Rafiki Network Reproductive Health Program

Menstruation

Menstruation and period have the same meaning. Only girls or women menstruate, but both boys and girls need to be understanding and supportive of menstruation.

When it comes to menstruation, blood and tissue from the uterus comes out from the vagina, and it can hurt. The uterus has 3 layers, and the endometrium is the innermost lining layer of the uterus. The endometrium is responsible for menstruation, and it is a bed for a baby. If the woman doesn’t get pregnant, the endometrium slides out, and that is the bloody material of menstruation.

Menstruation is a very important process for us. By menstruation, we are preparing our bodies for pregnancy. Menstruation comes about every month (28 days), but it is often different for everyone. The first period comes around 12-13 years old, but girls can start their period as young as 9, or as late as 16. However, it is still very risky to become pregnant before 18 years old. Women usually have their periods until about 45 to 55 years old.

Menarche means the first period.

Menopause means that periods have stopped.

In menstruation, bleeding typically lasts around 4 to 5 days. Of course, we all have different bodies, and our bodies have different cycles that can be longer or shorter. In these cycles, some women have heavy periods with a lot of menstrual blood and some women have light periods with less menstrual blood. All these differences are normal and unique to each of us.

There are many kinds of menstrual sanitary products such as pads, cups and tampons. If girls and women use these products, we can keep our favorite skirt or pants from getting messy with menstrual blood. Please remember that having your period might be a little troublesome, but it is a very important part of being a woman. All women experience it, and it is very normal.