#smbwana: writing

[smbwana-online]

What to Do When Your Period Starts: At School! | Comic Week 15 - created on Corel Painter.

Nolo likes to think of herself as prepared for any crisis or unforeseen situation. So, the prospect of starting her first period outside of her home has never really spooked her. One day in class, she realises that something feels unusual…down there. She chalks it up to discharge but as more time goes by, she realises that the sensation seems a little different, more…urgent. As she gets up from her desk to go to the bathroom, she feels Nadine grab her arm, tugging her back down into her seat.

‘Nolo…I-I think your period has started,’ Nadine whispers into her ear, ‘It’s on the back of your skirt!’

‘The back of my skirt?!’

Panicked, Nolo rummages through her bag in search of her period emergency kit but after flipping through books and digging through pockets she soon realises that it’s nowhere to be found! Just a day ago, Nolo had spent the afternoon at home cleaning out and reorganising her book bag (one of her favourite pass-times). It was then that she must have removed her period kit and forgotten to replace it!

Nolo turns to Nadine, a feeling of dread pooling in the pit of her belly. No period kit, a stain on her skirt – there was no way she could have prepared for this sort of situation. Nadine sees Nolo’s expression as her eyes become glossy and pool with tears – Nadine gets the message. She shakes her head, mouthing ‘Don’t cry,’ before removing her school jersey and offering it to Nolo to wrap around her waist.

Confident her stain will be hidden from the class, Nolo blinks away the start of her tears and rushes over to her teacher’s desk. Discreetly, she explains her situation to Mrs Kattan who advises her to visit the nurse’s office to get some pads. Mrs Kattan says that a little bit of soap and water will wash the blood out from her skirt, and suggests she take a friend with her for some support. With that, Nadine and Nolo head off for the nurse’s office!

At the office, much to Nolo’s surprise, the nurse congratulates her for starting her first period before offering her several pads to use over the course of the school day. Thanking the nurse, the girls head off to the girls’ bathroom. Thankfully it’s empty, giving Nolo the privacy to remove her skirt and wash out the little spot of blood with some soap and water while Nadine watches the door for other students. Allowing her skirt to dry near the sink, Nolo goes into a stall and applies her pad, making sure to adhere it securely to the parts of her panty that aren’t already damp with blood. Shuffling out of the stall, she collects her skirt and puts it on before wrapping her own jersey around her waist – just for a little security. Nolo washes her hands thoroughly, dries them and then turns to Nadine with a beaming smile.

‘I did it!’ she says.

The two girls leave the bathroom, relieved that what could have been an ordeal filled with panic and tears is over. On the way to class, Nolo thanks Nadine for coming with her and keeping her calm when she felt overwhelmed. To Nadine, its nothing but what anyone would do for their best friend. Later in the afternoon when all of kids have gone home from school, Mrs Kattan makes a note in her diary to get some pads that she can store in her class for more girls like Nolo.

If you’re ever in a situation like Nolo’s where your period starts at school but you are without your period kit, it is important to remember not to panic and to vocalise your situation to a trusted adult. Let your teacher know immediately, and if they do not have pads for you ask if you can go to get some from a nurse or counsellor. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask if you can take friend with you. Regardless of whether you teacher is a man or a woman, they will understand your situation even if you use a subtle phrase like ‘it’s a girl problem.’ Lastly, it is important to thank the friends who helped you when you needed their support. Remembering this will allow you to give them the same support on the day when they will need you!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

When To See A Doctor... | Comic Week 24 - created on Corel Painter.

