Assumptions taken:
* You're just as guilty as the next person for oohing your way through biology class in high school.
* Also sex ed class, if you were one of the lucky ones who |hh1>[sat uncomfortably on the shifty chairs] through the cringeworthy episode.
* If you identify as a person who menstruates/used to menstruate, you've been ushered into empty corridors or whispered at for help.
* If you identify as a person who doesn't menstruate, you've seen people being ushered into empty corridors or whispered at, even if you haven't always known why.
And don't lie. |hp1>[McGonagall] knows you at least giggled your way through half the school year on a hour's worth of unfunny teacher impressions.
|really>[Oh yeah, you remember now. Funny times. ]
(click-append: ?really)[
This game might help *you* know why and what *you* want to know about menstruation aka periods aka menses, as they're not so fondly called.
|y>[]
(click: "why")[
(replace:?y)[
[[You ''definitely'' know that this is an important part of education you missed by mistake.->ySure]]
[[You have no clue why but you have a feeling this game is going to tell you regardless.->yGoOn]]
[[You already know why. Just to get rid of this crapfest you accidentally started playing.->yCrap]]
]
]
]
(click-replace: ?hh1)[|hh2>[tried to survive]]
(click-replace: ?hh2)[|hh3>[managed to live]]
(click-replace: ?hh3)[|hh4>[had the strong urge to redeem humanity]]
(click-replace: ?hp1)[|hp2>[Also, Snape]]
(click-replace: ?hp2)[|hp3>[Even Filch]]
(click-replace: ?hp3)[|hp4>[Dumbledore obviously]]Woah. Sweetheart. Slowly.
Getting there is a process. However, the enthusiasm is greatly appreciated and stored to relive again. Hugs and bigger hugs.
[[Here you go then.->StartWhy]]
(click-replace: "Slowly.")[|sl1>[Steadily.]]
(click-replace:?sl1) [|sl2>[Calmly.]]
(click-append: ?sl2) [|sl3>[You ''definitely'' deserve to know the world and more.]]Even if you're unsure about things now, it's nice of you to go on |fy1>[amicably.]
Okie dokie. [[Here you go.->StartWhy]]
(click-replace: ?fy1)[|fy2>[in a friendly manner.]]
(click-replace: ?fy2)[|fy3>[without any excessive outrage.]]Jeez, you un-nice person. Even if you hated this game thingy way of learning, you could have, at the very least, lied to the face. ~sad, wobbly smile~
Now, are you ready to find out why you should know about this?
''Be nice. ~stern face~''
Yes. OKAY!
You're now ready. |phu1>[Never.]
|hphu)[The game insists as much as possible. [[Here you go.->StartWhy]]]
(click-replace: ?phu1)[|phu2>[Fine. Someday.]]
(click-replace: ?phu2)[|phu3>[Today. If the game insists.]]
(click: ?phu3)[(show:?hphu)]What were you expecting? A long questionaire asking about your gender and sexual preferences ending with a never ending explanation of why you should specifically know about periods?
Well, that's not |na1>[happening. ]
You don't need to be a a person who menstruates to know about it.
[[But why does the game keep saying ''person who menstruates'' instead of just saying female??->Person Periods]]
No shame in saying it out loud. PERIODS.
You could be the smartest person on the planet.
You could (insert all that crap !)
Still not an excuse.
Biologically though, you might need to |le1>[learn a few things. ]
|le4)[[[You understand why now.->StartWhat]]]
(click-append: ?na1)[|na2>[Not today. ]]
(click-append: ?na2)[|na3>[And not on this game.]]
(click-append: ?le1)[
And maybe you should, |le2>[regardless] of your gender or sexuality, whatever it might or might not be. |le2d>[]]
(click: ?le2)[(append:?le2d)[The worst that could happen is you would know a |le3>[trifle more than the good ol' screw explanation.] ]]
(click: ?le3)[(show: ?le4)]**Menstruation for Dummies** aka **Party in the Pants**
There is so much embarrassment around the topic of periods and regardless of an understanding of menstruation, the idea of blood takes one to a mental state where something is wrong.
Shame.
Much of this shame comes from the fact that someone getting a period isn't treated very well or held at arm's length or just embarrassed.
Dirty.
Blood has always had a negative connotation. Ew.
Fear.
[[Understand.->Ass assumes]]The gist is:
Every month, a menstruator bleeds. This is a period.
And it's the bloody truth. (Get the pun?)
0. Yes, having a period means the parts are fertile.
0. Yes, having a period means the person |preg>[can get pregnant. ]
|sw)[Now that we've ''not'' clarified that, onto the actual explanation.
[[What is it actually called, periods or menstruation?->Names]]]
(click-append:?preg)[*No, not pregnant yet.* The menstruator can get pregnant ''only'' if sperm enters the picture. (show: ?sw)]<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BF88xrCrP4Y/"><img src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2017-02/25/8/asset/buzzfeed-prod-fastlane-02/sub-buzz-8589-1488029882-10.png?crop=593:446;0,90&downsize=715:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto" alt="menstruator" width="75%" height="75%"></a>
[[But females are the only people who menstruate!->TweetPwP]]
[[Oh okay. You get it now. ->StartWhy]]<a href="https://dgrnewsservice.org/civilization/patriarchy/gender/meghan-murphy-women-menstruators/"><img src="https://dgrnewsservice.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2016/09/Screenshot-248.png" alt="menstruator" width="85%" height="85%"></a>
[[But why would trans men menstruate?->Parts]]
[[Oh.->StartWhy]]<a href="https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/physiology/menstruation-start-stop"><img src="https://www.menstrupedia.com/assets/quickguide/physiology/physiology-start-stop.jpg" alt="menstruation-start-stop-menarche-menopause" width="60%" height="60%"></a>
Actually, only those with functioning ovaries and a uterus can menstruate, between menarche and menopause.
* ''Menarche'' is the first menstrual period, which usually starts between the ages 9 and 14.
* ''Menopause'' is when periods stop permanently. It is also called the "change of life" and usually occurs between the ages 45 and 55.
So I understand people menstruate for around 40 years.
|lt>[That's a long time.]
|lt2)[[[Yes, it is.->Names]]]
(click:?lt)[(show:?lt2)]**Credits**
https://www.menstrupedia.com/articles/physiology/menstruation-start-stop
https://dgrnewsservice.org/civilization/patriarchy/gender/meghan-murphy-women-menstruators/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF88xrCrP4Y/
http://www.health24.com/Lifestyle/Woman/Menstruation/The-menstrual-cycle-from-menarche-to-menopause-20120721
http://m.kidshealth.org/en/kids/menstruation.html
https://www.buzzfeed.com/susiearmitage/heres-what-its-like-to-have-your-period-when-youre-trans?utm_term=.ac993jxmm#.vgrqwzXVV
https://www.menstrupedia.com/quickguide
https://www.thedailybeast.com/yes-men-can-have-periods-and-we-need-to-talk-about-them
http://www.seventeen.com/health/sex-health/news/a41897/so-this-is-why-your-period-blood-smells/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/96219-rid-vaginal-odor-going-doctor/
http://www.rookiemag.com/2013/04/what-i-wish-i-knew-about-my-period/
http://www.thedatereport.com/dating/advice/everything-men-will-ever-need-to-know-about-periods/
http://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodies/on_the_rag_a_guide_to_menstruation
https://www.girlshealth.gov/body/reproductive/system.html
http://www.india.com/lifestyle/top-4-options-to-absorb-menstrual-flow-during-periods-2094474/
https://www.giveher5.org/index.php
http://www.rookiemag.com/2013/04/what-i-wish-i-knew-about-my-period/
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-toxic-shock-syndrome-basics#1
[[Sure.->Ending]]<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scheme_female_reproductive_system-en.svg"><img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Scheme_female_reproductive_system-en.svg/481px-Scheme_female_reproductive_system-en.svg.png" width="30%" height="30%"></a>
Insides of the female reproductive system look pretty normal. Considering.
* Ovaries
* Fallopian tubes
* Uterus
The blood and fluid that leave the body during a period pass through the cervix and vagina.
* Cervix
* Vagina
[[Phew.->Periods]]
(click-append: "Ovaries ")[: Two small organs that kind of wake up during puberty. (If you don't remember puberty, I don't believe you. Unless you blocked it out.)
The ovaries start making more estrogen and other hormones, causing body changes like menstruation. Once a month, ovulation happens and the ovaries release one egg called ovum].
(click-append: "Fallopian tubes ")[: They connect the ovaries to the uterus. The released egg from the ovary moves along a fallopian tube. It takes several days for the egg to get to the uterus.]
(click-append: "Uterus ")[: Also called womb, this is where a baby would grow if an egg is fertilised and gets stuck to the uterus walls. As the egg travels along the fallopian tube, estrogen makes the lining of the uterus thick with blood and fluid that is shed during menstruation.]
(click-append: "Cervix ")[: A narrow entryway in between the vagina and uterus. Kind of flexible to expand during childbirth.]
(click-append: "Vagina ")[: A tube that can grow real wide to deliver a baby from the uterus.]''What is the difference between menstruation, periods, menses, flow, and blah?''
The difference between menstruation, periods, menses, flow, monthly cycle and blah is ...
''Nothing.'' *They all refer to the same thing.*
[[What is PMS then?->PMS]]
|wn>[Jeez, why are there so many names? ]|wn2)[Really, do you still want to ask that question?]
Anywho, whatever term you choose to use, it is given to cyclical monthly bleeding from the uterus of adolescents and pre-menopausal people. [[Wait, does that mean all people with a uterus don't always menstruate?->Timing]]
This regular discharge of blood, tissue, fluid and mucous usually lasts 3 - 6 days. [[Is it not just blood that flows out from the uterus?->Blood]]
(click:?wn)[(show:?wn2)]Uh, well.
This 2018- *because there's only one 2018*- I've decided to stand up for my belief system.
This menstruation project had been on hold for a while, and I decided this was the opportunity to finish it.
For a long time and multiple times, I have explained what menstruation is to a lot of friends, irrespective of gender, and I truly believe it is not a topic to be ashamed of.
It is a natural process, and whether or not one is a menstruator, it is important to understand the human body.
Hopefully, I will be making more interactives in a similar vein this year, and I wish, with all my heart, that I lend as much support as I can.
If there is any topic that could do with an interactive, or if you have any new interactive ideas, DM me on *whatever social platform* you find me and maybe we can work something out.
Thank you again and much love,
Kinnera Priya Putti (<a href="https://twitter.com/kinnerapriyap">@kinnerapriyap</a>)
[[Yay!->Ending]]Unfortunately, the problems don't end with periods.
Here are some of the issues you may recognise if you're a menstruator:
* Your period lasts longer than a week.
* You have to change your pad very often (once every 1–2 hours).
* You go longer than 3 months between periods.
* You have bleeding in between periods.
* You have an unusual amount of pain before or during your period.
* Your periods were regular but became irregular.
**Please contact the doctor in case of any escalation.**
[[What is toxic shock syndrome and how dangerous is it?->TSS]]
|p>[**Why does it hurt before or during your period?**](click-append:?p)[
It hurts a lot because the uterus contracts to get rid of all that uterus lining it built up before the period. It feels like someone is squeesing your abdomen and fisting it in their hand.
Not a good feeling at all, and while the level of pain differs for everyone, it is vaguely the same situation.
For minor pain, over-the-counter medication might be fine. These things can also help with menstrual cramps.
* regular exercise
* heating pads on the lower abdomen
* meditation or relaxation
]
[[This is heavy stuff.->Mature]]''Aren't females the only ones with female parts?''
Nope. Cis women aren't the only ones with ovaries and a uterus.
The people who could have female reproductive organs may be:
* |cis>[Cis females ]
* |trans>[Trans men ]
* Non-binary people with female reproductive organs who identify as a gender other than the above.
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BIgtxssAZDA/?taken-by=trans_pride__"><img src="https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2017-02/24/13/asset/buzzfeed-prod-fastlane-03/sub-buzz-19294-1487961197-1.png?downsize=715:*&output-format=auto&output-quality=auto" alt="menstruator" width="50%" height="50%"></a>
[[Ok.->StartWhy]]
(click-append: ?cis)[- Women who were assigned female at birth and identify similarly]
(click-append: ?trans)[- Men who were assigned female at birth]When a menstruator ovulates, a mature egg (one that can be fertilised, not bought in a grocery store) is released by one of the two ovaries. These ovaries hold thousands of eggs, which are tiny (each no bigger than the tip of a pin).
Every month, blood and tissue build up in the uterus in case the person becomes pregnant.
[[Oh. It's probably odd to be asking this now, but what are these parts called ovaries and uterus?->Reprod]]
* If, as the egg travels along the Fallopian tubes, it is met by sperm, the egg is **fertilised** and pregnancy may occur. This fertilised egg will then adhere to the lining of the uterus, producing a hormone which prevents menstruation.
* However, if there is **no fertilisation** after approximately 2 weeks, the uterus lining is no longer needed and comes away from the uterine wall. The lining disintegrates and passes through the vagina as menstrual flow.
The cycle then begins again. The lining of the uterus will start building up, and about 2 weeks after the last period, another egg will be released.
[[Okay, you understand periods to an extent. How do people deal with the blood?->Sanitary]]Remember, if you're a menstruator:
* Change pads, tampons or whatever is used often, every few hours.
* Bathe regularly! Also wash thoroughly while bathing since water might not wash off all menstrual fluid.
* Keep things dry down there. Try to wear breathable clothing.
* And see the doctor if anything is fishy!
Do you feel menstrually mature yet?
[[Yep. Totally.->Ending]]
[[Not really. You might need to go over this again.->StartWhat]]**Menstruation for Dummies - Party in the Pants**
<a href="http://doctorbabu.co.in/specialities/obstetrics-gynecology/menstruation/"><img src="http://doctorbabu.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Menstruation.jpg" width="60%" height="60%"></a>
A menstrualcycle normally lasts 28 days: it starts on the first day of a period and ends on the first day of the next period.
When people talk about the menstrual cycle, they usually mean the days when blood and tissue (menstrual fluid) leaves the body through the vagina. That's the most visible part of the process, and the part that girls and women need to manage.
But the monthly cycle is exactly that — a process that takes about a month. A normal menstrual cycle for girls and teens ranges from 21 to 45 days. At most, only a week of the cycle involves menstrual fluid exiting the body. A normal period lasts from 2 to 7 days.
The rest of the time, the girl doesn't have any bleeding but other stuff is happening, like the lining building up and the egg being released.
However, the duration of menstrual cycles vary, especially during menarche and perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause).
Day 1 of bleeding is referred to as Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. This is when the thickened lining (endometrium) starts to shed.
Ovulation occurs, on average, on Day 14 of a 28-day cycle. This is when a mature egg is released to travel down the Fallopian tube. The lining of the uterus (endometrium) has thickened in preparation. If no conception occurs, the lining and blood sheds: this is menstruation.
Flow varies with the heaviest loss usually during the first two or three days. The total amount of fluid, in a normal period, averages about 80ml or small teacup.
The menstrual cycle can be divided into the following parts: the ovarian cycle and the uterine cycle.
