One of the questions found on internet search engines is “how do I tell my partner that I have my period?”, a situation that should not be difficult to explain, since it is a physiological, natural and gynecological health process.
This type of search makes us realize that there is a growing need to address and be more open about what happens in a woman’s body during the period to express needs and experiences.
Therefore, if you as a family member, friend or partner begin to talk, inform yourself and learn about the subject, you will be generating a better communication link with her and you will contribute to eliminate the taboos that until now they exist on something natural.
Alejandra Contreras, a gynecologist from Saba, spoke with life and style about menstruation, how men can understand her through simpler language and how they can support.
“Speaking without taboos and without any type of brake on menstruation should be the ideal. Even educate children and let them know from a young age that women need to use special products for these days because each month they will have a blood loss, and that will make these moments more friendly for women, “says the doctor.
What is menstruation?
But to understand the subject from the beginning, it should be known that menstruation is the detachment of the internal part of the uterus, called the endometrium, which is responsible for being stimulated thanks to the function of the hormones of the ovaries.
The endometrium thickens so that a pregnancy can be implanted there, and if this does not happen, it sheds and bleeding occurs, so menstruation is bleeding and endometrial tissue.
In each cycle between 80 and 100 milliliters are lost and the average menstrual period is 28 to 30 days.
Why do hormonal changes occur?
“Close to the first day of bleeding there is a very important increase in a hormone called progesterone, and it is what causes many physical changes, that the breasts hurt, we feel more tired, pelvic pain and headaches, and this is because the uterus begins to contract to be able to detach the endometrium and it can come out through menstruation. This function is normal”, comments Alejandra Contreras.
Now that we understand in clear language what menstruation is and how hormonal changes occur, now let’s talk about the relationship as a couple during this process.
“Sexual relations during menstruation are allowed, you just have to take into account that you must have better hygiene due to shedding of blood, zone V is very sensitive during this period and that due to bleeding it makes it more susceptible to infections.”
In the period of menstruation there is a probability of pregnancy although it is much lowerabout 5 percent.
As a couple, you can include yourself in her routine during the days of her period to the extent that both of you decide. An important part for normalize talking about menstruation is to incorporate activities or tasks that have to do with her, such as offering to help buy menstrual management products at a time when she is busy to do so or to understand what happens when she feels physical discomfort such as cramps due to her period. That way you will be more familiar with her needs during those days.
The main recommendation is to understand why this process happens
“The main recommendation is to understand why this process happens, and understanding it to know that all this cocktail and ups and downs of hormones also causes women to have changes in basal temperature. What we need is to feel calmer and more comfortable”, says the Saba gynecologist.
“Accidents at night can happen and it is important to involve men and make them understand that these are things that can happen. We need your empathy and understanding about the circumstances and hormonal factors that determine that we have certain behaviors or discomforts”.
Another way to support is through agreements. For example, maybe one day on your period you want to stay home resting, another day you want to have sex, and the next day you don’t. None of these scenarios should be a problem, since you can propose different and convenient plans for both parties.
She doesn’t need to be on her period or wait another month to talk about menstruation.. There are many circumstances that lend themselves to this, including when you hear colleagues or friends make inappropriate jokes or comments on the subject, for example “she’s sure in her day”, trying to justify a woman’s behavior.
These episodes are an opportunity to confront those who make these types of negative references in order to make this conversation more and more frequent and eradicate taboos from our hands through knowledge.
“From a young age, at school and at home, it is necessary to educate them and explain to them that the woman’s body has a different function than that of the man, which is a reproductive, menstrual and hormonal function.”
“Adolescents and adults could even carry a towel with them in case a colleague needs it at some point. It would be incredible if men in general could offer this type of help to a woman in case she needs it, ”adds Alejandra Contreras.
Another important recommendation made by Saba’s gynecologist is talk about it without fear and call things as they are, from the anatomy of women as well as the physiological process.
“Menstruating women are gynecologically healthy. Menstruation is a normal physiological process and of which we should not be ashamed”, he concludes.
Talking about menstruation has gradually ceased to be a taboo. By understanding this process and treating the subject without euphemisms, you can help your family member, friend or girlfriend feel more confident and comfortable with her body, and at the same time open communication.