insert any object inside vagina for masturbation, which may damage the cervix and inner skin of vagina. Even married females should feel that cervix is not get damaged with agressive insertion and motion of her husband's penis during intercourse.
DO NOT INSERT EVEN YOUR OWN FINGERNAILS MAY DAMAGE SENSITIVE TISSUES OF VAGINAL WALLS, HYMEN, LABIA MINORA N CERVIX.

pics even your nails can cut skin cervix inner labia hymen
pics damaged cervix opening inside vagina due to solid insertion...
pics cervix view in vagina using speculum .. ..
pics cervix and fluid in vagina .. ..
pics cervix cancer risk
pics cervix cancer
pics clitoris uretha vagina labia
pics perinium anus skin problem below labia.jpg

For a normal examination:
External genitalia are of normal appearance.
There is no enlargement of the glands.
Urethra and bladder are non-tender.
Vagina is clean, without lesions or discharge
Cervix is smooth, without lesions. Motion of the cervix causes no pain.
Uterus is normal size, shape, and contour. It is non-tender.
The adnexa (tubes and ovaries) are neither tender nor enlarged.
pics teenage healthy labia clitoris hymen inside view vagina.jpg
pics deep inside view of vagina as seen with help of Spatula.jpg
pics whitish creamy vaginal cervical fluid secreation
During the bimanual exam, you may use one finger or two fingers inside the vagina. Two fingers allows for deeper penetration and more control of the pelvic structures, but one finger is more comfortable for the patient.
In some gitls, particularly those with difficult to feel pelvic masses, a combined rectovaginal exam is useful. Change gloves, lubricate the rectum, and then gently insert your index finger into the vagina and your middle finger into the rectum. The rectovaginal exam is helpful in feeling the uterosacral ligaments, a common site of endometriosis involvement. On completion of the rectal exam, stool can be checked for the presence of occult blood.

If the hymen is intact, it may still be possible to perform a comfortable and complete exam, but if the exam is causing too much pain, stop the exam and consider these alternatives:Rectal exam with the index finger can often provide the information needed by the gynecologist at that time. Exam under anaesthesia will provide full access without causing pain to the patient. Ultrasound scan, abdominally and trans-perineal, can sometimes provide you with the information you need.

First time Bleeding from Vagina: An event for celebration? For preteens/teens daughters and parents

First time Bleeding from vagina: An event for celebration? For preteens/teens daughters and parents.
During my email counselling many parents do inquire about MENARCHE and how and when to inform the young daughter. Also young girls also worried about their first period and pain and embarrassment and all inquire on email. So, Dear parents and girls, one day, it happens. Some of the symptoms may tell you when it may about to happen. But no one can tell you when it will really happen. It will happen in the morning or during day or during night. It may happen at school or on picnic or in movie hall. It happens to every healthy girl in the world. You might have got cut and seen blood running out of the skin. You apply antiseptic (Dettol) or Bandage to stop the blood flow. you might have sucked the blood oozing out from fingers. If it is worse you go for dressing to the doctor.

One day, for the first time you will begin to bleed from your vagina. This blood is different than what you have seen from cutting the skin. It will be your first period “the MENARCHE’—the first of many (500 or so) you will have in the course of your adult life. It's a sign that you're growing up for reproduction, having healthy and normal body, transformation from child body into an adult body. The changes may begin as early as, when you're nine years or they may not begin until you are twelve, thirteen, or even sixteen. All bodies don't grow at the same rate. You can see some of the changes. Your breasts will get bigger. Your hips will get wider. Hair will begin to grow under your arms and on your pelvic. Pimple come on cheeks, back or neck.

Menarche (men-NAR-key) is the time of first period in daughter’s life. Many families celebrate menarche, as the time when a girl becomes a complete woman. The little daughter is attaining maturity for motherhood. Sometimes parties, gifts, and congratulations celebrate a daughter’s first period. Some families are more private about menarche. But whether or not menarche is celebrated in your family, it is an exciting, sometime even embarrassing and important moment in girl’s life to remember. It is a birthday of woman from girl, and should be remembered and celebrated every year. It is a day of complete woman.

It is not dirty, but it a biological human process for reproduction. Girl is not becoming untouchable. Girl can pray and wash their hairs. Only some social and community do not allow them to pray or go to temple or wash their hairs, or make her untouchable for those 5 days when bleeding from vagina continues. If social norms, community norms and family values are strict, one can follow without any harm instead of opposing them strongly. Some religious places do not allow girls from puberty to menopuse due to this reason.

