Tips and Advises
January 24, 2023 2023-05-31 7:33Tips and Advises
Blue Wings cares for women and believe that every women have a right to know about her health and the circumstances that affect her health.
The Bottom Line
It is quite tough and challenging living with endometriosis, however with the right attention and treatment plan, it is possible to live a healthy life!
Let’s Talk About Endometriosis
Blue Wings is a pure hygienic brand and we believe that a women health matters. We always strive to provide the best quality products.
We have introduced the range of All-In-One Ultra-Thin Pads to give a women safe and healthy time. Our products are not only durable, but long lasting, breathable and safe.
Here are some symptoms of endometriosis can include:
- Painful period followed by excessive bleeding
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Pelvic pain
- Constipation
- Chronic fatigue
- Heightened pain when passing urine and stool
- Chronic pain on the abdomen and lower back
- Joint and nerve pain
- Digestion becomes painful
- Spotting and bleeding in between period cycles
Unfortunately, a lot of women go un-diagnosed due to doctors overlooking their symptoms as something concerning and just related to their period. The most effective way to get a proper diagnosis is through a laparoscopy.
Know about Menstrual Hygiene Management
Around 176 million women have been estimated to suffer from endometriosis, globally. Endometriosis is a condition that usually effects menstruates in their 30s and 40s. It is known to be a leading cause of infertility, due to its effect on reproductive health.
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue from the uterus is found outside the uterus – but unlike the uterus’ tissue that bleeds monthly through our cycle, the tissue outside has nowhere to go, eventually causing irritation, pain, inflammation and scar tissue.
- Heightened pain when passing urine and stool
- Chronic pain on the abdomen and lower back
- Joint and nerve pain
- Digestion becomes painful
- Spotting and bleeding in between period cycles
Unfortunately, a lot of women go un-diagnosed due to doctors overlooking their symptoms as something concerning and just related to their period. The most effective way to get a proper diagnosis is through a laparoscopy.
An inability to hygienically manage their period, leads majority of the female rural population of developing countries to skip school during their period and eventually drop out. This results in severe economic costs on their lives and on the country’s economy as a whole.
As a result, majority of the female rural population in developing countries eventually drop out of school after constantly skipping classes during their period.
In addition to facing difficulties when it comes to coping with everyday life, women with poor MHM are also prone to a higher number of health risks. These include:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Uterine Infection
- Irritation
- Leucorrhoea
- Discharge
- Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
Not to mention, the psychological problems this can cause:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Embarrassment
What can we do?
The first and most effective thing you can do is talk about it. The more women break out of their silence and point out their problems among their communities, the better. So start small. Go up to someone and simply say ‘let’s talk’ and then see where it goes from there.
PCOS
PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder in women, which can take place from when a woman gets her first period, till they reach menopause. There is typically an imbalance of 2 hormones when a woman is diagnosed with PCOS: androgens and insulin. There could be many causes of PCOS, a common cause is genetics.
Managing our period cycle is already a challenge – easier for some, and difficult for others. However, suffering from PCOS aggravates a lot of your symptoms, making your cycle often much more difficult. If you are someone suffering from PCOS, remember that you are not alone.
Here are some common symptoms of PCOS that you can look out for:
The average menstrual cycle is of 28 days, however anywhere between 21 and 35 days is considered normal. 1 When your period ranges between 5-7 days, it is considered an average flow. However, when it prolongs even after 7 days it is considered irregular. This happens when the uterus does not shed enough due to lack of ovulation and our periods become irregular. Irregularity can be very slight and, in some cases, can result in not having periods for months. There are also cases of women having prolonged periods which gets extremely exhausting due to constant flow – also leading to lethargy and fatigue. Remember to visit your gynecologist to get the recommended treatment required to regulate your periods, and take extra-care of yourself.
According to an article on endocrine web, approximately 80% of women with PCOS gain weight. 2 The most common area of weight gain is around the stomach and abdomen, and because this extra weight gain means excessive unhealthy fats in the body, you are at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and endometriosis.
