This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
Menstrual Cycles and Menstrual Health ¶
Dr. Maureen Owiti, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, shares her expertise on menstrual cycles and menstrual health.
According to Dr. Owiti, a normal menstrual cycle should last between 21 and 35 days, with bleeding between two to seven days. Heavy menstrual flow, on the other hand, is not normal and can be caused by fibroids, infections, and hormonal problems.
Dr. Owiti notes that the youngest mother in the world is an eight-year-old, but most girls begin experiencing menses between the ages of 10 to 16. If a girl has not started experiencing menses by then, she should contact an expert to find out why.
Regarding sex during periods, Dr. Owiti says that it is unlikely to get pregnant, but it is not recommended due to hygiene issues. However, there are people who are comfortable having sex during this time.
Dr. Owiti also discusses the importance of menstrual hygiene and the use of sanitary pads and menstrual cups. She recommends using pads made of cotton and changing them every four hours to prevent rashes and infections.
Additionally, Dr. Owiti explains that painful menses can be caused by fibroids, infections, primary dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis. She notes that simple medication can be used to reduce pain, and if it is not helpful, surgery and hormonal therapy may be necessary.
Dr. Owiti also touches on the influence of diet and exercise on menses, recommending the consumption of fluids and foods rich in iron and fruits to avoid dehydration. Exercising can also help ease abdominal and joint pains and release stress during the cycle.
Finally, Dr. Owiti notes that men generally understand menstrual cycles and that culture was a major challenge in some communities where a girl on her periods was married off earlier.
By Dr. Maureen Owiti as told to Mercy Kahenda.
