MENSTRUATION; from Girl to Woman (Your first period? What you should know)

Beginning with Menarche

Menstruation is a major point in puberty for girls with menarche - that very first period - marking another event in the transition from child to woman. This is the point when all the parts become a whole - the reproductive system has matured. In some cultures, a very big deal is made of menarche. Girls are treated royally for the day or week and they join the ranks of other women in their community who have transitioned into womanhood. Regardless whether everyone or no one celebrates this rite of passage, a young girl knows she's changing. And, like a lot of other changes that come along with puberty, menstruation can be confusing. To take away the mystery, read on.

Puberty usually begins around age eight and it is the time when hormones stimulate new growth in the body and a girl's mind goes through some interesting changes. New physical development such as breast budding occurs and about two years or so after the beginning of breast development, she'll have her first menstrual period. Often, about six months prior to the first period there may be an increase of clear vaginal discharge, which is nothing to worry about unless there is a strong odor or it causes itching or irritation.

The Female Reproductive System

The organs of the female reproductive system include the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. The oval-shaped ovaries sit on either side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. They are filled with hundreds of thousands of eggs (ovum). The fallopian tubes are two long, thin tubes that attach to the top of the uterus and open over the ovaries in order to catch a mature egg when it is released by an ovary every month. The uterus is a pear-shaped muscle that will become the place where a fertilized egg will implant, grow and develop into a baby. This incredible muscle has the power to expand with the growing baby and to contract in order to expel the baby when it is time for birth.

How Hormones Direct Menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a natural function of the female reproductive system. A very complex interaction of glands within the brain and body cause the release of certain hormones to instigate menstruation. Two of the glands, the pituitary and hypothalamus, are in the brain. The thyroid gland is also implicated in the process in terms of release of thyroid stimulating hormone. If there is too much of this hormone released, it affects the ability of a woman to hold a pregnancy - often leading to miscarriage.

The hypothalamus gland releases a hormone called gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which triggers the pituitary gland to release follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen. The estrogen encourages the uterus to build a lining for the reception of a fertilized egg. The luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland causes the ovary to release one mature egg into the fallopian tube. This process is called ovulation. After ovulation, progesterone is released to thicken the uterine lining even more. If the egg is not fertilized by a sperm cell, then it does not remain in the uterus. Progesterone and estrogen levels fall and cause the lining of the uterus to slough off and menstruation occurs to clear the uterus in order for the entire process to begin again the following month.

The Timing is Different for Each Person Puberty can begin for some girls earlier than it does for others. The same holds true for menstruation. Some girls begin menstruating as early as ten years old while others don't start until they are 15. A menstrual cycle, which is the number of days between the first day of bleeding and the next period, can range in time from 21 days to 35 days. Each person will have their own cycle and, as long as the cycle is regular, it is right for you. It usually takes a couple of years after menstruation begins for a cycle to be fully developed. Until then, menstruation may be a bit erratic. It is nothing to worry about, it will be fine. However, it is a good idea to keep a record of menstruation so there is a general idea of how it will unfold.

The other part of menstruation is the number of days of blood flow. As surprising as it sounds, the actual blood loss is about two or three tablespoons - even though it seems like a lot more. A period can last from just two or three days to seven days, with the heaviest flow being at the beginning of the period.

Cramping and PMS

Cramping and emotional upheavals are common around the time of menstruation, thought to be caused by prostaglandin, the hormone that causes the uterus to contract. Cramping can be a dull ache or sometimes more intense. Very severe cramping needs to be checked by a medical professional. There may be a problem that can be rectified if it is diagnosed early.

Just prior to the onset of menstruation there may be a few days where everything is wrong and nothing seems right. Crying at the drop of a hat, impatient, upset, and feeling sad are all part of the emotional impact of hormones. Along with this, there may be swelling of the breasts, bloating and a general feeling of blah. It's all part of the process called premenstrual syndrome. Many women experience it to varying degrees. Be kind to yourself, get a lot of rest, eat well, and know that this too shall pass.

Personal Care and Hygiene - Genital care for females and Vagina infections

Many females have received the false message from society that their genitals are "dirty" and that they shouldn't talk about them. Because of these messages, which can come from media as well as parents, girls are under the impression that any smell or discharge from their vagina is abnormal. It is perfectly natural to have a slight sweet smell that is non-offensive. A strong, foul odor indicates a possible infection. With treatment, the infection will go away and so will the strong odor. Vaginal discharge is a necessary part of the body's regular functioning. Normal discharge, usually clear to white, is part of the body's self-cleaning process. As discharge leaves the body, it takes bacteria with it, which helps keep vaginal infections at bay. Discharge is also a natural lubricant, which aids in sexual intercourse.