Girls and boys have different reproductive organs. Only girls have the labia, clitoris, urethra, and the opening of the vagina, which are all parts of vulva. You can use a hand-mirror to look at your own vulva. There are other changes that happen inside your body, which will make it possible for you to get pregnant and have a baby. The parts of your body that can develop a baby, inside your abdomen, are called reproductive organs. These parts are the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Your vagina connects vulva to the reproductive organs inside your body. All parents are worried about their daughter, once her body becomes capable of reproduction. All restrictions on girls, like parties, staying out, going out on dating, are for the only reason, that she should not unintentionally or forcefully or for experience sake, indulge into sexual intercourse with male and become pregnant. Pre-marriage pregnancy is not accepted in our Indian society.

How does girl’s reproductive system work? :
Girls have two ovaries, which hold hundreds of tiny eggs(Ovum), which you can't see them without a microscope. Girls are born with all the eggs they will ever have. An ovary releases one egg about once a month. Before the egg is let go, the uterus begins building up a lining, made of tissue. The lining is like a soft nest for the egg if pregnancy happens. Ovulation happens when the egg leaves from one of the ovary. Then, the egg moves through a fallopian tube toward the uterus. Most of the time, the egg breaks apart, before it gets to the uterus. But that doesn't always happen. If a sperm from a male penis during sexual intercourse through vagina, meets the egg on its way to the uterus, they may join together, which is called fertilization. Pregnancy begins as a fertilized egg implants itself to the lining of the uterus.

Most of the time the egg breaks apart and the lining of tissue and blood is not needed. It flows out of uterus, through cervix, through vagina, and out of body. This is called menstrual flow. There are usually 14-16 days from ovulation to the beginning of a girl's period. But the time from the beginning of the period to the next ovulation may vary. It may be less than one week. It may be two weeks or more. The time from the first day of one period to the first day of the next is called a menstrual cycle. Menstrual cycles will likely to go on until menopause up to the age of 45 to 55 years.

How long will the menstruation period last? :
Periods usually last from four to seven days. The flow usually starts light, rusty color. It can get heavy for two or three days with dark red color, then get light again until it stops. Everyone’s periods and menstrual cycles will be different. What will be normal for you, may not be normal for your friend. Menstrual cycles as well as periods may not always last the same number of days when they first begin. It may take few months for your body to get adjusted. You may have a light flow or a heavy flow. Your periods may be late or early. You may even skip some months in first year before becoming regular. Your period may be late when you get sick. It may be late when you worry about things. Most likely your periods and cycles will become more regular in a year or two.

How often will I have my period? :
You will have a period about once a month. A normal menstrual cycle can be as short as 21 days or more than 35 days. Changes from month to month are also normal. Most girls and women don't feel ovulation when it happens. They don't know for sure when it actually occurs. But ovulation takes place around the middle of each menstrual cycle. Many girls mark a calendar with an X on the days they bleed. For most teenage girls, their period will happen every 28 days or so. Keeping a calendar will help you predict when you will bleed again, and when you are going to need sanitary pads. Also, you'll be able to know if your period is late or early. If you'll have a record, then you may know the need to see a Gynaecologist about any menstruation problem.

Will I feel weak when I lose blood during my period? :
May not. There are only four to six tablespoonfuls of blood in the whole flow. This is a small amount. The rest is bits of the unused tissue lining and other fluids. By the time your period ends, it will have amounted to between half a cup and a full cup of liquid. Most teenagers use either sanitary napkin or washable cloth pad to absorb the flow. Cloth pads can be made at home from good quality cotton cloth as per your size requirement. Cloth pad can be washed with hot water or antiseptic solution and reused. Sanitary napkins are available in drugstores, which are single use disposable type only. Usually they come in packages of ten, with user instructions in it. They come in different sizes and varieties. You will need to decide which type of pad is most comfortable for you. Most pads stay in place by sticking to the inside of panties. Others are pinned to underwear. Some are held in place by special belts.
A nice video link to celebrate first menstruation of daughter : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVI89uVPqOs

For more details: visit www.teensnparents.com

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menarche first menstruation then irregular

Question: My daughter she is 10years old she got her first period last month 12 September. Now at which date she will get her period normally I counted 28days which she is supposed to get her period on 9th of October till now she has not got her period .
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ANSWER:You seems to be very caring mother. Initially the period will not come every 28 days.It will take around one to two years to really getting regular monthly period.This was her first one so, second one may come after 3 or 6 months, will be OK.Only once she starts getting regular monthly period, then she should worry if it delays much.