The uterus is an important organ that holds many functions in a girl’s body. However, it can also be prone to contracting different medical issues and conditions that can alter the way someone lives their life. Last week, we explored the various abnormalities that may come about with menstruation. Today, let’s discuss three prominent medical conditions that cannot be ignored and need to be addressed by a doctor.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition caused by an imbalance of reproductive hormones in a woman’s body. This imbalance affects the ovaries, resulting in little fluid filled sacs called cysts forming in the ovaries, making it difficult for the ovaries to form a fully developed egg every month, or even develop an egg at all. Symptoms associated with PCOS are irregular or missed periods, excessive androgen production – a male hormone that may cause excess facial and body hair and acne – and sudden weight gain along with the inability to lose that weight easily. 10% of all women have PCOS, so it is not an uncommon condition, and it can present itself at any time after puberty. Because PCOS makes it difficult for the ovaries to produce eggs, fertility problems are common among young women with the condition who are looking to have children. It is important that, if you experience these symptoms, you ask a trusted adult to accompany you to a gynaecological visit. A gynaecologist – a specialist that deals with the health of female reproductive organs – will be able to assess you, and thankfully, PCOS is a condition treatable with medication, fertility treatment and life-style changes.

Many women – if not most women – will experience something called fibroids over the course of their life. Usually occurring in women between their 30s and 50s, fibroids are noncancerous growths that form on the uterus. These growths can range from being incredibly small in size to being large enough to distort the shape of the uterus; some women only have one, whereas other women may have many. Fibroids come in four types: intramural – appearing in the uterine muscle wall; subserosal – appearing on the outside; pedunculated – appearing on the end of a small stem; and submucosal – appearing in the middle muscle layer of the uterus. Many women may go their entire lives not realising they have fibroids because often times they present no symptoms. But when they do, menstruation with heavy and long bleeding, pelvic discomfort and bladder problems may be just a few symptoms that a woman may experience. While the growths themselves are relatively harmless, the pressure they put on the uterus and the bladder can cause serious pain, especially around menstruation.  Seeing a gynaecologist when experiencing these symptoms is integral to getting the help needed to alleviate your discomfort. Thankfully, much like PCOS, fibroids are treatable with medication, non-invasive procedures and surgery – minimal and traditional.

The last condition is arguably more severe than the two above. Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which tissue much like the tissue that grows on the inside of your uterus – the endometrium – grows outside of the uterus. This tissue behaves in the same way endometrial tissue does, thickening, disintegrating and bleeding with every menstrual cycle. However, because this deteriorated tissue cannot leave the body through the uterus and down the vagina, it gets trapped and causes possible cysts on the ovaries while irritating the surrounding tissue. This irritated tissue can become scarred and develop adhesions that can make organs stick to one another! Endometriosis can affect any woman past puberty and is relatively as common as PCOS. Symptoms may include painful menstruation, pain with bowel movements, pain during sexual intercourse and infertility issues. If these symptoms plague you, then seeing a gynaecologist is certainly not optional as women with endometriosis are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer later on in life. Once again, thanks to the wonder of medicine, treatments such as hormone therapy, pain medication and, if necessary, surgery are all available to those with the condition.

The causes of these three common reproductive health issues are still relatively unclear to doctors, as many factors such as genetics and even lifestyle may contribute to their existence within a woman’s body. It is also important to keep in mind that they are not the only disorders that can affect you, so paying attention to your health and well-being at this pivotal time in your life is a habit that you should get into.

While these conditions can seem a little frightening, you are not alone if you develop one of them. Many women go about their days in a perfectly normal manner while living with them, making sure to seek medical assistance when they feel they need to. Ultimately, it is your duty to yourself to watch out for your own health and never hesitate to go to the doctor when you need to!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Covid-19 – What It Is And How To Protect Yourself! - created on Corel Painter.

The Covid-19 disease is upon us and is filling the world with a lot of uncertainty. You may be feeling a little frightened at the moment or perhaps missing your friends that you can’t see at school. However, with a little bit of knowledge and a lot of courage and caution, you can protect yourself and your family from any illness!

The coronaviruses are a family of viruses that affect the respiratory system and make it hard for you to breathe. You’ve probably come into contact with a few of them yourself and walked away unscathed. The common cold and the flu belong to the coronaviruses and most people catch them and recover with ease. However, in 2019 a new disease within the coronaviruses was discovered called Covid-19. This disease is highly infectious, causing symptoms such as coughing, fever and fatigue. These symptoms can range in severity and the virus can be most dangerous for elderly people, people who are already sick or people with compromised immune systems. So how can you protect yourself and your family at this time?

