The first day of the menstrual flow
The first day of the menstrual flow is counted as day one of the menstrual cycle. On the day that the menstrual flow starts, the inner lining of the uterine cavity has grown to be nearly twice as deep as it was after the last menstruation. The menstrual flow is caused by the shedding of this thickened lining. The shedding takes place because the body stops the supply of certain hormones. These hormones are called estrogen and progesterone.
The fully developed lining is composed of thousands of microscopically small blood vessels, with millions of cells of a soft, spongy tissue packed around them. The blood vessels act as a support and at the same time carry nourishment to the tissues. These soft tissues, rich in blood supply, have stood in readiness for the possible arrival of a fertilized egg. Had there been a fertilized egg, the supply of the one hormone, progesterone (meaning “for gestation or pregnancy”), would have continued to maintain the lining and prevent menstruation.
When the supply of hormones stops, growth of the lining stops, and within two or three days the network of tiny blood vessels begins to shrink in size. This deprives the surrounding tissues of both support and nourishment. The whole structure gradually becomes detached and small pieces of the lining start to shed. Within a few hours some of the weakened blood vessels open, first only a few at a time, then steadily increasing in number. Each tiny vessel empties its droplets. This is how the flow begins and soon increases.
The total amount of the average menstrual flow is about two to three ounces, which is only about four to six tablespoonsful of liquid. The amount may vary. For some women it may be less than an ounce; for others it may be much more.
There is no medical reason for avoiding intercourse during any part of the menstrual period. No ill effects occur from penetration by the penis, nor is menstrual blood harmful. However, if either husband or wife considers intercourse distasteful at this time, it should be avoided.
Very effective and harmless medications are now available for the mild to severe menstrual cramps that some women experience. The cramps are caused by the formation of prostaglandins, chemicals that stimulate the uterus to abnormally contract. Ask your physician for a prescription for antiprostaglandins, which prevent the development of these chemicals and thus actually prevent pain rather than simply relieving it. There is little reason to suffer from menstrual cramps today.
Mothers are sometimes concerned that the use of a tampon for menstrual hygiene will destroy a girl’s virginity. Only penetration by the penis does this. Tampons are so slender that they can be inserted by most virgins without breaking or stretching the hymen. In answer to questions from mothers, no, there is no sexual stimulation from a tampon as almost all of a girl’s sexually sensitive areas are well in front of and above the vaginal opening.
A more serious consideration is the occurrence of toxic shock syndrome in a few teenage girls and young married women. The United States Centers for Disease Control has connected the use of tampons with this rare but sometimes deadly infection, particularly tampons made of synthetic materials rather than cotton. This infection is caused by a staphylococcus bacteria that can grow rapidly in the blood accumulated in a tampon. In almost every case studied the tampons were not changed often enough throughout the menstrual period.
Research has indicated that the type of fibers used in Rely tampons encouraged the growth of the staphylococcus bacteria. Rely tampons were removed from the market, and no tampons are now made with that fiber. All types of tampons, however, have been associated to some extent with the development of toxic shock syndrome. It is recommended that tampons be changed at least every six to eight hours or that a pad be alternated with a tampon during menstruation and a pad used at night.
A menstruating girl or woman should be free to engage in any activity she would pursue if she were not menstruating, such as riding horseback, swimming, engaging in strenuous games, washing her hair, or bathing. A study done at the University of Illinois proved conclusively that a significant amount of water does not enter the vagina when a woman sits in a bathtub, or when she swims.
Posted in Understanding the Basics
To Ed Wheat Sr. and Gladys Gibson Wheat, whose commitment, devotion, warmth, generosity, and integrity stood for fifty years as a beautiful picture of genuine agape love.