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menstruation questionnaire response 41 |
how old were you when you first got your period, what was it like, and what did you know about what to expect?
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11. I'd felt quite ill the previous day, and I had some very mild cramps. I vaguely knew the symptoms but didn't recognise it for what it was.
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how did you feel about it, and who did you tell about it?
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My mother had already told me about it and what to expect. It was a bit scary when it actually happened because it was so new and strange. It took me a few months to get used to the idea. I told my mum who gave me a pad. She also told my dad, and her parents. I was so angry about that.
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what menstrual product did you start with? how did you learn about it?
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pads. it was pretty much self-explanatory. mum gave me some when i got my first period.
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are you still using the same method to deal with the blood; what methods have you tried; which do you prefer and why?
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mostly I prefer to use pads, because I don't really like tampons - they feel uncomfortable to me.
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do you experience cramps, bloating, soar breasts, get pimples...? - if you do, tell us about it, and also, what remedies do you use?
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I only really get terrible cramps about three or four times a year. When I do I take strong painkillers. I get cramps on the first and third day. I also get terrible bloating the week before my period.
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do you feel emotional changes relating to where you are in your menstrual cycle?
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the week prior to my period I might be a little more emotional, but never bitchy or angry, generally more prone to being upset.
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how do the men in your life relate to your period, or periods in general?
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i generally try to be incredibly discreet about it. my gay best friend knows all about it because he's very curious, but apart from him, most men are incredibly embarrassed about the idea of it. It really angers me that a lot of men will openly say "stop being bitchy because it's rag week". I'm bitchy the whole month round!
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this conversation makes me think....
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that I wish more women were more open about it, so there was less of a stigma and less myths surrounding it.
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