The genitals are complex, life-giving organs with many functions. Knowledge is a key factor in developing a healthy attitude about the genitalia and realizing that the genitals are not "dirty" and are basically just other parts of the body. Understanding the normal functions of the genitals also helps a person feel more comfortable with her body and stay healthy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGE

• Bad odor
• Itching or irritation
• Thick, like soft cheese
• Creamy or frothy
• Strange color, such as green, gray, or yellow
• Bloody (not during menstruation)

WASHING THE GENITAL AREA

It is important to regularly wash the genital area, including the anus, to help ward off infections and bad odor. Since the genital area is moist and warm, bacteria can grow easily. Excretions from the vagina, perspiration, and urine can build up making it even easier for the bacteria to grow. These bacteria can cause urinary tract infections (UTI's) or vaginal infections. Cleaning the genital area with a mild soap and water on a regular basis will help control the bacteria growth and limit infections.

What to Wash

The area that a girl should be concerned with washing is the external genital area. The internal genitals have their own self-cleaning processes. The external female genital area, or vulva, has large lips called labia majora that protect the genital area. These lips have sweat glands that produce perspiration and glands that secrete oil. If a girl has reached puberty, these lips will also have hair on them.

Beneath the labia majora are smaller lips called labia minora. In some people, the labia minora are large enough that they poke through the labia majora. This is a normal occurrence. The labia minora also contain oil and scent glands. Inside the labia minora are the openings of the urethra and vagina. Urine is expelled from the urethra. The clitoris, a small, pea-like organ that is sensitive to the touch, lies in front of the labia minora. The anus, which is not considered part of the vulva, should be washed as well. It lies in back past the lip region.

The external genitalia and the anus can be washed using a wash cloth or fingers. This can be done daily in a shower or bath or standing near a sink. Special care should be taken to open the labias and wash between them. Then rinse the area with water and towel dry.

Be Sure to Wipe Properly

Besides washing the external genital area, it is important to wipe it with toilet paper after urinating or having a bowel movement. Solid body waste expelled by the anus contains bacteria that can cause vaginal and urinary tract infections. Therefore, the proper wiping method is from the front to back. This is so the bacteria from the anal area do not make their way to the vaginal and urethral area. A person should always wash her hands after going to the bathroom.

VAGINAL INFECTIONS

Vaginal infection, or vaginitis, is most often caused by sexual contact. However, poor personal hygiene can put one at greater risk of contracting a vaginal or urinary tract infection. The following are some of the most common vaginal and urinary tract infections that can be affected by poor hygiene.

TRICHOMONIASIS

Trichomoniasis, also referred to as trich or TV, is an infection caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms include a discharge that is foul-smelling, frothy, and greenish-yellow; it causes severe itching, painful and frequent urination, and, sometimes, pain in the lower abdomen.

YEAST INFECTION

A yeast infection, or candidiasis, occurs when the yeast fungus called Candida albicans, which is normally found in the vagina and anus, grows above normal levels. The result is a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge with itching, redness, and burning.

GARDNERELLA

Gardnerella is an another bacterium that is normally found in the vagina. An infection occurs when the amount of gardnerella bacteria increases, causing symptoms such as a gray or yellow, fishy-smelling, creamy discharge and mild itching and burning. The smell may actually become worse after washing since soap reduces acidity and bacteria grow better in a less acidic environment.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Urinary tract infections (UTI's) can occur when bacteria from the anus or vagina make their way into the urethra and bladder. Urinating helps to flush some of the bacteria from the urinary tract, but sometimes the bacteria left behind can cause an infection. Sexual intercourse, wiping from back to front, or irritants used in a bath (such as bubble bath or bath salts) are common causes of UTI's. The symptoms include painful and frequent urination, burning on urination, blood in the urine, and a fever.

Extra Care During Menstruation

During menstruation, the lining of the uterus is shedding and menstrual blood comes out of the vagina. While menstruation can be messy, it is easily controlled with a tampon or pad. However, once the blood is exposed to the air, it can produce an odor. A strong odor should not occur unless the person does not bathe often enough. To minimize odor and staining of clothes, washing the genital area at least once a day is recommended. It is also recommended to change a tampon every four to six hours (a pad every two to four hours), which will help control the odor and the collection of blood.

