Sexual Health

5. Emotions and Body

5.6. Menstruation

Young girls often start their menstruation cycle between the ages of 9-16, but for most girls, it starts when they are around 12-14 years old. If they have not yet started their period by the time they reach 16-17, you should seek medical help.

Women have their menstruation or their period once a month. A menstruation cycle usually lasts about 28 days, but this can vary a lot from person to person. A cycle starts on the day when bleeding starts and lasts until the day before the next bleeding. In the middle of the period (28 days), ovulation happens. The egg wanders slowly from the fallopian tube to the uterus and leaves the body with menstruation blood, if you are not pregnant. The breasts often feel tender after ovulation. Stress and mental strain can cause a change in the menstruation cycle. 

Menstruation blood consists of blood, eggs and mucous from the uterus. The menstruation itself lasts for 3 to 7 days. The blood will change in colour and consistency during the period. It starts off light red and will become a darker red by the end of the period. The blood may have lumps. About 20 to 80 ml of blood is lost (40 ml is average). If you do not start to bleed at the usual time, you should see a doctor. 

To protect your clothes, sanitary pads/ panty liners, tampons or a menstrual cup can be used. A tampon works by sucking up blood in the vagina. Sanitary pads/ panty liners are secured in the underwear and will soak up the blood as it leaves the body. Menstruation pains will occur as the uterus contracts. If your child experiences a lot of pain or bleed profusely, they should consult a doctor. There are pills/ capsules to be taken for the pain and/ or to reduce bleeding.

Woman may also get pills to eliminate their menstruation for shorter or more extended periods. Many individuals with ID make use of this. Most of them are not going to have children and many of them find it difficult to keep themselves clean during the menstruation period. There is no danger connected to having sex during menstruation, but you are advised to use a condom as there is a higher risk of infection. The doctor may also give your daughter pills in order for her to not have a menstruation period.

Woman with ID and women within the autism spectrum may be shocked if they are not prepared and see blood in their panties. Many of them will find it troublesome to use sanitary pads/ panty liners. It is therefore important to start training early on. You can begin with touching panty liners, attaching it to the underwear and then swap it for a new one. It is a good idea to start this when the child is about 8-10 years old. 

Girls may produce vaginal discharge, and it can be smart to wear pantyliners, as well as changing panties daily. The use of pantyliners can be a good preparation and habituation to wearing sanitary towels. Purchase different types of pantyliners and sanitary towels, take them out and look at them multiple times. Try wearing them in the panties for short periods and practice wrapping them up and disposing of them in a suitable place. Make strategies for what the girl is to do if menstruation starts while she is at school or while being busy participating in a leisure activity.

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·Find out what challenges your child experience with their menstruation



Flower III

Photo: G.H. Lunde