A BATTLE TO FIGHT 

WRITTEN BY: BABES OJO MARY IRANLOWO-OLUWA

[A PUBLICATION OF THE B.U.D. FAMILY INTERNATIONAL]

“Yeee!!!… My back; my chest; my head; my leg; my stomach o” She kept shouting as she rolled on the floor with streams of tears falling from her eyes. 

“Why must it happen? Why must it bring pain? Why must I keep quiet and stay gentle throughout some days in a month?” She wondered, clutching her stomach in an attempt to reduce the pain.

“Why must I be the victim? The pain is much. You just cannot comprehend it oooo!” She wailed, swallowed the spittle that had gathered in her mouth and resumed wailing again. “Why must I have to drink hot water or sit on hot water during this period? Ehn, why?” She asked rhetorically with tears.. 

I call it ‘the red days’, some others call it menstrual pain. 

On the occasion of the family’s fourth year anniversary, I particularly want to remember this battle that millions, if not billions of ladies must fight every month.

To my fellow women who have fought the battle and survived it, you deserve the best! 

Menstrual pain is absolutely normal and you are not alone. But you should see a doctor:

•  If your pain is severe or lasts longer than three to six days
•  If your cramps don’t seem like normal menstrual cramps or are occurring at the wrong time of the month
•  If you feel pain during or after sexual intercourse
•  If you have an abnormal vaginal discharge
•  If something just seems wrong.

How can you reduce your menstrual cramps?

1. Regular aerobic exercise (like walking or swimming for 20 minutes three times a week) 
2. Daily calcium supplements appear to reduce symptoms of PMS, including cramping. 
3. Diets high in calcium and vitamin D may even reduce your risk of getting cramps in the first place.

The following will worsen the cramps:

Stress

Lack of sleep

Poor posture

Diet high in fat and salt 

Caffeine (found in coffee and most soft drinks)

Dear lady of virtue, keep these in mind for a healthy and probable less painful menstruation: 

1. Change your sanitary napkin every 6-8 hours: Changing your sanitary napkins regularly curbs the growth of these organisms and prevents infections.
2. Wash yourself properly- by using washing with your hands in motion from the vagina to the anus, not vice-versa. 
3. Don’t use soaps or vagina hygiene products- Vaginas have their own cleaning mechanism which comes into play during menstrual cycles, don’t help them anymore.
4. Discard properly and wash your hands.

You deserve to be loved!

You deserve to be regarded as a great warrior!, 

As women, the struggle continues, but nevertheless, kindly remember to stay pure (Both physically and sexually), comrades!!