I always miss out mentioning my Menorrhagia. Like it's embarrassing. Interesting to note. I'm a big advocate for not being ashamed of any ill health and being honest about who you are and what things you have to deal with, so that you can help others. But a big one I miss out is that.It's period talk. How taboo!
But really, is it that scary to talk about?
And why is it we expect people to brush it off? Or at least, I do. We get told periods will be painful and probably a bit messy, but you'll get used to it.
But we never get told how painful is normal.
When you're in so much pain you can't move off the bus on your stop, is that part of normal? What about the worst one; being in so much pain you can't move when you know you need to change; so you're left with the prospect of knowing what incontinence feels like with no way you could ask someone for help.
Periods are often brushed off as a time women can be rude and unreasonable and get away with it, but the pain, shame and sheer awkwardness of periods can actually be incredibly disabling. It's something I am hoping I'll learn to be more open about in the future.
Here's a little something I read on the matter I felt reassurance seeing:
But really, is it that scary to talk about?
And why is it we expect people to brush it off? Or at least, I do. We get told periods will be painful and probably a bit messy, but you'll get used to it.
But we never get told how painful is normal.
When you're in so much pain you can't move off the bus on your stop, is that part of normal? What about the worst one; being in so much pain you can't move when you know you need to change; so you're left with the prospect of knowing what incontinence feels like with no way you could ask someone for help.
Periods are often brushed off as a time women can be rude and unreasonable and get away with it, but the pain, shame and sheer awkwardness of periods can actually be incredibly disabling. It's something I am hoping I'll learn to be more open about in the future.
Here's a little something I read on the matter I felt reassurance seeing:
''It is [...] apparent that the psychosocial implications for [those suffering with Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) ] can be overwhelming. Many who experience DUB may suffer in silence because they believe it is a "normal" part of ageing. They may have a poor quality of life due to fear of social embarrassment related to unpredictable or heavy bleeding soiling their clothing. Some may restrict outings, travel, or activities once enjoyed to remain near restroom facilities. They may go through emotions similar to those of a person adapting to a chronic ailment. NPs should be aware of local support or counselling groups and educate patients who may benefit from these resources to seek additional emotional and social support.''