Ovarian cycle
The ovarian cycle involves changes in the ovaries:
Phase 1
The follicular phase (days 1 -13) is from the first day of menstruation until ovulation. Maturation of the egg initially takes place inside the follicle in the ovary. Ovulation occurs around day 14 and this is your most fertile period.
Phase 2
The luteal phase (days 14 through 28) starts on ovulation day and lasts until the first day of menstruation. The luteal phase has a more precise timeline and usually is only 12-16 days from the day of ovulation. This ultimately means that the day of ovulation will determine how long your cycle is.
If the egg is fertilised by sperm and attaches to the endometrium, a pregnancy begins. (This pregnancy is dated from Day 1 of this menstrual cycle.)
If the egg is not fertilised or does not attach, the endometrium begins to break down and the menstrual cycle starts again.
It is not uncommon – or abnormal – to have a short cycle of about 21 days or a longer one of 35 days. Anything outside those limits should be discussed with your medical practitioner.''It’s more than just blood. '' Kind of messy and chunky actually.
To a menstruator, it feels like blood is being drained out of the body in litres.*Usually when there are stains on the bedsheets, or Chuck forbid, clothes.*
But no.
Turns out, it's just an annoying thing about menstruation.
The discharge that comes out of the body is typically ''less than six tablespoons a month. ''
*Besides, it’s more than just blood. *
The blood is mixed with
* Fluid from the cervix and vagina
* Blobs of blood that look like weird clots (They're actually just clumps of tissue from the uterus.)
[[This is kind of awkward, but does it smell?->Smell]]
[[So is this discharge leaking out ALL the time?->Long]]1. PMS is real.
**And PMS stands for PreMenstrual Syndrome.**
2. Stop watching bad commentary! Not everyone has PMS, but it can be a |ee>[not-very-nice] experience for those who do have PMS.
Approximately 85% of menstruators report at least one PMS symptom and some of the most common symptoms are swollen or tender breasts, upset stomach, feeling tired, depression, anxiety, changes in appetite and headache.
There are two things you could be thinking right now.
1. Bloody awful.
2. Yes, it is. Both bloody and awful.
PMS is generally reported a week or two before the actual period, so an emotional rollercoster real often is in the books.
No need to go crazy looking for a reason or anything.
Also, it's insulting to be told decision making is impaired during periods because last science checked, intelligence does not leak out with the blood.
[[Yup. Got it.->Names]]
(click-replace: ?ee)[terrible]**Well, period blood does smell *weird*, unlike normal blood. Maybe like a slight tinge of rusted iron.**
A natural smell is expected and it's not normal to have a scent-free period. If you're a menstruator, you can probably smell yourself when you go to the bathroom, but it's usually mild enough that no one else can smell it.
The smell depends on
* how long the blood has been in the uterus, and
* how long it's been in contact with the air because blood is stagnated in sanitary material for hours. Then decomposition happens, nourishing the growth of bacteria, so it ends up smelling as bad as you think it might.
|fshy>[*But* it should not be smelling literally fishy. ]|fshy2)[During periods, moisture is retained in the vagina and could lead to secondary vaginal infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or trichomoniasis. The odor can go away when the infection is treated.]
|scent>[Also, don't douche. You can be a douche, but don't douche.]|scent2)[
As in, scented products might not be helpful. According to the University of Chicago, scented products contain chemicals that irritate your vagina, which can lead to increased discharge, infections and increased vaginal odor. Mild soap and water work well.]**
* Change pads, tampons or whatever is used often, every few hours.
* Bathe regularly! Also wash thoroughly while bathing since water might not wash off all menstrual fluid.
* Keep things dry down there. Try to wear breathable clothing.
* And see the doctor if anything is fishy!
**(click:?fshy)[(show:?fshy2)](click:?scent)[(show:?scent2)][[Glad you know that.->Blood]]**The term 'menstrual fountain' does not apply.** Menstrual blood does not leak all the time.