While it is difficult to shed the extra weight, a positive light at the end of this dark tunnel is that by losing some excess body fat, you can significantly improve your overall PCOS symptoms. Whole bloating is a menstrual symptom in itself, it is also aggravated with PCOS, making the bloating much worse or more long-term.
70% of women with PCOS experience excessive hair-growth on their body – known as hirsutism. 3 This is caused due to high androgen levels in the body, as well as high levels of testosterone. The most common areas for hair to appear is the lower back, inner thighs, chin, sides of the face, upper lip, neck, abdomen and upper arms. On the other hand, some women also get hair thinning and patterned baldness on their scalp.
While it is difficult to shed the extra weight, a positive light at the end of this dark tunnel is that by losing some excess body fat, you can significantly improve your overall PCOS symptoms. Whole bloating is a menstrual symptom in itself, it is also aggravated with PCOS, making the bloating much worse or more long-term.
There are several other things that happen when diagnosed with PCOS – and with each woman, the severity varies based on how serious their PCOS symptoms are and the underlying causes. For instance, some women get dark patches on their body, specifically in the neck and groin area. Hormonal adult acne is also a common occurrence, especially on the face and back.
Mood swings, depression and confusion are also very common symptoms of living with PCOS – which are aggravated as they also occur often with regular periods.
On top of the many challenges women have to face every month due to their period, facing PCOS alongside it really makes them warriors. If you think you may have PCOS, book the appointment with your gynecologist to get the correct treatment.
How to pick a pad?
What exactly do you look for in your pad? Perhaps, the more important question is: do you look for anything at all? Or do you just step inside a store, grab a brown paper bag, quickly stuff the nearest packet of pads and dash out the store. If you do that, it’s understandable. You don’t want people staring. But do you ever stop to consider how those people won’t exactly suffer when you make a wrong choice. Yes, there is a right and wrong choice when it comes to picking your pads. And it’s not as simple as the brand. If you don’t pick the right pads, you will be the one dealing with the consequences. When that happens, a couple of sighs and stares wouldn’t seem so bad anymore; in fact, not knowing the quality of your pads in detail would.
Every time you’re headed out to do your period grocery, ask yourself the following questions: does my skin breakout during my period? Do I often get a rash after? Do my lady parts itch whenever I’m wearing a pad? Does the whole situation down there feel unhygienic as suggested by the odor I can smell from time to time? If you’ve answered yes to one or more of the aforementioned questions then chances are you need to reconsider what you’re buying.
Most of these conditions tend to surface when your pad is just absorbent, and not necessarily breathable. Because, turns out, lack of breathability causes the already sensitive and soft skin around the vagina to react and breakout. This is not only itchy but also painful at times. To prevent such a reaction, you must ensure that your pad is breathable.
What is breathability in a pad, you may ask? Well, short answer: breathable pads are a skin saver. Long answer: breathable pads – like the Butterfly Breathable range – are equipped with microscopic pores on the back sheet which allow air to pass in and out of them. As a result, your skin has room to breathe free. And it stays safe from bacteria, rashes, breakouts and other similar skin conditions; not to mention, odorless.
So next time when you walk into a store, make it a point to find out what you’re buying. And stare down the bystanders while you’re at it. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you can’t do research on your pads before you make a decision. Don’t let anyone knock you down. Don’t let anyone stop you from anything. Don’t let anyone suffocate your space. Most importantly, don’t let your pad keep your skin from breathing free.
Want to get your very own breathable pads? Head on to our shop, we have the Permit pad for whether you are a maxi-thick or an ultra-thin girl!
Busting Period Myths
Growing up, we have often heard some strange myths surrounding our period. Most are culturally connected; hence collectively we may not even question them – but at some point, we do ask, are these myths true or not? Here are some very common myths we have heard at least once in our lives, about our menstrual cycles:
With years of being told to avoid exercise when on our periods we fine- tuned our mind to walk slowly and not exert ourselves during our cycle. When asked why we should avoid exercise we often get different answers; some would say our flow gets affected, whereas others say that cramping gets worse. Research shows that this is indeed just a myth, with no concrete scientific proof to support it. Contrary to what we have heard most of our lives, physical activity actually is known to relieve menstrual pain rather than worsen it – So open up your playlist and dance the pain away!