In the past, women would use cloth to collect their menstrual fluid. Some would wear cloth as an outer protection; others would bundle up the cloth and place it inside their vaginas for inner protection. Today, there are sanitary products for collecting menstrual fluid that are more absorbent, comfortable, and convenient. These products include tampons and pads. Choosing the kind of protection to use is a personal choice. Some women use only pads, some use tampons during the day and pads at night, and others use solely tampons. Pantiliners, small pads, are also available for light flows, discharge, or use with a tampon.

TAMPONS

Tampons are worn inside the vagina. Both non-virgins and virgins can use them. Tampons cannot get lost inside the body or be pushed up into the uterus (the canal—called the cervical canal—to the uterus is too small for a tampon to fit through). They are made of absorbent cotton that is either scented or unscented and have a string attached for easy removal. (The deodorant tampons may cause irritation in some women.) Tampons are meant to be used only for menstrual flow, not vaginal discharge. They can come with or without applicators. For greater protection, some women wear pantiliners when they use tampons. Tampons should be changed every four to six hours, and not worn more than eight hours. Otherwise, bacteria can build up in the vagina, which can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS).

TSS is a rare, noncontagious disease that can be fatal. It is caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which produces a toxin resulting in symptoms that include a sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash that looks and peels like a sunburn, achiness, and dizziness. If a person using a tampon experiences any of these symptoms, she should remove her tampon right away and contact her doctor.

Researchers have found that the risk of contracting TSS is linked to the absorbency of the tampon. The higher the absorbency the higher the risk for contracting TSS. To judge the right absorbency, a woman should monitor the amount of blood found in her tampon after she removes it. If the tampon is completely red, a person should use a tampon with a higher absorbency; if the tampon has white areas, a person should use a tampon with a lower absorbency. A way to lower the risk of contracting TSS is to switch between using a tampon and using a pad. An easy way to do this is to wear tampons during the day and pads at night.

PADS

Pads are worn outside the body. When they were first introduced, women had to use belts and pins to keep the pads in place. The belts and pins were uncomfortable, unattractive, and sometimes showed through clothes. Pads today have adhesive strips that allow a woman to attach a pad to her underwear. Today's pads are also more absorbent, allowing them to be thinner and more effective. Some even have wings that wrap around the crotch of underwear, which gives greater protection. Pads can be unscented or deodorant. The deodorant can cause irritation in some women; however, many like the deodorant products, believing they help mask odor.

DOUCHES AND FEMININE HYGIENE SPRAYS

Douches and feminine hygiene sprays are products that work to mask or limit odor or wetness. Douches are sometimes used in the treatment of certain vaginal infections. They are liquid solutions that are squeezed into the vagina. A common solution is vinegar and water. Feminine sprays are deodorant sprays for the vaginal area. Doctors have warned that these feminine products are unnecessary (unless used for medical reasons) and can cause more harm than good. This is because douches and feminine sprays can change the natural acidic balance of the vagina, which can cause bacteria to grow and put a woman at risk for infection.

Be Aware of What to Wear and Other Precautions

Another part of good hygiene is being aware of what to wear and making sure that anything that touches the vaginal area is clean. A girl should wear cotton underwear or at least ones with a cotton crotch. Underwear should be changed daily and after it becomes soiled or wet. It should also be absorbent and well ventilated. Tight or nylon underwear, tight pants, or pantyhose (most are available with cotton crotches that help increase ventilation) cause greater perspiration, which can allow bacteria to grow. Sitting around in a wet bathing suit will also contribute to bacteria growth. Towels should not be shared because they can pass along bacteria. Toilet seats are also breeding grounds for bacteria. It is wise to cover public toilet seats with toilet paper before sitting down. Taking these precautions can help lower the risk of infection and keep the genitals healthy.

MENSTRUAL CYCLE; relieving your PMS symptoms and menstrual pain

The average woman will have about 500 periods in her lifetime, beginning around the age of 12 until about 51 years of age. Having our period is supposedly what changes us from a girl into a woman. But other than a few black and white overheads we are shown in our school-age years, just how much are we actually taught about this supposedly life-changing experience so unique to the female sex? The truth is, not a whole lot.

How It Works

Menstruation refers to the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus (the womb), released through the vagina. The menstrual cycle begins the first day a woman bleeds – in other words, the first day of a period. Most periods last between 3 and 5 days, although anywhere between 2 and 7 days is still considered normal.

