When I told my mother I was menstruating, she was ecstatic. "You are now a woman; if you even touch a man, you will be pregnant," she stated emphatically. She never mentioned, however, that there would be days when this visitor would come and do a full day's worth of activities with severe pains like delivering a child.
She laments that the ongoing ASUU strike has drastically reduced the pain because school stress has diminished.
Similarly, Bisi from UNIBEN said, "I feel much more relieved because of the strike. I am used to taking pills to manage the pain, and that will continue when school resumes because of the stress."
Also, Amina, from Sokoto Polytechnic who is currently on session, added, "I am currently menstruating, and the pain is so much. I just have to manage."
After speaking to these ladies and understanding the monthly pains they might be going through, I thought to share a few pointers that would help you deal with the cramps.
Ways to Manage the Pain
Sugar consumption should be reduced.
In my menstrual journey, I've discovered that carbonated drinks and other sugary elements make my periods unbearable. Sugar should be avoided as much as possible. It usually makes the pains worse. During our monthly cycle, we may have a craving for these sweets. However, its proportion should be kept to a bare minimum. Also, excess sugar consumption destroys your skin and makes it sag, according to a study published in Clinics in Dermatology.
According to another study, one of the benefits of strenuous exercise, which causes your heart to beat quicker, is that it helps alleviate aches associated with the menstrual cycle. Such exercise releases endorphins, which help to relieve period cramps.
Drink plenty of water
Water is a good lubricant for uterine contractions and can help relieve cramps. During menstruation, drinking at least 6–10 glasses of water can help relieve cramps and unusual bloating.
Limit your physical activities
Your menstrual cycle may become irregular if you are working on a physically burdensome task. This may increase the pressure on the tissue that has been released from your body. Please seek assistance if you need to engage in such activities. This could lessen the severity of menstrual cramps. If you need to attend classes take pills recommended by your doctor.
Massage with hot water
The pains experienced during this period can be reduced by gently massaging a towel dipped in heated water. It lightens unhealthy tissues from the abdominal region. This has worked for some of my friends.
Takeaway
Shave the public area
There has been a lot of news recently suggesting that shaving isn't a good idea. We may sweat more as we grow more hair than usual, especially in our vagina area. This sweat can have an unpleasant odor and cause itchy skin. It can irritate the skin and cause infections. My recommendation is to avoid using razor in that sensitive area.
Menstrual flow occurs in the majority of women as a natural way for the body to prepare for pregnancy. While some people may prefer other options, such as taking menstrual pills to relieve pain, others may choose one or both of the above. It's worth noting, however, that irregularities in your flow may occur from time to time. Please seek the advice of a medical expert in such cases.
