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What is a Menstrual Cycle - or Period?
What is a Menstrual Cycle - or Period?
A Menstrual Cycle can also be known as a "Period", "Mother Nature", "Aunt Flow", all of which refers to the bleeding caused by cramping of the uterus through the vaginal opening for 5-7 days. This cycle happens once a month (or 26-36 days) after their first cycle begins. The Menstrual Cycle can happen as early as 7-8 years of age, the average beginning at age 10-13 years of age. However, if your Menstrual Cycle has not shown up by around the age of 15, make sure to check with your doctor to see if you need any extra medical care from an OBGYN or other Medical Professionals. This is the number one reason why discussing Menstrual Cycles at a young age with both young girls and young boys. It's important for us to do a service to our next generational by not hiding the reality of human anatomy. Teaching about menstration and the menopausal process to all young people is important for us to understand the proper ways of having public conversations about menstrual cycles. We say that teaching your child about autonomy, body part identification, and menstrual cycle knowlegde is important starting around ages 5&6. Children know more than you think and it's our job to give them the tools not to get in danger. While it will never be most children, there will always be some who start their menstrual cycles really early (like 7-8 yrs).
*We also want to mention how abortion laws have been protecting abusers and rapists who are close to young victims, by not allowing for abortions, increasing complications to childhood pregnancy, and traumatizing young children.*
Menstrual Cycles can cause unnecessary pain via cramping, headaches & migraines, nausea, bowel issues, and cyst & scare tissue formation with conditions like Endometriosis and Poly-Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). When we discuss time off from work, and making equal environments we often discount the menstrual cycles that people experience that may cause them to be unable to work the same.
People who experience menstrual cycles are often referred to as women, but it is also important for us to discuss the trans-men and nonbinary people in the menstruating group. Not everyone wants to be referring to their menstrual cycle as something that is specifically feminine, while others may attach womanhood with their menstrual cycle. All of those identities and feelings are positive, but we have to make room for all of them to exist together.
It's also very important to think about the burden of purchasing menstrual products to manage periods symptoms such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, reusable pads, etc. There are companies that have worked to remove harmful carcinogens such as chlorine, bleach, and the reduction of single use plastics. These menstrual products can also cause toxic shock if there is over exposure to the components of the products. Make sure to research the kind of products you plan to use to an extent. The PINK TAX is real and you can try to avoid it by buying straight from the website, but we all know that getting things off the shelf can be necessary. The purchasing of menstrual products can be very hard on the individuals who have low income, and they are often the least donated item. If you can please take time to donate menstrual products to those in need that can be awesome, but you can also leave them new products in public bathrooms so that someone else can pick them up when needed. If you attend a university or school see if you can get students together to pass a Menstrual Cycle or Period Bill to provide free resources to those in need on campus. Many schools have been recently adopting this practice, for the overwhelming affect it has on the pockets of college and highschool students.
Click on "Menstrual Products" to Learn more with Period Nirvana, a great educational website with hundreds of reviews on different period products for different body types.
Here is an Arts and Crafts Representation of Different types of flow when on and off your menstrual cycle:
Here is an Arts and Crafts Representation of Different types of flow when on and off your menstrual cycle:
(This is a representation of every 2-6 hours of wear.)
Spotting
Often occurs and the very beginning and very end of a menstrual cycle, but can also occur during and after certain sex acts.
Light Flow
Often occurs when you are almost finsihed with a menstrual cycle or sometimes when one has just began. If your pad has this amount or more blood, you may choose to dispose of it for a new one.
Mid-Heavy Flow
Often occurs at the peak of the menstrual cycle on days 1-3. Some people may choose to us multiple period products at the same time with a heavier flow. (dependent on exercise& health.)
Heavy Flow
Often occurs at the very peak of the menstrual cycle or once a pad has been worn for a longer period of time. If you feel bleeding is excessive see a Medical Doctor or consult the Emergency Room.
Why do I to Track my Menstrual Cycle?
Why do I to Track my Menstrual Cycle?
We reccomend not using Apps or online data versions of a cycle due to the oversharing of personal data that can be used to criminalize assumed actions by AFAB individuals. We want to make sure that we are taking our cycle seriously, and think about how our emotions and physical body change throughout said cycle.
