The Wonders Down-under - Women's Health Week 2020

Women’s Health Week kicks off today by highlighting the wonders down-under. The Cova Project community knows all-too-well the importance of opening conversations around periods and the inner workings of the Holy Grail. In a survey by the charity, many responders said the most frustrating thing about getting the period was the pain.  Almost 100 per cent said their pain was high, with one replying her pain was 11 out of 10.

“The pain stops me from being able to work, or do anything really,” one respondent said. 

“I’m sore, bloody and cranky. All round it’s a yucky time,” another said. 

“Until recently my pain was never taken seriously,” one woman wrote. “I have back cramps lasting the entire week and the first few days are so debilitating with tingles down my spine, butt and legs and I feel as though something is stabbing me consistently. I have nausea, bloating, swollen breasts and menorrhagia.”

Our responders also had many frustrations about their time of the month. 

“I panic about flooding through my clothes,” one said. 

“I always think it’s finished, then it comes back one or two days later,” another wrote. 

One frustration was simple; bloating.

“I hate PMS and the waste periods create through pads and tampons. Even with the environmentally friendly options available I find I still buy regular pads and tampons because my period is irregular so I often don't have my period panties or menstrual cup on me,” one replied.

While menstruation can certainly feel like the end of the world at times, The Cova Project team have a few words of wisdom to help make Aunt Flows visit a bit easier. 

“Be kind to yourself,” founder G.D Anderson said.  “Give yourself wiggle room for error, your body is going through it, you’re allowed to be a little more emotional or a little less focused, it’s okay.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard,” intern Ellie Busby said. “Give your body a rest, eat that chocolate, put on a facemask and wear your comfiest clothes. At the end of the day, your body is doing a pretty incredible thing so make sure you treat yourself!”

“My advice for menstruating is to prioritise good menstrual hygiene practices,” Ghana’s project leader Abena said.  “Laziness and unavailability of resources can make girls want to bath less or wash or change their sanitary products less than necessary but doing so might result in chronic and even permanent health risks. So by all means eat healthy and stay clean all through your period and beyond.”

“Have a comfy outfit for the first couple days for when the pain and the bloat is real,” public relations manager Kim said. “Grab some choccie, make yourself a cuppa and just relax; your body is working wonders.” 

The Cova Project’s survey responders also passed on their best advice.

“Just do whatever you need to do to get through,” a responder said. 

“Be kind to yourself and stock up on food,” one wrote. 

“Don’t feel embarrassed talking about it,” another person said. “ If you drop your tampon or bag from your purse don’t blush, it’s a necessity like glasses or lip balm. And don’t let boys make you feel ‘dirty’ when you’re on your period! You ain’t got nothing to apologise for.”

The team also shared what they wish someone told their premenstrual selves. 

“I wish I knew that I could laugh about it and make jokes about ingesting chocolate like a hungry bear coming out of hibernation,” G.D said. “Australian society talks about menarche like it’s this daunting thing. It honestly should be a ‘welcome to the club’ moment! You shouldn’t be quietly handed a pad and told not to talk about it, you should be handed a box of chocolates, taught a secret hand shake and given a code name like Athena.”

“I wish I knew more about menstruation itself and how to use sanitary products,” Abena added. “I only learnt about these after I had already started my period. The first three days into my period were confusing and painful.”

“I wish I knew it was ok to be open about your period with your friends. In fact, it’s the best way to know if everything is going well or if there’s something you should talk to your GP about,” Kim said. 

“How painful they can be so I could be more prepared,” Ellie said “I wish I knew it's more than just bad cramps; it's headaches, bloating, hormone changes and nausea.”

“I wish I knew how expensive pads and tampons are,” a survey responder said. 

“It can last for up to 14 days for some people and I wish I knew that could be me,” another said.

“I wish I knew more about the other aspects of the cycle and how they can affect my body,” one person wrote.

“I wish I knew how my period would make me feel; mentally, physically and emotionally,” one woman added.

“I wish I knew that there were options to pads and tampons.” Diana, CEO of Flowcup in Sweden commented “Try a cup - It gives you a more free period!”

Finally, and arguably most importantly, according to The Cova Project community, chocolate is 100 per cent necessary for your period.

Article by Kim Price