It’s quite simple! Following a few easy steps can help keep you safe.

Wear a mask in public and If you need to cough or sneeze, do it into the crook of your arm. The virus can spread through little particles that come out of our mouth so keeping your own mouth covered can protect others if you’re sick and protect you if others are sick.

Stay home! Leaving your home should only be for necessities or getting exercise in places that are not crowded. If you stay home more often, the likelihood of getting the virus decreases incredibly.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. These places are home to sensitive mucous glands that can easily contract the virus. Unless your hands have been thoroughly cleaned, do not touch your face.

Wash your hands regularly. Regardless of whether you are at home or out in public, it is important to get into the habit of washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The virus cannot survive soap, so scrubbing your hands with soap can prevent its spread.

Sanitise your hands. Make sure to keep hand sanitiser on you at all times. Sanitise your hands regularly to kill the virus if it has gotten onto you and remember to sanitise the items you use in public too!

Maintain social distance. It is hard to resist hugging your friends, but at this time it is best to keep your distance from those with which you are not sharing a home. A six-foot distance could protect you from catching the virus when out in public.

It is okay to feel nervous or a little scared at this time, but you are not helpless. With a collaborative effort of following these rules, we can all make a difference in pushing back the virus. So, let’s work together to defeat Covid-19!

If you or someone in your family has any of the above symptoms, call South Africa’s Covid-19 24-hour hotline: 0800 029 999

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Meet the Kids! | Comic Week 2 - created on Corel Painter.

Nolo and Nadine have been inseparable for as long as they can remember. Hour-long phone calls, glittery hand-written notes and sleepless sleepovers filled with laughter have marked their friendship since they first met in grade one. Nolo is Nadine’s partner in crime and Nadine is Nolo’s bestie for life – as well as some respite from her annoying twin brother, Thato.

They were taught not to bicker, tease and argue and yet it seems like that is all Thato and Nolo do. To Nolo, her brother is pompous and pig-headed (even smelly) and to Thato his snobby sister is the target for an easy jab and joke. But for whatever reason, he seems to behave at least half decent when Nadine is around, who is not nearly as snooty as his sister. To Nadine, Thato is just as much her brother as he is Nolo’s. To Thato, well…she’s just another girl.

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Puberty: Why and Who? | Comic Week 3 - created on Corel Painter.

Nadine knows that puberty is a part of growing up because that’s what she’s always been told. “It’s a rite of passage; a sign that you’re becoming a young woman!” her mum says, but Nadine has always been curious why it needs to happen in the first place.

Puberty isn’t just a rite or a sign signalling growth, it as a necessary and natural process that prepares a child’s body for the transition into becoming an adult body. All kids go through puberty, but the process is different depending on whether you’re a boy or girl.

A young girl like Nolo will experience, among other changes, getting her period and her breasts developing. Her brother Thato, on the other hand, will experience rapid hair growth on his body and might grow much taller much faster. The time these changes occur differs for all kids: the process may be slow or fast, it might happen early or a little later into the teens.

The important thing that Nadine knows is that this is all perfectly normal. “Change is a good thing,” her mum loves to say, so sure puberty can’t be all that bad!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Puberty: Stages and Duration | Comic Week 4 - created on Corel Painter.

PE has never been Nolo’s favourite lesson of the day, but as of late she has been dreading it more than ever. Lately, In the girl’s locker room, Nolo has been keeping a secret that she thinks is too embarrassing to share. Nadine, seeing her discomfort, prods her for answers until Nolo gives in. In a whisper, she says to Nadine, “My boobs are…kind of itchy?”

Nolo might think it’s strange, and Nadine might think it’s unheard of, but in truth what Nolo is going through is normal. The first stages of puberty are taking place in her body.

