TUGN: Can you share your earliest memory or experience of getting your first period? How did you feel about it at that time?
Neme: I was 12 or 13 when I first saw my period. Prior to that time, I knew what period was because I was taught in school, and my mum had also briefly explained it to me.
I was in school and about to go home when it started. I felt something trickle down and went to the toilet to check when I discovered it was blood (my period). I got home and checked again, and it was still dripping little by little. Despite knowing what that was, I panicked. I later calmed myself down and used the sanitary pad that I was gifted almost a year before.
TUGN: How has your perception and understanding of menstruation changed since your first period?
Neme: I saw it as something boys/men shouldn’t know when you are experiencing it, as it felt embarrassing. I later unlearned such.
TUGN: What were some of the most challenging aspects of dealing with menstruation when you were younger, and how did you cope with them?
Neme: Back then, I was shy to purchase sanitary pads from stores. Whenever I wanted to buy it, I would go to the store and wait for when I was alone with the seller or when there weren’t many people there, then I would quietly ask for a sanitary pad. I would then beg the seller to double the bag he or she was to put it in. But now, I comfortably buy sanitary pads without feeling embarrassed.
TUGN: Did you receive any education about menstruation before your first period? If yes, what was it like? If not, how did you learn about it?
Neme: Yes, I received. I was taught when I was rounding off primary school. I was also taught in secondary school. There was also a time a sanitary pad company came to my secondary school to talk about menstruation, distributed one pad for each girl in my class, and educated us on how to use it when we are on our periods. It was the pad I was given that I used when I first saw my period. I also learnt a little about menstruation from my mum.
TUGN: Have you ever faced any cultural or societal taboos or restrictions related to menstruation? How did these experiences make you feel?
Neme: I once participated in a departmental fieldwork and excursion, during which the ladies were asked not to pass through or enter certain places if they were on their period. However, I wasn’t directly affected because I wasn’t on my period on those occasions.
TUGN: How has menstruation impacted your daily life, activities, or relationships?
Neme: Pretty tiring. During my menstruation, I deal with painful cramps and random symptoms that affect my productivity and, sometimes, interaction.
TUGN: Have you encountered any myths or misconceptions about menstruation? How did you handle them?
Neme: Personally, I can’t remember for now.
TUGN: How has access to menstrual products or facilities influenced your experience with menstruation?
Neme: I have a good access to menstrual products, so it has helped me maintain good hygiene while menstruating.
TUGN: Do you have any particular rituals, practices, or self-care routines during your period that you find helpful or comforting?
Neme: I ensure I bathe with hot water if I have access to it at the time, as it sometimes helps make me feel cool and temporarily a bit relaxed. I have been trying my best to use less of painkillers for cramps, so I sometimes drink undiluted ginger tea. I also put a bit of hot or warm water in a bottle and place it on my tummy to help reduce the pain. I use painkillers when the pain is terrible, however, it is not advisable to always use painkillers. Taking walks is good, even though I have not been consistent with taking walks during my period lately.
TUGN: Have you ever felt uncomfortable discussing menstruation with others? If so, why do you think that is?
Neme: Yes, I used to avoid discussing it when I was younger. Now, I won’t say I am 100% comfortable, but I am far better than I used to feel.
TUGN: Have you faced any challenges related to menstruation in educational or workplace settings? How were they addressed or resolved?
Neme: Yes. The pain interferes with my productivity, so sometimes I have to take painkillers when I have tried other options and there is no improvement.
TUGN: What advice or guidance would you give to younger girls who are just starting to menstruate?
Neme: It’s totally normal. Just ensure you maintain good hygiene. Change your sanitary wear often and exercise (at least walk) if possible.
Contributor: Neme, interviewed by TUGN