Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Menstrual Health

• Menstrual Cycle: The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can vary from 21 to 35 days. It consists of three phases: follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.
• Menstruation: The shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in bleeding. Average blood loss is 30-40 mL per cycle.
• Menstrual Hygiene: Proper hygiene practices, such as using sanitary products and washing hands, are essential to prevent infections.
• Menstrual Disorders: Common disorders include:
  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)
  • Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding)
  • Amenorrhea (absent periods)
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Reproductive Health

• Reproductive System: The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
• Contraception: Methods include:
  • Hormonal (e.g., birth control pills, patches)
  • Barrier (e.g., condoms, diaphragms)
  • Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
  • Sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Common STIs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Symptoms may not always be present, so regular testing is crucial.
• Cervical Cancer Screening: Regular Pap smears are recommended to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix.
• Breast Health: Regular breast self-examinations and mammograms can help detect breast cancer early on.

Menstrual Health

• A typical menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but can range from 21 to 35 days, and consists of three phases: follicular, ovulatory, and luteal.
• Menstruation involves the shedding of the uterine lining, resulting in bleeding, with an average blood loss of 30-40 mL per cycle.
• Practicing proper menstrual hygiene, including using sanitary products and washing hands, is crucial to prevent infections.

Menstrual Disorders

• Dysmenorrhea is characterized by painful periods.
• Menorrhagia is defined as heavy bleeding during menstruation.
• Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation, and can be caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalances or certain medications.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a condition characterized by physical and emotional symptoms that occur before menstruation.

Reproductive Health

• The female reproductive system consists of the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina.
• Contraception methods include hormonal (e.g., birth control pills, patches), barrier (e.g., condoms, diaphragms), intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization (e.g., tubal ligation).
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and may not always exhibit symptoms, making regular testing essential.
• Regular cervical cancer screening through Pap smears is recommended to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix.
• Practicing breast self-examination and undergoing regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early on.

Understand the menstrual cycle, menstruation, menstrual hygiene practices, and common menstrual disorders. Learn how to maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections.