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It’s a day like any other, but something is different. Your period has started. That makes these days different than usual. You should rest and relax more.
How to protect yourself during your days? What to avoid?
Menstruation is not an illness, which is true. Still, it’s a difficult time when a woman may experience certain health problems, such as abdominal pain, headache, nausea, or feel more tired during the day. Although she tries to perform at the same level as when she doesn’t have “her period”, it often doesn’t quite work out. And hand on heart, ladies, which of you would admit that it’s because of your period? There are certainly women among us who are not ashamed to talk about menstruation, but there are also many women who would never admit that they “have it” right now and need to sit down and rest for at least half an hour during the day.
We have listed 8 activities and actions you should definitely avoid during your period. Tell your partners about them too, so they know why you don’t want to go on a twenty-kilometer walk up a long hill today or why you refuse to join an unplanned drinking party with friends.
#1 Sports
“Exercise for health and for permanent disability” could, during menstruation, be extended by the sentence “and heavy bleeding during your days.” We’re not joking. It’s of course good that you exercise and keep in shape, but during your period a woman should definitely choose less demanding sports, e.g. Pilates. Better than the gym and running is a longer gentle walk.
Gynecologists recommend not doing any unnecessary physical exertion on the first day of menstruation, because it would cause increased blood flow to the genital organs and thus intensify menstrual bleeding.
#2 All-day bed rest
If you suffer from severe pains and cramps during your period, it’s natural that you will need to rest as much as possible during the day. However, don’t choose to lie in bed for the entire day. In that position, blood cannot flow freely out of the body and the pain in the lower abdomen will rather increase. You’ll do better if you try to do simpler household tasks.
If you have pains that won’t allow you to get out of bed, then call your gynecologist immediately.
#3 Intimate play
Making love during menstruation can in a certain way act as contraception, but on the other hand it carries the risk of causing an infection of the female reproductive organs. How about trying gentle cuddling and resting in your partner’s arms?
#4 Strict dieting
If you are trying to lose weight, definitely don’t do it by drastic diets. They are absolutely useless; they only bring the yo-yo effect and sadness that you’re not losing weight. Have a professionally designed meal plan and a list of exercises made for you.
The amount of food is tailored specifically to you according to how much you want to lose and also covers the need for nutrients during your days. It is definitely not recommended to eat nothing at all or only a very limited amount. It is necessary to replenish especially iron and folic acid, which leave the body with the blood. You could become anemic! Staying hydrated is a matter of course.
#5 Taking certain medications
During menstruation blood clotting is reduced, so consider taking drugs that affect blood formation, e.g. Analgin or Acylpyrin. If you have to, take Paralen, which can also be used during pregnancy.
#6 Drinking alcoholic beverages
Hard alcohol intensifies menstrual pain and a hangover during your days probably isn’t the best idea either. For drinking, choose plain still water, non-carbonated mineral water, or fruit and vegetable juices.
#7 Hygiene when changing a tampon or cup
We believe this information is known to all women: before removing and inserting hygiene products into the vagina it is necessary to wash your hands well. If you don’t, you can introduce a serious infection whose treatment will be more than unpleasant.
#8 Consuming salty and sweet foods
Although women often have various cravings during their period, they should definitely limit both salty and sweet foods. If you salt too much, you’ll increase your chances of swelling and water retention. Sweets can cause a very unpleasant yeast infection.