Most AFAB bodies work on a 26-32 day (average 28 days) timeline for regulated menstrual cycles, menstraution lasting 5-9 days (average 7). However it is very common that stress, physical activity, or eating habits, can influence the regulation of this cycle. Making sure that you keep track of menstrual cycles and sexual activity are going to be the most beneficial for predicting pregnancy or predicting your next cycle.
Best practices are to have a place in a journal, calendar, or reminders area, to write down any similarities and differences between cycles as well as when they occur and for how long.
Some AFAB bodies never experience a period, which should be looked into by medical professionals. While many AFAB people experience life with a Vagina, not all experience life with a typical menstrual cycle.
What to expect from your Menstural Cycle?
What to expect from your Menstural Cycle?
Many people will tell you to expect pain, cramping, headaches, acne, etc. But the most important thing to monitor is how these symptoms flow together. Not all 'period' symptoms are going to be related only to your period or menstrual cycle, monitoring that slope can give you a better idea of your cycle.
It's important that severe pain is taken seriously by doctors and OBGYNs. If you feel that the pain you are feeling could be caused by PCOS, Endometriosis, or other problems relating to ovary health, make sure to talk to your doctor.
What does it mean if I am bleeding off my Cycle?
What does it mean if I am bleeding off my Cycle?
Spotting can be normal when entering or exiting a menstrual cycle. However when unexpected it can be startling, so its important to write down when these types of things occur to decide if its happening regularly. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding unexpectedly you should seek emergency medical help just to make sure everything is okay.
If you have participated in any sexual activity that included that use of your vaginal openning, this can also be a source for minimal to moderate bleeding. In this case if you feel too much discomfort you should seek emergency medical services, as sexual injuries are very common. These injuries need to be seen by professionals to be treated correctly and avoid infection.
What is Birth Control or Contraceptives?
What is Birth Control or Contraceptives?
Contraceptives come in many forms. Planned Parenthood is the expert when it comes to contraceptives and prenatal care so we recomend when checking out specific types of birth control that you use these websites for research:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
They have a great selection of reasons to use or be on birth control- because not all reasons are sexual in nature. While keeping as many options open for patients as possible.
How do I choose the correct Menstrual Products for me?
How do I choose the correct Menstrual Products for me?
PERIOD NIRVANA is a website designed to help you choose the best period and menstrual products out there for you. They have reviews and guides on how to use and choose each option. We really reccomend trying to find a Chlorine and Bleach Free product that is body safe- surprisingly not all of them are. If you are having trouble accessing period care reach out to these resources: GO Aunt Flow & Free the Tampon or Ask Us for Support!
Who can get a Period and why is it important for us to discuss how Trans Men have periods?
Who can get a Period and why is it important for us to discuss how Trans Men have periods?
It is important who, and how people can get a menstrual cycle because of the overwhelming inequality in access. While trans men would prefer, and need to use the restroom that they feel most comfortable in, sometimes men's bathrooms are not equipped with the same kinds of sanitary waste options that are in women's restrooms. This is important when it comes to destigmatizing and normalizing the conversations around menstrual cycles and even pregnancy. It's okay to think this is something that you don't experience and therefore seems like a small issue, but menstrual cycle stigmatization is a war on current and previously idenitified female bodies.
Eco-Friendly Options to Menstraul Cycles Products?
Eco-Friendly Options to Menstraul Cycles Products?
AUGUST PERIOD CO. - Compostable wrapping, natural cotton, woman-owned, disposable.
Glad Rags- Reusable cotton pads in all shapes from thong to overnight pad sizing. Many people like these but they can be a investment.
'De-Sexualizing, Sex' Why we should understand our body's history and prioritize enthusiastic consent:
'De-Sexualizing, Sex' Why we should understand our body's history and prioritize enthusiastic consent:
We hope that we can foster a conversation where the act of sex itself is not sexualized. It is vital that we are able to come together as a species, across both sexes, to understand that sexual activity has historically not always been pleasurable for everyone involved, and the force of birthing and sex on females, has created a generational shift in how one may view sexual activity. When coming at these conversations from a scientific perspective, we have to remain aware that these are functions of our bodies, and for some the lack of function or ability is really difficult to manage. The more we have educated conversations on these topics, the less scared or stigmatizing it will be to experience them. We all have these bodies, yet we still want to live in a world where we pretend we don't know. There is nothing that should be forcibly hidden from the rest of the world, especially if it is about the state of our bodies or lives, we are here on Earth to wittness one another. We should curate a society where there is no justification for unconsensual actions that comes from ever mistaking another human's state of being as 'promiscuity', for that is a grave dishonor to our own species. Promiscuity itself, is a word that should have never needed to exist, only used to describe a women's presentation from a horrendous man's perspective.
