A GENERAL GUIDE TO
Women's Reproductive Health
managing your
period
How should I clean my private parts during my period?
With or without your period, you should wash outside your vagina with unperfumed soaps once a day. Strong hygiene products can kill natural bacteria in your vagina, leading to infections. You should never douche or wash inside the vagina.
What period products should I use?
There are plenty to choose from. Use the chart below to guide your decision.
Stick onto underwear.
$6/box
12 boxes/year
3-4h
Not reusable
pads
tampon
Insert into vagina.
$7/box
9 boxes/year
4h
Not reusable
menstrual disc
Fold and insert into vagina.
$10-20/pack
1 pack/cycle
12h
Not reusable
menstrual cup
period
underwear
cloth pads
PRODUCT
HOW TO USE
Clasp onto underwear.
Fold and insert into vagina.
Wear as normal underwear.
cost
$13-20/pack of 5
$13-25/cup
$24-65/pair
Change every
3-4h
12h
8h
2 years
Rinse and wash cold, then air dry to reuse.
5 years
Soak, rinse, and wash cold, then air dry to reuse.
10 years
Clean with soap and boil to reuse.
[1]
My period is heavy and painful.
Period pain is common, caused by the contraction of the uterus wall to push menstrual blood out. It can be relieved with exercises or painkillers. However, if the pain is debilitating, you should see a doctor. Irregular, heavy, or painful periods could be signs of underlying conditions.
Medical conditions can cause irregular, heavy, or painful periods
fibroids
Non-cancerous tumors in or around the womb.
endometriosis
When tissue of the uterine lining is found outside the womb, such as in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes.
adenomyosis
When tissue of the uterine lining becomes embedded in the wall of the womb.
pelvic inflammatory disease (pid)
Infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or the ovaries.
polyps
Non-cancerous tumors in the lining or neck of the uterus.
polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos)
When hormonal imbalances prevent egg maturation or ovulation.
Uterine cancer
Cancerous tumors in the uterus or the uterine lining.
Can I have sex when I'm on my period?
Yes, you can have sex on your period. However, you can still contract STDs, so it is important to use protection such as condoms.
WHAT ARE
STDs
STDs, short for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, are infections that spread through bodily fluids (semen, vaginal discharges, and blood) or skin-to-skin contact of the genitals.
STDs are very common and sometimes asymptomatic, but they can be dangerous if left untreated.
& HOW TO
prevent them
STDs can be prevented by:
-
using male or female condom or dental dam during sex;
-
getting vaccinated for HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B;
-
testing for STDs with your partners regularly.
birth control methods
reversible contraception
Intrauterine Contraception
IUD - A small T-shaped device put into your womb by a practitioner. It prevents pregnancy by releasing copper or progesterone into your uterus. IUD lasts 3-10 years, but can be taken out anytime by a practitioner. It may cause your period to become irregular or stop altogether. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 0.1-0.8%.
Hormonal Methods
Implant - A small rod put under the skin of your upper arm by a practitioner. It prevents pregnancy by releasing progesterone into your bloodstream. Implant lasts 3 years, but can be taken out anytime by a practitioner. Your period may become irregular, lighter, heavier, or longer. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 0.1%.
Progesterone shot - An injection is effective for 8-13 weeks, but it may take up to 1 year for your fertility to return to normal after you stop getting injections. Good for period pain and stopping periods. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 4%.
Pill - A pill consisting of estrogen and progesterone (combined pill) or only progesterone (progesterone only pill) must be taken at the same time everyday. Prescribed by a doctor. The pill can make periods lighter and less painful, and can help treat acne. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 7%.
Patch - A sticky patch that releases hormones into your body through the skin. You put on a new patch once a week for three weeks, and do not wear a patch on the fourth week so you can have your period. The patch can make your period lighter and less painful, and can help treat acne. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 7%
Vaginal ring - A ring you put into your vagina for three weeks, and take out the week of your period. It releases estrogen and progesterone. The ring can make your period lighter and less painful, and can help treat acne. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 7%
Barrier Methods
Spermicides - These products kill sperm and come as gel, film, tablet, etc. You place them into your vagina no more than 1 hour before sex, and leave in place for 6 hours after sex. Do not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 21%.
Diaphram/Cervical cup - A shallow cup you insert into your vagina before sex with spermicides, and leave in place for 6 hours after sex. Does not prevent against STDs. Failure rate: 17%.
Condoms - Can only be used once. Oil-based lubricants (moisturizer, lotion, Vaseline) can weaken the condoms, so use them with water-based lubricants. Only latex and polyurethane condoms can prevent STDs. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms can prevent pregnancy but not STDs. Failure rate: 13% for male condoms and 21% for female condoms.
Emergency contraceptions
Emergency contraception - To prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if the regular contraception fails (e.g. your condom breaks), have a copper IUD inserted or take emergency contraceptive pills within 5 days.
PERmanent contraceptions
Tubal ligation - A woman can undergo surgery to have her fallopian tubes tied to prevent sperm and eggs meeting. She can resume normal activities in a few days. Tubal ligation is effective immediately and does not affect hormone levels or periods. Does not protect against STDs. Failure rate: 0.5%.
Vasectomy - A man can undergo an office procedure to keep sperm from entering his penis, such that there are no sperms in his semen. He can resume normal activities in a few days. After operation, the man sees the doctor for a sperm count until his sperm count is zero (about 12 weeks). Does not protect against STDs. Failure rate: 0.5%.
consent
Before any sexual act - kissing, touching, oral sex, vaginal sex, or anal sex - it must be totally clear that every person involved wants it.
reusable up to
safer
SEX