But what causes the uterus to shed its lining in the first place? Interestingly enough, it all begins in the brain. A gland called the hypothalamus (also responsible for the regulation of our thirst, hunger, sleep and sex drive) sends a chemical messenger to another gland in the brain called the pituitary. The pituitary then secretes a follicle-stimulating hormone and a leutinizing hormone that cause follicles in the ovaries to mature. This is called the follicular stage and it usually occurs between day 6 and 14 of a menstrual cycle.

These follicles then release oestrogen, causing them to ripen in preparation for ovulation. Within about seven days, the oestrogen will have caused the lining of the uterus to become sufficiently thickened for the pituitary to release more of the leutinizing hormone, triggering the follicle that is most developed to release an egg (ovum). This stage is called ovulation, and it usually takes place between day 10 and 14 of the cycle. (The birth control pill works by blocking the final release of the leutinizing hormone, in turn preventing the release of an egg.)

Although the average duration of a menstrual cycle is between 21 and 28 days, a woman can be normal and healthy and only have 3 or 4 cycles a year. Of course, missed or irregular periods should always be referred to a health care professional, since they could also be the sign of a more serious underlying problem.

More About Ovulation

When a baby girl is born she is already equipped with all the eggs she will ever use (and then some – 450 000+). They are then stored in her ovaries until she reaches puberty, at which point the eggs are sufficiently matured to begin ovulation. In other words, she can now become pregnant.

As we have already learned, it is the circulation of hormones present in the blood stream that causes an egg to mature. Once this has occurred, this egg will shoot down the ovaries through the fallopian tubes, and down into the uterus, where the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) has been thickened and is ready to receive it. If the egg is fertilized (meaning if it has united with a sperm), it will then grow into a fetus. If is it not, the lining, along with some blood, will be discarded through the vagina (in other words, a period will occur).

In rare cases, the fertilized egg will implant itself outside the uterus, in the fallopian tubes. This condition, called ectopic pregnancy, can be life-threatening and should be immediately referred to a medical specialist.

Can You Feel Ovulation?

Some women may experience certain signs of ovulation, such as slight abdominal pain or minor bleeding. In general, however, ovulation is not accompanied by any uncomfortable symptoms.

More commonly, women will notice an increase in watery, vaginal discharge, which is secreted by the cervix just before ovulation. This discharge is what helps to carry the sperm towards the egg. Therefore, women wishing to become pregnant may use a mucous monitoring system or a speculum to determine when this is most likely to occur.

However, women who plan their sexual intercourse around their ovulation as a means of natural family planning should be aware that ovulation is not the only time a woman can become pregnant. Because sperm can remain alive inside the uterus for up to 7 days (though it is commonly thought that the majority only survive 3 to 5 days), having unprotected sex a few days prior to ovulation can still result in a pregnancy. Once an egg has been released from the ovaries, though, it only has a 24-hour window during which it can be fertilized.

What Causes Discomfort During Menstruation?

Some 85% of women report some emotional or physical changes around the time their period occurs. Nearly half say they experience cramping during the first few days of their cycle. The release of prostaglandin, a substance that causes the muscles of the uterus to contract, is thought to be responsible for this.

Some other common symptoms of menstruation include bloating, diarrhoea, swollen and tender breasts and headaches. Emotional symptoms such as general moodiness (including depression), irritability or food cravings are also widespread. These are all side effects of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which is brought on by rising and falling hormone levels just before the period begins.

What You Can do to Relieve Your Symptoms

There are many things women can do to limit their PMS-related symptoms, such as:

Avoid caffeine. Coffee, teas, colas and chocolate (as tempting as they may sound) should be avoided. They all contain caffeine, which constricts blood vessels, causing tension. Red meat, refined sugars, dairy and high-fat foods are also common PMS enhancers.

Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and whole grains for added iron and fibre. A balanced diet can help with everything from limiting your PMS symptoms to increasing your ability to become pregnant.

Increase exercise. This will help to improve the circulation of blood and oxygen, which may relieve painful cramping.

Reduce stress: Meditate, get a massage, or take a bubble bath; whatever you do, reducing your stress levels will help to relax tense muscles.

Keep your abdomen warm. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle to ease your cramping.