Another example, being able to discuss an orgasm and how they can occur for/in different bodies, without sexualizing the conversation, is imperative for us to have a framework and move through discussing the ways pleasure can occur with another person, without creating unnecessary pressure or being uneducated about potential needs.
There are many groups of people who do not experience, or define, sexual pleasure in the ways typical society may; and beyond their ability for such, they carry entire lives with them still. We often forget about people's traumas (old or new), and that emotional, physical, or mental these traumas stay with us, changing in the soft ways they might, but they never go away. We have to keep in mind that outside of ability or want, all bodies experience orgasm and pleasure differently in the physical form. This along, with the complexity of different genitalia potentially needing different stimulation to achieve pleasure, can influence the series of actions so that sexual acts are only pleasurable for one person at a time.
From a neurological perspective, we have to keep in mind that sexual pleasure and sexual desires have always lived in the part of the brain responsible for fight or flight, and our adrenaline centers, which means for those who've experienced a lot of their life in severe fight or flight, sexual activities may be a different experience. It is often that people experience intense emotional releases when they experience sexual pleasure, which is something that we as a society should be foster more in conversation.
Many groups of people experience their pleasure in different ways depending on how sexual activities have occured in their lives, and how it affects them. We know that 1 in 6 women have been assaulted, so we understand that there may be direct trauma associated with the act of sex, and sexual pleasure. The act of sexual reproduction for the intention of birth can also bring it's own from of trauma for many people. Experiencing a misscarriage or loss of a child, is a life-changing experience, one that may temporarily or long-term affect the people who are in that relationship. For parents going through infertility, the act of sexual activity can become associated with negative emotions rather than positive ones. That does not mean that sexual activity isn't pleasurable for people in this situation, but that the pleasure is not being done for the act of pleasure, but to lead to a child.
Pain and Discomfort during sex can be normal, but its important that we listen to anything our bodies are trying to tell us. We should never be feeling as though sex has-to be painful, or that it should be painful. There are many things that sexual partners should be prioritizing to make sure that sex is pleasurable and not painful. It's important that we increase health awareness around the topics of sex, because sexual partners are sharing fluids and bodily contact, which can permanently affect one's health. Being aware of all the health positives and awareness of potential negatives, is what allows for a person to make an informed decision, which is required for proper Consent.
Below we have linked the resources that seem to provide the best information on these topics.
Talking to your Partner(s) and Doctors:
Talking to your Partner(s) and Doctors:
Talking to our partners about the type of sex we are having should not be scary or stigmatized. If you are feeling uncomfortable or unable to talk to your partner about sex, it may be time to think about the status of the relationship as abusive, manipulative, etc. Talking about sex with our doctors should also not carry stigmatization, but we know that many AFAB people are sexualized by their own male physicians, even though, it should be a professional and caring conversation. We hope that by talking about the problems, we can actively help people avoid inappropriate behavior, know how to advocate for themselves and others, and find better providers.
When it comes to having the conversations, often our positive and professional health providers wan to do everything they can to help us have a better quality of life, which includes sex! We have to find the honesty and respect for ourselves to have productive conversations with our physicians so that we recieve the best care possible. Often people find themselves unsure if they can ask the weirder questions or even bring up discomfort to their providers at all, but we are here to say that is not true. All people should be empowered to ask their physicians about any and every medical concern they may have. Planned Parenthood can be a really good resources for people who would rather talk to people who see these things more regularly, but every physician should be able to help with concerns around genitalia and sexual discomfort or dysfunction.
There is always more research being done!
There is always more research being done!
If you would like to help us write about commonly silenced areas or personal experiences you may have with these topics, contact us at thisisactivism2023@gmail.com or fill out our Comments page. We want our website to be a continuous growth of knowledge to share with each other in a positive way. There are so many things we don't talk about and we should!
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