Puberty is usually broken down in five stages for boys and girls. For young girls, in the first two stages little physical change is seen but it is surely felt. Itching and tenderness around the breasts are normal for a girl Nolo’s age as they are a sign that the breasts are developing. In the final three stages of puberty, Nolo will see her breasts develop, will start her period and see her body become shapelier. On average, the process of puberty will last five years in a girl and around six years for a boy. Similarly, the first few stages of puberty for a boy will not show many physical results. But in later stages, a young boy like Thato will experience hair growth all over his body, will become more muscular with age and see the growth and change of his genitals.

Nadine has never experienced itchy boobs before and that’s perfectly fine. The process of puberty can occur at different times for different kids, so Nadine has no need to worry. More than anything, she’s looking forward to her last days of freedom before itchy boob syndrome sets in for her!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

The First Signs of Puberty | Comic Week 5 - created on Corel Painter.

Lately, Thato hasn’t been bothering to shower at night before bed. “It’s too much work to do when you’re already tired,” he says and just hops straight into bed instead. However, when he wakes up, he notices a pungent odour coming from himself in the morning, stronger that it has ever been before.

Across the hallway and in Nolo’s room, her mother chats to her about her “itchy boob” problem and delightedly tells her that it may be time for her first training bra. Nolo is confounded though, having seen her mother’s own underwear drawer, she can’t imagine having that many bras and wearing them every day!

Nadine is also experiencing a dilemma. For the first time ever, she is seeing hair grow in an odd place that she has never seen it grow. It is fine and straight, but is it normal? Should she pull it out? She decides to go ask her mother before doing any unnecessary tweezing.

All three kids are experiencing the first signs of puberty. These signs can be subtle in nature at first, but they signal a great change in the composition of a child’s body. Smelly body odour, steady breast growth and the arrival of pubic hair are just a few of the significant indicators of puberty. What you may experience alongside these physical changes are emotional changes too. Feeling some apprehension, anxiety and frustration about the process is normal and it is important to share your feelings with someone you trust when you feel they overwhelm you.

These first signs are welcomed baby steps into adulthood, but what happens when those baby steps turn into leaping gaits? Find out next week!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Greater Signs of Puberty | Comic Week 6 - created on Corel Painter.

One. Two. Three. Four! Nadine has never had pimples before, so why does it seem like lately they’ve been popping up in little clusters almost overnight? They’re bright red, painful and tender and no amount of pinching or squeezing will make them go away! Thankfully, Nadine’s older cousin is coming over this weekend and she’s promised to bring all of her best face masks and skin treatments with her.

Nolo has found herself in an equally sticky situation. Lately, she’s been finding a clear liquid on her underwear. Mortified, Nolo wonders if she…peed a little? But after closer inspection, she realises the liquid has a thicker texture and is mostly odourless. Not sure what to make of it, she approaches her mum who explains to her that this phenomenon signals a great journey ahead!

In contrast to the other two, Thato has been feeling pretty great of late (but when doesn’t he, Nolo would argue). Has the top shelf in the bathroom always been so easy to reach? Is it just him, or is it high time he upgraded his school shoes to a larger size? Ever observant, Thato’s dad decides to measure Thato’s height against the chart they’ve kept on their kitchen wall for years. Finally, it all makes sense – Thato has grown double the amount this year than he did last year!

The above examples are obvious signs that puberty has begun, and change is on the horizon. Acne from hormonal changes, vaginal discharge and growth spurts are common at this time and should not alarm you. While acne can cause some insecurity about one’s appearance, it is important to remember that it is natural and asking an adult to teach you about skin hygiene and maintenance may prevent outbreaks and alleviate discomfort. Discharge can feel unusual and uncomfortable at first, but it is the sign of a healthy vagina that regularly cleans itself and regulates its own inner workings. Growth spurts, seen more obviously in boys, will happen quite often at this time and keeping up with your own height, weight and clothing sizes could be an interesting and fun way to follow your own development. All three of these symptoms, like any others, aren’t to be feared but instead embraced – it’s all a part of the journey!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Reproduction | Comic Week 8 - created on Corel Painter.

Lately, Nolo’s been thinking about her body and all of its many changes. Puberty is meant to be the process by which a child’s body becomes an adult body, but what does that mean really? What does it mean to have an adult body?