The very popular myth prevails – is it bad to shower during your period? According to this myth, a woman’s period will stop if she showers during her cycle. The myth prevailed due to this fear however, those of us who took the leap of faith and finally took that shower – what did it reveal? It revealed, just like recent studies, the fact that taking baths and showers are not harmful in any way for a woman on her period. In fact, warm baths/showers are actually encouraged as they help relax your muscles and actually alleviate menstrual cramps. Furthermore, during your period it is essential to maintain hygiene so shower away without any fear!
70% of women with PCOS experience excessive hair-growth on their body – known as hirsutism. 3 This is caused due to high androgen levels in the body, as well as high levels of testosterone. The most common areas for hair to appear is the lower back, inner thighs, chin, sides of the face, upper lip, neck, abdomen and upper arms. On the other hand, some women also get hair thinning and patterned baldness on their scalp.
There are several other things that happen when diagnosed with PCOS – and with each woman, the severity varies based on how serious their PCOS symptoms are and the underlying causes. For instance, some women get dark patches on their body, specifically in the neck and groin area. Hormonal adult acne is also a common occurrence, especially on the face and back.
Mood swings, depression and confusion are also very common symptoms of living with PCOS – which are aggravated as they also occur often with regular periods.
On top of the many challenges women have to face every month due to their period, facing PCOS alongside it really makes them warriors. If you think you may have PCOS, book the appointment with your gynecologist to get the correct treatment.
First Period Talk with Your Daughter
There comes a time in every mother’s life when her little girl walks through the door of womanhood. What follows then is a dilemma: should you hold her hand during this phase or should you let her fall flat and figure it out for herself? Most mothers choose the second option; through no fault of their own though. It’s what generations before them did too. The whole ‘out of sight, out of mind’ rhetoric is what this part of the world has been constructed around.
Do it but don’t say it. Have it but don’t discuss it. Don’t talk. Don’t talk. Don’t talk. Mothers and daughters; fathers and sons. Mothers and sons; fathers and daughters. Silence. Silence. Silence.
How then do you break away from this? How do you just wake up one day and decide, you know what I’m going to tell my daughter about the changes her body will undergo in the near future; I’m going to tell her because my mother didn’t tell me. That’s when you opt for the former. That’s when you say, I’m going to hold her hand and make sure she doesn’t stumble when walking through the door of womanhood.
If you’re reading this article then congratulations, you’ve already taken the first step. Now let us help you so you can help her.
Here are three tips to make the ‘first period’ conversation go smoother:
With years of being told to avoid exercise when on our periods we fine- tuned our mind to walk slowly and not exert ourselves during our cycle. When asked why we should avoid exercise we often get different answers; some would say our flow gets affected, whereas others say that cramping gets worse. Research shows that this is indeed just a myth, with no concrete scientific proof to support it. Contrary to what we have heard most of our lives, physical activity actually is known to relieve menstrual pain rather than worsen it – So open up your playlist and dance the pain away!
The very popular myth prevails – is it bad to shower during your period? According to this myth, a woman’s period will stop if she showers during her cycle. The myth prevailed due to this fear however, those of us who took the leap of faith and finally took that shower – what did it reveal? It revealed, just like recent studies, the fact that taking baths and showers are not harmful in any way for a woman on her period. In fact, warm baths/showers are actually encouraged as they help relax your muscles and actually alleviate menstrual cramps. Furthermore, during your period it is essential to maintain hygiene so shower away without any fear!
Lucky for you, Butterfly Breathable already offers periods kits: a basic ‘Hello Period’ kit. This will help your daughter feel safer.
There’s always that possibility of her having her first period while she’s at school. So a period kit is the best way you can make sure she has all she needs and there are no surprise stains along the way.
If things don’t go as smoothly as you’d imagined – in case your daughter has period-related health problems – reach out to a gynecologist.