Period pain is exactly that –  a pain. For some, it’s the burden of womanhood whilst for others a reminder of their ability to bring forth life. However, period pain is no picnic, right?

Every month women are subjected to cramps, irritability and the merciless flow of menstruation. Alongside the cost of sanitary items, women also have to deal with unexpected periods, spotting, varying flows and the social stigma surrounding periods in general. However, there are measures that you can take to control your period, and period pain. Here are a few ideas to make your life a little easier.

Contraception

Contraception can swing one of two ways. Either you find the ideal contraception for you right away or you spend months, even years, trying to work out which method is best for your body. Hopefully, you fall into the first category. But we’re not all that lucky.

The Pill

Let’s start with the pill. Different contraceptive pills have different effects on individuals’ bodies. Pills will generally help you to regulate when you will start to menstruate. With most pills, you take one pill daily for twenty-one days. Then you have a break for seven days. During these seven days, you will have a period type bleed. Consequently, when you take the pill, you know when your seven-day break will be and can prepare to bleed over this allotted time. Some pills can completely stop your period altogether. This means no more worrying about when you’re going to have your period, and the associated period pain.

Implants and Injections

The contraceptive implant or contraceptive injection are alternative forms of birth control. However, they are known to stop periods altogether in some individuals. For some, this is ideal. If this sounds like a good idea to you, contact your local GP or family planning clinic. They’ll be able to give your more advice. Remember, this doesn’t work for everyone. Sometimes, you can experience adverse effects, including regular spotting.

Period Delay Pill

If you are not on any form of contraception, you can still delay your period. In this case, you simply take period delay pills. These contain norethisterone, which can delay your period for up to seventeen days. This is ideal if you have a romantic weekend coming up, a holiday, or any other occasion when your period could make an unwelcome appearance.

Pain Relief

Some of us experience unbearable abdominal cramps during our periods. But there are ways to combat this. Coping with period pain is important. Tutors and employers are often unsympathetic and you will have to continue with your daily tasks through the discomfort. Find the right form of pain relief for you as an individual. This could be ibuprofen, specially marketed period pain relief tablets, or heat wraps for your abdomen. The contraceptive coil is known to make periods heavier and more painful, so if you are experiencing these side effects, you might want to consider an alternative form of contraception.

Sanitary Wear

There are various forms of sanitary products available for menstruating women. The most common are tampons and sanitary towels. These are both effective forms of protection.

However, tampons can give some individuals stomach ache and can cause toxic shock syndrome if left in too long. This is potentially fatal. Sanitary towels feel unhygienic to some and aren’t the most convenient for those with a heavier flow. Try out mooncups. These are flexible, plastic cups that can be placed inside the vagina to capture menstrual fluids. They can be removed and emptied regularly and are much better for the environment than tampons and towels.

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