*Psst. Ginny obviously didn't use her period blood to write on the walls because there wasn't so much blood!*
**Less than 6 tablespoons of blood a month, remember?**
Menstruating is different from wanting to pee but menstrual blood can trickle out when a person is exercising, or working, or about to give someone a lecture on menstruation.
Menstruators only lose a couple tablespoons of blood every cycle but no one can predict when it’s going to flow out. Therefore, uncertainity exists unless mum keeps track of the cycle. *Cringe.*
Most menstruators have a vague timeline of their period and track their days. Not everyone though, because PMS can be a big blaring friendly neighbourhood alarm.
*No psychic mumbo-jumbo. Well, not usually anyway.*
[[By the way, why is the uterus shedding?!? Enough delay, just get to the point and explain what periods are.->Periods]]**Options to absorb menstrual flow** (Indian context)
* **Cloth** - Many women in rural India rely on cloth pads to control menstrual flow but they are not always hygienic and do not control the growth of bacteria.
* Disposable sanitary napkins
* **Resusable sanitary pads **- Reusable pads that can be washed and cleaned and used again multiple times.
**Saafkins** *is India’s first reusable sanitary napkin that offers prevention from bacteria and yeast growth and is usable for up to 12 hours in one go. For Rs 150, you get a pack of two Saafkins. A campaign called #GiveHer5 began that is trying to provide Saafkins to women in rural India who have to miss school or work during their periods as they cannot afford sanitary pads.*
Please <a href="https://www.giveher5.org/index.php">click here<a/> to donate to the #GiveHer5 cause.
Tampons and menstrual cups are not used extensively in India.
* Tampons
* Menstrual cups
[[Other than all of this, are there more problems that come with menstruation?->Problems]]
(click-append: "Disposable sanitary napkins ")[- Popular in urban India. Disposable sanitary napkins come in varying shapes and sizes and fabrics, with all kinds of pads especially crafted for using at night, during heavy flow, to prevent smell, extra-long wings, etc. These pads can only be used once and then have to be discarded. ]
(click-append: "Tampons ")[- A cylindrical soft cotton piece that needs to be inserted in the vagina as it absorbs the menstrual blood before it flows out of the body. ]
(click-append: "Menstrual cups ")[- Tiny reusable rubber/silicon cups that have to be inserted inside the vagina and removed after 12 hours to dispose off the period blood.]This brings you to the end of Menstruation for Dummies - Party in the pants.
[[Why did I make this?->ButWhy]]
I've tried my best to include the information I could while keeping it accurate and somewhat concise, but if there's something important I've missed, something I've written wrong, something I haven't credited or an oversight, please let me know.
**Thank you so much for being a part of this project.** I hope it's helped.
There must be people you know who might need to know about menstruation, so please share and spread the word.
Love and cheers,
Kinnera Priya Putti (<a href="https://twitter.com/kinnerapriyap">@kinnerapriyap</a>)
[[Where did I find the information?->Credits]]Kinnera Priya Putti**Toxic shock syndrome is a sudden, potentially fatal condition. **
It's caused by the release of poisonous substances from an **overgrowth of bodily bacteria** called Staphylococcus aureus, or staph.
Toxic shock syndrome is a disease of menstruators who use tampons, menstrual sponges, diaphragms, and cervical caps, especially super-absorbent tampons. The body responds with a sharp drop in blood pressure that deprives organs of oxygen and can lead to death.
If you are menstruating and have a high fever with vomiting, especially if you have been using tampons, menstrual sponges, diaphragms, or cervical caps, **please remove it immediately and call your doctor right away.**
[[You'll keep that in mind.->Problems]]**Instructions**
* Click on the **links to show hidden text or to go to a new topic**.
* Please **click on the links in order**. It might help you cover all the topics.
* The **back arrow on the top left corner** will bring you to the previous page.
[[Enter Menstruation for Dummies->Introduction]]