When You Should See Your Doctor

You should consult a physician if you experience any of the following:

• Your period lasts longer or is heavier than usual
• Your period stops suddenly
• You have severe abdominal cramping
• You experience significant bleeding between periods
• You are concerned you might be pregnant (or your period is more than five days late)
• You have stopped taking birth control and have not had a period within six weeks
• You feel sick after using a tampon
• You have any other concerns about your period or the possibility of becoming pregnant



culled from www.womens-health.co.uk

HOW TO HAVE A CLEAN AND HEALTHY VAGINA

As an important part of the woman's body, the vagina requires as much attention to hygiene as do other parts of the body to help maintain overall good health. Unfortunately, since the vagina is an embarrassing subject among many women, it is often neglected of basic care. Here is a simple guide to keeping the vagina at least relatively healthy.

Steps, Tips and Warnings for a Healthy Vagina

STEPS

Keep healthy:-
This may seem like a no brainer -- keep healthy to keep a healthy vagina. For this you need to minimize sugar intake, and maximize yogurt intake. Why yogurt? Simple, really. The bacteria in your vagina is a certain type that is in only a couple of foods that you can find in the grocery store. It just so happens, though, that yogurt contains good bacteria called acidophilus. Sugar, meanwhile, promotes the type of bacteria that the yogurt bacterias, if you will, try to kill off. So, as said before, minimize sugar, and maximize yogurt, sugar-free preferably.

Keep yourself clean:-
A large cause of infections happen simply because sweat or oils built up until there was nothing for it to do except fester and form an infection. Never fun. So bathe and shower regularly, and try and keep "down there" as clean as possible, without using a douche. Douches clean too much-- they take away some of the bad bacteria, but then they also take away massive amounts of the good bacteria. Unfortunately, the bad bacteria builds itself up, and you're worse off than before. Douching can also lead to increased inflammation (vaginitis). A simple washcloth, with a small amount of mild unscented soap and water works fine, but do not wash inside. The vagina is constantly flushing itself. So allow it to work the way it was designed.

Use condoms!:-
Condoms, while helping to protect you against pregnancy, also help keep your vagina clean. Having unprotected sex often can lead to vagina problems as well as the obvious pregnancy and STDs.

Use dental dams and gloves If you receive oral sex or are being fingered.

Wear cotton underwear:-
Cotton is very breathable, if you will, and allows the vagina to get air circulating around it. This helps to keep things from building up "down there", and also helps maintain good skin around the vagina area.

Take out your old tampons:-
Leaving a tampon in your vagina too long, more than six hours, is a very bad idea. It can cause a toxic syndrome (TSS), as well as some very disgusting build up. Use smaller size and change sooner. Changing out pads often is also a good idea-- leaving a pad on too long can cause serious irritation to the skin on and around the vagina like diaper rash! So keep the diaper rash at bay, and change your pad throughout the day.

Avoid sprays and scented soaps:-
Actually, try and avoid soaps "down there" as much as possible. They can get caught in the crevices of the vagina and fester. And you have an infection of the vagina in no time at all. Sprays and scented soaps, though, are more damaging, as they are designed to leave a bit behind-- the scent, and you don't want anything left on the skin of your vagina at all. Soaps and bubble baths can also worsen vaginal dryness.

Visit your gynecologist regularly:-
Only your doctor can accurately diagnose any problems you may be having. If you do suspect anything at all, call and make an appointment as soon as you can.

Rinse Well:-
While showering or taking a bath, rinse your vagina with lots of water, especially if you use soap. Rinsing will help remove any "build-up, discharge, etc" It will also give you that fresh scent, but if you have extra discharge or build-up, like the above step says see your gynecologist.

TIPS

Keep a mature mind when following the above steps. Keeping a healthy vagina is part of a regular hygiene regimen.‌

If you suffer from vaginal dryness, you can use over-the-counter moisturizers and lubricants to make intercourse more comfortable.

If you think you have a yeast infection, consult your doctor first before initiating self-treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several conditions, some of them serious, with similar symptoms. Over-the-counter treatments usually work against yeast but won't treat similar vaginal problems that are commonly mistaken for yeast infections like vaginitis, chlamydia and and trichomoniasis.

Getting an STD test both you and your partner(s) is a great way to know for sure if you have anything. Don't be chicken, your health depends on it.

WARNINGS

If you do contract an STD, deal with it as soon as possible. STDs that are not dealt with can cause serious problems down the road.

If you experience irregular vaginal bleeding -- small amounts of blood between periods, bleeding for weeks at a time or soaking a maxi-pad an hour over the course of several hours -- see your doctor. You could be suffering from a number of diseases or conditions.

If you have problems with persistent vaginal odor (especially a "fishy" smell), consult your doctor. It could be vaginitis.


culled from www.wikihow.com