This question can easily be answered by a natural phenomenon without which the human race could not exist – reproduction! Reproduction is a process by which the male-produced sperm and the female-produced egg unite during sexual intercourse and ultimately form a baby.

The female reproductive system is made of many parts. Two organs called the ovaries release an egg once every month to be fertilised in a process called ovulation. This egg sits comfortably in the uterus, cushioned by a thick uterine lining made of tissue and blood. When the egg goes unfertilised, hormones tell the body to dispel this thick uterine lining in preparation for a new cycle of ovulation. This particular process is called menstruation. Menstrual blood leaves the vagina and the cycle starts anew.

The male reproductive system is also made of many parts. Sperm cells, the little swimmers integral to the process of fertilisation, are created in a pair of glands called the testes. The testes sit in a pouch of skin called the scrotum that keeps them protected. For the sperm cells to travel, they need to be imparted in a fluid called semen that is produced by the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. When sexual intercourse – or just sex – takes place, semen travels through the penis and is ejaculated into the vagina, allowing the sperm to seek out the egg. Millions of sperm cells travel through the harsh conditions of the vagina and only the absolute strongest swimmer makes it to the uterus. There it plunges into the egg and fertilisation occurs, impregnating the woman. In nine months, a little baby is born!

Adults who want to have sex but don’t want to have a baby make use of safe, protected sex practices. They may want to use condoms, a sheath made of thin rubber worn on the man’s penis to prevent the transference of ejaculate, or contraceptive pills taken by the woman to cease the process of ovulation. There are many other available contraceptives but ultimately, it is up to the adults to decide what they are comfortable using. It is also important that they vocalise to one another when they do and do not want a baby.

Reproduction is an intricate and wonderous process and something that can only be achieved by adult bodies that have experienced puberty. When Nolo really thinks about it, she’s proud to have a body that one day will be the host of such scientific wonders!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Puberty: Complications and Abnormalities | Comic Week 9 - created on Corel Painter.

For Nadine, Nolo and Thato puberty is going swimmingly. It may come with its bumps, hiccoughs and learning curves, but anatomically their bodies are developing in the ways that they should. But what about those kids who don’t have the same experience? With puberty can come some complications and anomalies.

Precocious puberty is a condition where puberty begins too early in a child’s development. Children seven years old and younger may develop breasts, start their periods, grow pubic hair or experience genital growth. When this occurs, parents should seek advice from the family’s doctor who may suggest pursuing hormone therapy to arrest the progress of puberty.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, delayed puberty is a condition where the signs of puberty are not seen beyond the age of thirteen years old. In this case, someone well into their teens may notice that their peers’ bodies appear more mature than theirs. Seeking medical advice is integral at this time and similarly, a doctor or specialist may prescribe hormone therapy to induce puberty and encourage physical maturation.

These two occurrences are considered “abnormalities” but experiencing them does not make you abnormal or strange. Your body simply needs a bit of assistance to guide its growth in the right direction. What is important is that if you feel something may be wrong, different or hard to understand about your body, you should ask an adult for help.

The complications surrounding puberty are not only physical, but they can be mental and emotional too. This process in your life brings about a lot of change very quickly, and this can be greatly overwhelming. Physiologically, the brain during puberty is flooded with hormones, rapid development and new information making it a volatile place. This means that depression and anxiety are common conditions found among teenagers. Changing bodies, changing friends and changing feelings may leave you with a sense of uncertainty and fear that debilitates you in the form of anxiety. Adversely, you may feel profoundly sad and listless in the face of these changes, denoting depression. With these disorders, some may feel the need to experiment and self-medicate with dangerous substances, or gain a sense of control of their world by greatly restricting their diet. In these circumstances, you may resist the thought of sharing your troubles with others, but consulting with trusted friends, family and adults is the first step in improving your mental health. If seeking therapy and counselling is an available option to you, take the opportunity to speak with someone specialised to assist you.

