It is the 21st century, but discussions about menstruation are still produced behind closed doors. Many women and girls feel uncomfortable discussing their related periods or problems due to the generalized culture of shame surrounding this natural process.
Many women experience menstrual pain, with at least 70 to 80 percent that reports painful periods. For some, pain can become so severe that it leads to fainting spells or requires hospitalization during its menstrual cycle.
Menstrual cramps are a normal part of being a woman. While a certain discomfort is common, severe pain, known as dysmenorrhea, can significantly interrupt daily activities.
The UNICEF social behavior specialist, Mrs. Adersonke Akinola-Akinwole, spoke in a media dialogue organized by the Ministry of Information and Orientation of the State of Oyo in collaboration with UNICEF in the Secretariat of the Government of the State of Oyo, said the veil of the false modesty of several cultures has resulted in numerous erroneous concepts and myths to which it is a monthly. Particularly the pain and pain of critures, in particular and crumstrual presents in crumdingal present in the crumlatrual presented in the crumstrual presented in the concessions and misters arrests of Mentrations, particularly with respect to the critures.
Common myths and erroneous concepts about menstruation include beliefs that menstruation is dirty and makes a person unclean; That once a girl begins to menstruate, she is ready for marriage; And that food prepared by a woman during her menstruation is not tasty.
Some believe that bathing during menstruation can cause infertility in women, and that a woman who is menstruating should not go to the farm because she can affect the growth of plants.
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In addition, in many cultures, prevailing myths on menstrual cramps include beliefs that menstrual cramps are simply a normal aspect of being a woman, that cramps are caused only by uterine contractions, that taking analgesics can lead to infertility and that cold food or drinks exact the cramps.
The certain discomfort is common, but severe pain, known as dysmenorrhea, is accompanied by significant emotional and physical anguish. Prostaglandins, substances similar to hormones that induce contractions in the uterus, are a main trigger for cramps.
Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, a health specialist at the Unicef ​​Lagos field office, declared that pain and menstrual cramps are the most important problems related to adolescents by discussing menstruation. Some people reported that the pain was so severe that strong analgesics required, while others mentioned being admitted to the hospital to receive their pain.
“You cannot predict how your body will react during your menstrual period. Some women experience it easily, while others find it more challenging, just like childbirth. Some women go through childbirth without making a sound, while others support significant pain. In addition, people have variable pain thresholds,” he added.
However, Dr. Agbo declared that taking analgesics can help relieve menstrual cramps, but will not cause infertility in the future.
She declared: “Before prescribing analgesics, we generally recommend natural methods, such as applying a heating pad, using a hot water bottle or taking a warm bath. Staying hydrated drinking a lot of water and guaranteeing adequate relaxation can also help reduce menstrual pain.
“For analgesics, it is recommended to take a dose and then, after eight hours, take another dose. However, if the pain is still unbearable or reaches a point where the medicine is not relieved, it is advisable to see a doctor after three days.
Dr. Agbo declared that these analgesics should be taken with food to prevent complications such as peptic ulcers, but do not cause infertility.
Infertility in women can be attributed to several factors, including infections resulting from inadequate menstrual hygiene. “Infections can lead to the blockade of fallopian tubes, which in turn can cause infertility, he added.
In addition, Professor Imran Morhason-Bello, an obstetrician consultant and gynecologist at the University of Ibadan, declared: “I am not aware of any medication that we prescribe for women with menstrual cramps that could lead to infertility later in life.”
He said that menstrual pain can be classified into two types. The first type occurs when the pain begins but disappears immediately after menstruation begins. In the second type, the pain intensifies as menstruation begins.
Morhason-Bello added: “In most cases, as individuals begin to menstruate, pain often becomes more severe due to secondary causes such as fibromas and endometriosis. Many people who experience menstrual pain may have endometriosis without realizing it.
“If endometriosis is extensive, it can lead to infertility alone. It triggers a significant inflammatory response, and if not, it can cause blockages in fallopian tubes. In addition, sometimes it can also affect ovulation.”
Therefore, it is important to separate the facts from fiction with respect to menstrual cramps and seek medical advice if you experience severe pain or have concerns about your menstrual cycle.