May 28 marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a day that aims to educate girls and women on menstrual hygiene and their periods.<\/p>\n
Getting your first period as a young girl is one of those monumental moments.<\/p>
Your body goes through many changes, and this can sometimes be a little scary.<\/p>\n
This is why Kotex\u00ae believes that it is so important to educate girls and women on their menstrual cycle.<\/p>
\u201cKotex\u00ae is a brand that has been around for over 90 years and has always aimed to be there as a support for women during their period,\u201d said Shirley Nhlengethwa, senior brand manager at Kotex\u00ae.<\/p>\n
Kotex\u00ae together with their expert, midwife and heath educator Sister Burgie Ireland, have put together a guide on menstrual hygiene and management with some frequently asked questions.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany girls are embarrassed or scared to ask the questions they want to ask.<\/p>\n
Kotex\u00ae has made a \u201cWhat girls are asking\u201d tab on their website (www.kotex.co.za<\/a>) where girls can submit their questions and I answer them,\u201d said Ireland.<\/p>\n Below are some of the frequently asked questions and answers that the girls have sent through:<\/p>\n Where does period blood come from?<\/strong> How much blood do I lose during my period?<\/strong> Why does my period not come on the same date every month? Should I be worried?<\/strong> What causes period pains?<\/strong> Why do pads and tampons need to be changed regularly during your period?<\/strong> How should I wash my vagina? Should I use soap or a douching solution?<\/strong> I have vaginal discharge, is there something wrong?<\/strong> Will I lose my virginity if I wear a tampon?<\/strong> \u201cTalking about your period is very uncomfortable for some girls and women, but it\u2019s important that you do.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to continue to make women feel confident and supported her during this time of the month, not only by proving the best leakage protection products with our wide range of pads, panty liners and tampons, but by being seen as the brand that women can talk to and ask the questions that they need to ask,\u201d said Nhlengethwa.<\/p>\n So, on May 28 let\u2019s celebrate World Menstrual Hygiene Day by starting the conversation and to use this day as a platform to ask the questions that need to be asked.<\/p>\n For more information on Menstrual Hygiene visit www.kotex.co.za<\/a> or follow Kotex on Facebook (www.facebook.com\/KotexSouthAfrica)<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>, Leigh Hodgson (journalist)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or Puleng Sekabate\u00a0<\/span>pulengs@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nPeriod blood comes from the lining of the womb called the endometrium. This blood is not dirty, smelly or bad blood that girls or women should be made to feel ashamed of. Period blood is all part of the menstrual cycle.<\/p>\n
\nOn average a woman loses three to five tablespoons of blood and tissue during her period. This varies from 75ml\u2019s (quarter of a cup) to 125ml\u2019s (half a cup) at the very most.<\/p>\n
\nNo, there is no need to worry! It is normal for periods not to come on the same date every month. This is because periods come in cycles rather than in months. A cycle is calculated from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. A cycle is usually about 28 days, but because the menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, emotions, diet, health and lifestyle, they can be shorter (21 days) or longer (occasionally up to 90 days). Depending on when a girl\/woman ovulates (releases her egg) her periods can come earlier or later than expected.<\/p>\n
\nPeriod pain is mostly caused by the womb contracting or \u2018squeezing\u2019. Because the womb is a hollow muscular organ \u2013 about the size of a clenched fist \u2013 it needs to do this to break down the inner lining called the endometrium so that it can be shed through the vagina. A hormone called prostaglandin helps the womb to contract. Too much prostaglandin can cause stronger contractions, and this contributes to period pain. Pain killers for period pain help by blocking unnecessary prostaglandin.<\/p>\n
\nBacteria thrives in the dark, warm and moist environment and this is why pads and tampons should be changed at least every four hours. When these are not changed often enough, bacteria builds up causing a bad odour, discomfort and skin irritations. Women are also advised against using vaginal sprays and deodorants because these can also cause skin irritations.<\/p>\n
\nThe vagina is \u2018self-cleaning\u2019 and has a natural smell that is normal. Douching, washing the vagina with a chemical mixture from a plastic bag and nozzle, is no longer recommended because it interferes with the normal flora of the vagina that keep it slightly acidic and healthy. The outer labia and pubic hair can be washed with a mild soap.<\/p>\n
\nA vaginal \u2018wetness\u2019 is normal at the time of ovulation (mid-cycle when the egg\/ova is released). This clear, slippery mucous does not smell, itch or burn and it only lasts for a few days. Kotex\u00ae panty-liners are ideal to wear during this time to make you feel dry and comfortable.
\nA discharge that has an offensive (bad) smell, itches or burns, is white, frothy, yellow or green is an infection that must be treated.<\/p>\n
\nNo, tampons do not break virginity. Having vaginal sex breaks virginity. Tampons are essential for girls who do sports like swimming, skiing, surfing, dancing and gymnastics.<\/p>\n