Back in high school, we used to call menstruation “Headie’s Red Card.” Headie, or Heady, was our affectionate nickname for our headmistress. I believe every senior high school has its own slang for menstruation. Growing up, menstruation was an embarrassing topic for almost every young girl, which is why we used slang instead of calling it by its name. Even today, many young girls still shy away from discussing it due to various myths and stereotypes.
However, menstruation is a biological process, not an embarrassing one. Menstruation, or a period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is a mix of blood and tissue from inside the uterus, which passes out of the body through the vagina.
Unfortunately, menstruating girls or women are often perceived as unclean, causing many to feel ashamed or to hide when they are on their period. In some cultures and religions in Ghana, menstrual women and girls are not allowed to cook or pray. These biases and stereotypes prevent girls from enjoying healthy lives while menstruating.
Girls need to practice good menstrual hygiene. There are diverse menstrual products to choose from: pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. Change your menstrual products every 8 hours, and always wash your hands with soap after changing your menstrual products. Also, bathe twice a day.
Menstruation comes with its own unique challenges, such as cramps, mood swings, headaches, and sore breasts. It’s important to take pain relievers to help with these symptoms. For severe symptoms, visit Marie Stopes Ghana Clinics or call us on 0800208585 – we have a menstruation management plan for you.
Menstruation is a natural condition, so girls, don’t shy away from it—own it proudly! You are clean, and there’s no need to worry about what others think. If you use slang to refer to menstruation, do it because you want to, not because you’re embarrassed to say the word.
What did, or do you call, menstruation in high school?
Happy menstruating, girls!
By Rehana Yakubu, UNFPA YoLe Fellow