What Thato, Nolo and Nadine know more than anything is that when they need help, they should never hesitate to ask for it!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

The Menstruation Cycle II | Comic Week 11 - created on Corel Painter.

Last time, we discussed the menstrual cycle’s process, purposes and the gritty details of what’s happening inside you as you go on about the first 8 days of your cycle. But the first 8 days are only the beginning!

Shortly before day 14, oestrogen levels climb suddenly, rupturing the follicle and releasing an egg from the ovary. This is called ovulation, and for women who want to have a baby, engaging in sexual intercourse at this time increases the likelihood of getting pregnant. Before ovulation, your oestrogen will be at its highest. Oestrogen encourages the production of endorphins, so you may feel in tip-top shape around this time.

Between day 15 and 24 the fallopian tubes manoeuvre the egg towards the uterus. In the fallopian tubes is where the egg gets fertilised by a sperm cell (to find out more about what happens when this little egg is fertilised, visit our post about Reproduction!). But if the egg goes unfertilised, it continues through the tubes and ends up in the uterus.

Around day 24 to 28, the unfertilised egg will break apart, causing your hormone levels to dip considerably. This drastic hormonal change may cause a dip in your mood and energy levels, and for many women, it is one of the most uncomfortable times of their cycle. Finally, by day 28 the little egg leaves your body along with the uterine lining, bringing you back to day 1 of your period!

Menstruation is a rather phenomenal process considering, for the most part, the important mechanics of it go unnoticed in us. Understanding and even documenting your own cycle is a great way to keep up with what is going on with your body and is a practice equally important for women who want babies and women who do not. 

Nadia and Nolo are headed for an important journey into adulthood, so let’s learn more about their journey next week!

Source: https://www.womenshealth.gov/

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Preparing For Your First Period | Comic Week 13 - created on Corel Painter.

Lately, Nolo and her mum have been hard at work collecting the necessary items for a first-period home-survival kit and travel-emergency kit. The two kits share many of the same items, so let’s first look at the products that Nolo keeps in both.

Naturally, the first and perhaps most important item Nolo has is pads. There are many menstrual products that girls can use from pads to tampons to menstrual cups. However, for a first period, a pad may be easiest and most comfortable to use.

Tissues are useful to pack into both kits as well. A first period may illicit a lot of emotions or perhaps a mishap like getting some menstrual blood on your clothes may upset you. Having some tissues around allows you to have a good cry when you need one. When speaking of mishaps, wet wipes are a vital product to have. Periods can be messy and a wet wipe can clean up any mess with ease – just remember to discard them in a bin and not in the toilet!

Nolo’s mum is comfortable with her using pain relievers so she has provided her with a few to store in both kits. If your parents allow you to make use of them, it’s always good to have one or two on you at this time. With periods come cramps, headaches and other aches and pains that may be too much to bear, so having some relievers may make it easier on you. Next is deodorant: did you know that during your period many experience strong body odour? Having some deodorant with you, at home or at school, can keep you fresh all day and keep the B.O away.

And finally, we come to the true heroine of any girl’s period: chocolate! No period kit would be complete without a little stash of chocolate to get you through the tears, cramps and cravings. A bit of chocolate may help to improve your mood, boost your energy sugar or just make you some comfort when needed. Dark chocolate, choc-a-bloc with magnesium and omega-6 fatty acids can help relax those cramping muscles.

Now that we’ve seen what Nolo keeps in both kits, lets venture into the products that are exclusively for home or travel use. For school and anywhere outside the house, Nolo keeps a cute travel pouch in which she carries all of her necessities. This is a much easier and more discreet option than dumping everything into her school bag. Nolo’s mum also gives her a little bit of loose change to stash away in case she finds herself in need of something she doesn’t already have (like more chocolate). Lastly, an extra pair or two of underwear is incredibly important for Nolo to keep in her travel pouch.

