2015 Nov 25
Your periods are one of the most stressful things you would have to deal every month. Your monthly visitor is an absolute burden to deal with, and sometimes you’d wish it’ll go away, but then again, actually thinking about it, you’d want it to stay so it would freak your pants off with the scare of pregnancy.
We all wish it was a little bit better and easier. As Sri Lankans, culturally tampons are a no-go. Quoting superwoman, “ahem, why are you trying to stick something up there? Aren’t you reserving it for your stranger husband on your arranged marriage wedding day? Like duh!” Also, the medicine to relive your pain from your cramps or bloating isn’t always asamodagan or some herb infused home-made drink your grandma forces you to gulp down your throat. Disgusting; sometimes, most of the time.
The question that most boys have is what PMS is. Premenstrual Syndrome is the term for the physical and emotional symptoms your girlfriend goes through 1-2 weeks leading up to or during her periods. If she suddenly throws herself at you crying, hug her tight, stroke her hair and tell her that everything will be okay. When you PMS, you might experience; acne, bloating, trouble sleeping, feeling agitated/excited/tense, fatigue, backaches, sore breasts, headaches, constipation, diarrhoea, food cravings, depression, mood swings and the list goes on and on and on. PMS is frustrating for most guys to deal with and take care of, but trust me, it’s even frustrating for a girl to go through this pretty much one entire week, every month for most her life. Hold her hand and remind her it’ll be gone in a week and be there for her throughout it whenever she needs you.
We have some answers and hopefully they’ll make your like a tad bit better. Keep reading to find out how you can make your periods slightly more comforting.
- Cramps are a killer
Cramps are caused by the uterus contracting and shredding its own lining. Taking painkillers will definitely relive you off the pain and help you with bloating. Also note that painkillers need not necessarily be taken when the cramps get really painful and it feels like someone from the inside is nearly ripping you off.
- Wear comfy clothes
Girl, it’s okay to look like laundry week this time of the month. Put on your favourite pair of sweatpants and an old, comfortable t-shirt and sit in front of the TV, watching your favourite romantic, sad soap while eating a tub of chocolate ice-cream (Nutella would do too). Most women prefer not to wear tight, close fitting or otherwise uncomfortable clothes while on their periods. Always keep a cardigan or a sweater with you to tie around in case you stain your pants.
- Get plenty of sleep
Why cramps can be the most frustrating is because you limits you from getting a good night’s sleep. From having to adjust yourself multiple times in order to feel better, to waking up every five minutes of the night to either get a glass of water or to randomly cry or be depressed, periods steal you away from the adequate amounts of sleep you need to get.
- Change when you feel like it
My mom always reminds me to not wear a pad for longer than 4 hours of time. To feel fresh and reduce the chances of leakage, change your pads every 3-6 hours while on your period. If you experience heavy flows or an odour, change it more often.
- Shower regularly
Taking a shower regularly while on your periods can help you feel more fresh and lively. If you are in public, carry around your perfume or deo with you and soar it on randomly to feel better.
- Keep track of your periods
There’s enough and more apps to keep you informed but always keep track of when your periods starts, when it ends and how long you have it for. Tracking your menstrual cycle will not only give you a heads up on when its due, but it’ll also help you know when you are fertile and in any complications/infections arise.
- Always carry pads/tampons
Dealing with your period is stressful, but we have to do it nonetheless. Let’s all scold whoever who decided to come up with this in the first place but these tips will help you deal with it better. Comment below if there’s something you do that you’d like to share with all of us.
