MENSTRUAL

HEALTH
 CONTENTS
Anatomy and physiology of female
reproductive system

Menstrual cycle

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Challenges

Taboos and myths

Use of Sanitary Napkins and other

alternatives
 Anatomy and physiology
of Female Reproductive System
Womb
(Uterus)
Organ where the baby Fallopian
grows tube
Transport of egg from
ovary to uterus

Uterus lining
Sheds during Ovary
Releases egg which
menstruation
combines with sperm to
create foetus

Vagina Cervix
Passage for childbirth Passage for childbirth
WHAT IS MENSTRUATION?

IT IS A
NATURAL
PROCESS OF
OUR BODY!
 Menstruation
Menstruation means having your period that is when blood and tissue from
your uterus comes out of your vagina. It usually happens every month.
 Menstrual Cycle
Hormones make your ovaries release eggs every
month. They also make the lining of your uterus thick
and spongy.

If your egg combines with If pregnancy doesn't

a sperm cell, it leads to happen, your body doesn't
pregnancy. need the thick lining in
your uterus.

The lining of uterus is Your lining breaks down

made of blood and tissue and the blood and tissue
and helps to maintain the flow out of your body
pregnancy. through your vagina which
is called having your
period.
Menstrual Cycle
 Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to emotional and physical symptoms that regularly occur
in the one to two weeks before the start of each menstrual period. Symptoms resolve around
the time menstrual bleeding begins. Different women experience different symptoms.
 Challenges related to
menstruation

● Pre-menstrual syndrome
● Severe cramps
● Heavy bleeding
● Absent period
● Irregular periods
● Mood changes and depression
● Lack of information on menstrual health
● Embarrassment and anxiety
● Cultural taboos and myths
MENSTRUAL
HYGIENE
● Change your pad every four hours
● Clean reusable pads properly
● Never use two pads simultaneously
● Wear comfortable, clean underwear
● Keep your vaginal area clean
 “Menstruation is just a way of
your body letting go of something
that is no longer needed”
TABOOS AND MYTHS
● Women shed impure blood
during periods.

● You cannot exercise while you

are on your period.

● You shouldn’t wash your hair

during your period.

● Prohibitions on attending
religious ceremonies, visiting
religious spaces, handling food or
sleeping in the home.
HOW TO USE A SANITARY
NAPKIN?

STEP-1 STEP-2 STEP-3

3.Press the pad into the
1. Make sure you're using the 2.Remove the paper strip on
right pad. the back of the pad. middle of your underwear,
making sure it is centered,
and the glue is stuck firmly to
the fabric
STEP-4
Stand up, pull up your pants,
and check the fit

STEP-5
Wash your hands before
leaving the bathroom.
 HOW TO REMOVE A USED
SANITARY NAPKIN?
STEP-1 STEP-2 STEP-3
2.Pull down your pants 3.Remove the pad by
1.Bring a fresh pad to
or skirt and your gripping a clean edge
the bathroom.
underwear and sit or
between your fingers
squat over the toilet.
and peeling it off your
underwear.

STEP-4 STEP-5 STEP-6

4.Roll the pad so that 6.Throw out your pad in
5.Unwrap the new pad
the adhesive side is on the trash--never, ever
the outside and the and use the wrapper to flush it down the toilet.
soiled part is on the hold your old pad.
inside.
ALTERNATIVES
TO SANITARY
NAPKIN
Several alternatives to sanitary napkins are
available
 MENSTRUAL CUP

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Apply water or a water-based lube to the rim of
the cup.
3. Tightly fold the menstrual cup in half, holding it
in one hand with the rim facing up.
4. Insert the cup, rim up, into your vagina. It should
sit a few inches below your cervix.
5. Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. It will
spring open to create an airtight seal that stops
leaks.
TAMPONS

MENSTRUAL
DISC
 FACTS
How often should you change your menstrual cup, pad or tampon?

3-5 hrs 4-6 hrs 10-12 hrs

TAMPON PAD CUP

 MENSTRUAL EXPERIENCES

20% 30% 50%

Lack Failure to Period

self-esteem manage pains
HYGIENE PRODUCTS MARKET

Tampons Cups
25% 15%

Pads Others
50% 10%
 ACTIVITIES
HOW TO MAKE A REUSABLE PAD?
THINGS YOU NEED
● A disposable pad or a mount board with a pad’s diagram for
the reference. Mind the size. It should be according to your
comfort.
● 100% cotton flannel cloth (a fabric that has extremely soft
texture)
● An old towel
● Pair of scissors
● A sewing machine
● Matching threads
● Tic-toc buttons (if you don’t have it, reuse by taking out
from old clutches of bags)
● Coloured Chalk
● Pins
 STEPS
● 1. All the fabrics including the ● 4. Cut the cloth, you will get 2 separate
cotton flannel cloth and the towel pieces of the cloth.
must be washed properly before ● 5. Now it’s time to make the inside portion of
starting the procedure. the pad. Take and usable old towel place it
● 2. Place the flannel cloth on a over the cut pieces of flannel cloth, mark
plane surface. Fold in half. Now one inch less than the size of the outer cloth
place the referral diagram or and cut it out.
disposal pad over it. Outline by ● 6. Do not worry about the curved edges as
leaving 2 inches on each side. this piece has to go inside of the pad.
● 3. Give extra room while marking ● 7. Now, make a sandwich from the pieces, by
the wings because you want your placing the towel cut in the middle. The
wings to fold well and overlap softer part of the flannel cloth must be
each other through fastenings. facing outside.
Your commercial pads do not ● 8. If you want you can also add one more
come with as large wings as you towel cut in the centre. As there are girls
want your eco-friendly pad to be. who get the heavy flow on certain days.
 ● With the help of pins secures the pieces together.
This will help you to stitch the layers together easily
without shifting.
● Now prepare the sewing machine. Fill the bobbin
with matching colour thread. Use the same thread
for stitching the upper and lower portion of the pad.
● Start sewing by taking out each pin one by one.
The round corners may feel trickier. Sew slowly to
not leave any clothing.
● Be extra cautious to not miss the towel piece while
YOU MADE YOURSELF A
stitching, as it is likely to crumble inside.
REUSABLE PAD!!
● After stitching the sides, now stitch the centre. Go
random, make cross marks or waves, the purpose
is to keep everything in place.
● Once done, take the tic-toc buttons and put them
on the wings. Don't forget to tightly lock the
buttons.
● Your eco-friendly pads are ready!
MAKESHIFT
PAD?
SOCKS: Use your old socks to make a
temporary pad. You can wrap a toilet
paper around the sock on your
underwear to prevent it from shifting.
Socks are usually sweat absorbent and
hence make makeshift pads.
COMPLETE THE TABLE!

HELP CHILDREN COMPLETE THE TABLE TO TEACH THEM ABOUT THE

MENSTRUAL CYCLE!
THANKS!

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