Chapter 3: A Quick Run Through Sexual Education

If you have ever had to suffer through high school health class, you may feel like you've seen and heard more than enough about your sexual health. However, it's a good idea to brush up on a few important things before you dive headlong into the college social scene.

Menstruation

A woman's first period, or first menses, can begin anytime on average from age nine to age fifteen. Menstruation, from the Latin term mensis, which means 'month,' represents the beginning of a woman's reproductive period of her life. Blood flow can last anywhere from three to eight days and menstrual discharge can range from two to six tablespoons of blood. Most women get their periods once every month, although, this is not the case for all women. (For more information, click here (link for contraception chapter)) The absence of a period, amenorrhea, can indicate a pregnancy. However, amenorrhea may also be caused by anorexia nervosa or low body weight, a heavy exercise regime, stress, and or medical conditions.

As women enter their twenties, their menstrual periods may begin to fluctuate or finally become regular as a result of natural body rhythms. Some women in this age group report a change in the intensity of menstrual cramps. Stress, exams, emotional trauma, change in diet and weight loss (or gain), can all affect a woman's menstrual cycle. It is helpful to keep track of how long one's menstrual cycle lasts (e.g. 26-30 days).

Specifics of Menstruation

Menstrual blood itself is not inherently dirty, nor does it necessarily smell bad. However, once menstrual blood comes into contact with oxygen or air it will exhibit a distinctive odor. Towards the end of their cycle, some women's menstrual blood turns a darker red or even a dark brown color. This color change is due to the menstrual blood being more sluggish than usual; in this situation, nothing is wrong, but it may be helpful to change your pad or tampon more regularly. Douching or scented tampons or pads are generally not effective. The vagina is a self-cleansing organ and introducing perfumed tampons or harsh douche chemicals can cause a vaginal infection or skin irritation. Some women find it helpful during their periods to clean their genital region more than once a day. If a bad odor persists after your period ends, check with your health practitioner, as you may have a vaginal infection.

Tampons and Pads

Tampons and sanitary pads are used to catch blood flow during menstruation. Generally unscented pads or unscented tampons with plastic applicators are easiest to use. Tampons can be more comfortable than pads and allow women to perform in athletics and swimming. Changing pads and tampons every 2-4 hours is recommended. Some women use sponges or diaphragms to catch their menstrual flow. These women also report that these methods allow for vaginal intercourse during menstruation.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Tampons have been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Symptoms of TSS can include sudden fever (102 degrees or more), vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, fainting, dizziness, and/or a red rash on the body. If you are having these symptoms during or right after a menstrual cycle, go immediately to a doctor. TSS is a relatively rare disease. Some preventive measures include not reusing tampons, avoiding tampons with a higher absorbency than necessary and changing tampons frequently. However, it is usually okay to wear a tampon throughout the night.

Painful Cramps

While some women go through their periods without any pain, other women experience painful and even debilitating cramps. Women with heavier and longer menstrual flows may often report having more intense cramps. Dysmenorrhea, painful periods, is often accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, and even dizziness, fatigue, increased sensitivity to light and lack of appetite. Prostaglandins are substances which cause contractions in the uterine and intestinal muscles. When a woman has too many prostaglandins, the contractions of the uterus, which would otherwise be painless, cause the menstrual cramps. It is not clear why some women have more prostaglandins than others. Talk to your gynecologist or health practitioner for information on painkillers, physical activity, or alternative health treatments.

In order to relieve menstrual cramps try what works best for you:

  • Ibuprofen, or some over-the-counter painkiller.
    Ibuprofen should always be taken with food or milk. Follow the dosageinstructions on the bottle.

  • Birth control pills
    Many gynecologist recommend birth control pills which regulate and sometimes decrease menstrual cramps.

  • A hot water bottle or heating pad on the cramping area

  • Exercise
    During menstrual cramps, the last thing on your mind is exercise. How-ever, many women find that after they establish an exercise regimen, cramps are lessened. After several months, your menstrual flow may be lighter and less painful. Try light aerobic exercise, swimming, meditating, or a short jog.

  • Diet
    Try to stay away from eating only junk food or food that does not make you feel better. During or right before your period, make an effort to eat more balanced meals, iron-rich foods (eggs, meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, fortified cereals), fresh fruit, vegetables, and vitamin supplements.

  • Drink lots of liquids (hot and cold)
    Most women don't drink the recommended 8-10 glasses of water (or juice) a day. Try and cut down on soda and coffee. If you feel bloated, lethargic, or if you have constipation or diarrhea, be sure to drink lots of water. Try drinking herbal tea to temporarily alleviate cramps.

  • Orgasm
    Achieving orgasm through masturbation or other means temporarily reduces painful cramps for some women. If you don't feel comfortable with this method, that's okay. Just do what works for you.

Vaginal Complications and Yeast Infections

Yeast Infections are common and usually can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as Monistat 7 or Gyne-Lotrimin. Symptoms include intense itching in the vulva, lumpy white discharge, and a strong vaginal smell. In order to prevent reoccurring yeast infections, wear clean, loose-fitting underwear, swimsuits, and shorts. Changing an unhealthy diet and attending to stress may also help. It is best to verify proper treatment for a yeast infection with a health practitioner. Symptoms for other vaginal infections include unusual discharge or intensely unpleasant vaginal odor; all need prescribed treatment.

Urinary Tract Infections

Women who have recently begun to have sexual intercourse and/or women who use diaphragms as a way of birth control sometimes experience UTIs. Younger women often experience one or multiple UTIs. Some symptoms include frequent urge to urinate, pain while urinating, blood in the urine and uncontrollable urine flow. Go immediately to a gynecologist or health practitioner if you notice any of these symptoms. Ignoring the problem could result in a kidney infection and a lot of discomfort. Along with medication, you will be told to drink lots of fluids (particularly cranberry juice). Usually it is best to abstain from sexual intercourse during the treatment time of a UTI because sexual intercourse may exacerbate the problem.

Breast Self-Exam

Sex Ed, Redux

If you would like an overview of your high school's Sexual Education class, but in a more interesting way, I urge you to check out the following websites:

http://www.scarleteen.com/ has TONS of articles that are very helpful, for example...