For home, Nolo keeps a hot water bottle that she will use on her tummy if her cramps become too much to handle. A bit of warmth on the area can help to ease the pain and relax the muscles. In her home kit, she also keeps a bright purple sticky note with the bold letters stating “DRINK WATER” to remind her to stay hydrated at a time when her body will need it most. Lastly, and what her mum believes to be most important for any girl, is a journal for her thoughts and feelings. Periods, especially the first, can bring about a lot of emotions. Having a private journal to express and explore your thoughts is important for any young girl going on a journey as epic as this one.

Now that you’ve seen what Nolo has in her kits, making your own for yourself or your friends should be a breeze!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Premenstrual Syndrome | Comic Week 14 - created on Corel Painter.

Nadine and Nolo have been having a lot of fun putting together period kits for themselves and for one another. For the first time, Nadine has been experiencing discharge and other changes to her body, leading her mother to believe that her first period will be on its way within a year or so. But for Nolo, it seems she may be expecting her first period much sooner than she thinks.

Often times, Nolo and Nadine’s afternoons hanging out are cut short with Nolo complaining about stomach pain, causing her to return home early. Nadine has also noticed that when Nolo arrives at school, she seems tired and moody, and not at all receptive to Nadine’s jokes. From Nolo’s own perspective, her body feels like it’s not her own and she doesn’t quite know why.

However, Nolo’s mum is sure she knows the reason why: Nolo seems to be displaying some of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS for short. You may have first heard of PMS from an older sister, cousin or friend lamenting about its effect on them. It is a collection of symptoms that can occur several days before the start of a girl’s period that usually disappear a few days into the period itself. Some girls don’t experience PMS, but a majority of them do and these are a few of the symptoms you can expect.

A rapid change in hormones can lead the body to react strongly. You may notice some acne suddenly cropping up on your skin before your period. Bloating and water retention along with some digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhoea are also very common at this time. Many girls experience sensitivity and tenderness of the breasts, with some pain. A symptom you may become incredibly familiar with is sudden appetite change, or ‘cravings’ for sweet and fatty foods. Sudden fatigue and dull headaches can also be expected at this time. Seems like quite a lot, doesn’t it? Naturally, being assailed by so many symptoms may leave you feeling irritable and snappy, and mood swings often affect a lot of a women who experience PMS.

So, what can be done to alleviate these symptoms? Maintaining a skincare regimen or changing your current one up during the ten or so days before your period can help fight sudden acne breakouts. A change in diet eliminating sugary and salty foods and drinking more water can help diminish bloating and flush out the excess water building up in your body. Light breast massages and taking some pain relievers can help alleviate breast pain. Indulging in sweets and junk food is not an inherently bad thing to do at this time, but if you feel that you are over-indulging, try swapping out those devilish delicacies with homemade healthy alternatives. Getting in a few extra hours of sleep every night and allowing yourself time to rest may combat fatigue and naturally, headaches can be resolved with pain relievers and lots of hydration. Finally, documenting your feelings and emotions in a journal or chatting to a trusted friend may help you get through your mood swings, but deciding to spend some time away from others to remedy your irritability is a valid solution too.

For girls like Nolo whose first periods are fast approaching, they may experience some of these symptoms sporadically in the weeks leading up to their period’s arrival. For other girls, their bodies may give them no indicators at all. For these reasons, it is important to be prepared for ‘The Big Day’ in any way you can be. As always, as unpleasant as PMS is, its good to know that we all go through it together!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Menstruation: Abnormalities | Comic Week 16 - created on Corel Painter.

With Nolo having started her first period and Nadine’s first period not too far away, it is important for the girls to learn as much as they can about what to expect from a healthy menstruation cycle. For some young girls and women, their experience with menstruation may deviate from the normal. Today, let’s discuss some of the abnormalities in menstruation that some may experience.

For those well into puberty, one’s period will come once every month, resulting in twelve periods a year. In the first few years after a girl starts her first period, her subsequent periods may be irregular and she may experience fewer than twelve in a year. Once the body acclimates, this should no longer be an issue. However, for some girls this is not the case as they may spend many years after the start of their first period battling with irregular periods. Many women may experience irregular periods over the course of their lives and factors such as stress can contribute to this problem. If nothing is wrong with the body, the period cycles should rectify themselves and become regular with the alleviation of stress and the introduction of healthy lifestyle factors. But many years of irregular periods could be a sign of a greater underlying medical problem that needs to be attended to.

