Making that dreaded time of the month comfortable

Keeping a diary to note your menstruation periods helps prepare for the time it comes. PHOTO BY GEOFFREY SSERUYANGE.

What you need to know:

Menstruation periods tend to cause discomfort in public more especially when they occur unexpectedly. Lydia Namono give tips on how to deal with then inconveniences.

You toss from one direction to another just to find slight relief, in vain. It feels like everyone around you knows that you are uncomfortable despite your intentions to hide it. Truth be told, menstruation periods are the worst time for most women because of the discomfort it comes with.

But what can you do to sail through this time comfortably?

According to Ms. Patricia Amujal, a Marketer at Triple M Hygiene Products Uganda Limited, comfort during this period is determined by what you use and the way it makes you feel. “Every woman’s menstrual cycle is different. You need to know that you can do everything as well as others who are not going through the same at that time. Sometimes, these feelings of being moody are psychological such that when your brain gets a signal to think that way, that is what it will be,” she says.
Steer clear of taking a cold bath especially if you can. Cold water during this time should be a no-go area because it increases uterine contractions which worsen menstrual cramps. Warm water relaxes the muscles and improves the blood flow which greatly reduces the pain and discomfort.

Do some exercises. Some women will coil in a corner and withdraw from anything associated with work. But Ms Amujal advises that while you should avoid the vigorous exercises ,you can do simple ones like taking a walk to relieve the pain.
Have an idea about the dates when you are likely to have your period. Many women are taken by surprise at that time of the month, sinking into different moods from the usual.

Nevertheless, Ms Amujal says that preparing yourself ahead of this time psychologically sets your mind free of misery and depression towards facing it. She adds that this also helps you face your periods better without predisposing you to become horribly surprised at that time.

Wear clothes that makes you feel comfortable. You have probably heard that your confidence is drawn from what you wear. Wear loose fitting clothes rather than tight fitting ones, with cotton underwear to aid in circulation.

choose the right size of pads. Since they come in different lengths and widths, comfort comes from using the right ones.

Ms. Amujal says that pads that don’t remain in place offer you minimal protection which leaves you at risk of leakages.

“These pads usually have ridges meant to prevent you from staining your clothes and large wings that cover the sides of your panty to prevent you from staining it,” she says.

Additionally, use pads with cotton that make you feel dry and comfortable throughout this time. “These pads are made of four layers of cotton that absorbs the flow and keep you feeling dry,” she describes them.

You can also use pads according to the heaviness of your flow.

Take a nap if you can. This will revive your strength especially when you feel very tired.

Going through this time of the month can only become comfortable when you prepare yourself ahead of that time.