Common Concerns and problems related to menstruation

Irregular periods
It is possible that during adolescence, sometimes a girl may only bleed every few months, or have very little bleeding or too much bleeding. Their cycle usually becomes more regular with time.
What you can do:
• Reassurance to such girls or / and their mothers is sufficient until the girl is 16 years old.
• After 16 years if the problem continues, she should be referred to a lady doctor at he district women’s hospital for investigation and treatment.
Pain with menstrual bleeding:
• During menstrual bleeding, the uterus squeezes to push out the lining. The squeezing can cause pain in the lower belly or lower back. The pain may begin before bleeding starts or just after it starts.
What you can do:
• Reassure the girl that the pain will be relieved spontaneously in a day or two.
• Counsel her to keep doing her daily work, exercise and walk.
Pre-menstrual Syndrome:
Some girls feel uncomfortable a few days before their menstrual bleeding begins. They may have one or more of a group of symptoms known as pre-menstrual syndrome. Girls who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome may notice:
• Pain in breasts
• a full feeling in the lower belly
• constipation
• Emotions that is especially strong or hard to control.
What you can do:
• Reassure the girl that these symptoms will go once her periods start.
• Counsel her to continue doing her regular work and exercise.

Hygiene and cleanliness during menstruation
To maintain menstrual hygiene, girls can use cloth or sanitary pads. If using cloth, clean cotton cloth should be used to soak the menstrual blood. Cotton has a good absorbing capacity. A synthetic cloth shod not be used as it may not absorb well and may cause skin reactions. Sanitary pads can be used along with the undergarments.

The cloth or pads should be changed 2 or 3 times a day. The cloth a pantie should be property washed with soap and water and dried in the sun. Sunlight kills all bacteria. After every period the washed and dried cloth should be stored in a clean bag in a clean place till the next period.

If pads are used, they should be wrapped in a paper bag and disposed.

The girl should take a bath every day during menstruation.

Lack of menstrual and personal hygiene may cause vaginal discharge. Burning during urination and genital itching in girls.

Maintenance of menstrual hygiene is very important for a girl to protect herself from infections. But it is equally important for girls to have a feeling of well-being even during periods and not see them as a monthly punishment or sickness.