The length of a girl’s cycle is also something to which she must pay careful attention. The duration of a menstruation cycle can vary from person to person. However, as a general rule, one’s cycle is seen as abnormal if it is shorter than twenty-one days or longer than thirty-five. You may experience one or two cycles a year that are longer or shorter than usual and this doesn’t need to concern you greatly at first. But if you find that most, if not all of your cycles are too long or too short, medical assessment may be necessary.

We’ve spoken about PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome – before and have noted that it is a condition that affects many girls and women. However, it does come in a far more severe form as PMDD – Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. PMDD presents many of the same symptoms of PMS, but these symptoms are far worse and usually debilitating to those who suffer from it. If you feel that the depression, anxiety, fatigue and overall physical distress you experience a week prior to the start of your period is hampering your everyday ability to function, you may be suffering from PMDD. Thankfully, it can be treated with medication like serotonin enhancers and other hormone therapy that will regulate the drop in oestrogen that results in PMS and PMDD in the first place.

So, what if your periods are regular, your cycles are normal and you don’t have PMDD? There are still abnormalities that may afflict you during your period. Excessive bleeding, or menorrhagia, during menstruation is something to watch out for. Many girls experience ‘heavy flow’ during the first few days of their period, meaning that they will bleed a lot at the beginning, but this bleeding will taper off towards the end of menstruation. However, for some girls they experience heavy bleeding that impedes daily activities and forces them to change menstrual products every hour or more frequently. Menorrhagia could be a sign of a greater medical problem or may even lead to another, such as anaemia. Periods that last longer than seven days are also considered menorrhagia, so keep track of how much you think you are bleeding as well as for how long you are bleeding. Once again, thankfully there are medical treatment options for this condition so do not hesitate to seek them out.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have amenorrhea, the absence of menstrual bleeding. While it may sound pleasant to think of being free from a period for three or more months, this should be a cause for concern if you are not a sexually active person trying for a baby. Girls who are fifteen and older who are yet to start their periods are also considered as having amenorrhea. Stress, hormonal imbalances and lifestyle can all be contributors to amenorrhea, but naturally it is best to be safe and see a medical practitioner when this problem occurs for longer than three months.

Spotting between periods is another anomaly to watch out for. ‘Spotting’ is the word for light vaginal bleeding that happens when you aren’t supposed to be on your period. There are many reasons why a person may spot: for those who are sexually active, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual trauma, pregnancy and implantation bleeding are just a few of the causes for spotting. For those who aren’t sexually active, even a little bit of stress may alter your cycle and lead you to bleed a bit before the start of your period. If you find yourself spotting regularly, it is always a good idea to seek medical help.

It is important that, if you experience any of these abnormal symptoms, you confide in a trusted adult and ask to be taken to see a doctor if these symptoms are worrying you. Many times, just attending a doctor’s visit could lead to a quick and easy treatment to alleviate your symptoms. Other times, you’ll find that a doctor’s visit may not be necessary.

Next week we will dive into the times a doctor’s visit is very much necessary and when the above abnormalities denote greater underlying medical issues.

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Boys: What Is Your Role? | Comic Week 18 - created on Corel Painter.

Thato rarely regrets anything he does or second guesses himself. However, for the last few days he has been ruminating over an incident that took place between himself and Nolo that has left him feeling uneasy.

It all started one morning when Nolo was hogging the bathroom. It was one of her latest habits that Thato had noticed and that irritated him to no end. She never used to take this long to shower and get ready in the past, but of late it felt like she took ages in there! Rapping hard on the door, Thato demanded that Nolo hurry up and after a minute or so she scurried out of the bathroom, a large toiletry blagged clutched tightly to her chest.

Finally, Thato had the bathroom to himself. Wondering if there was even any hot water left in the shower, he suddenly noticed something on the floor. There strewn out was a panty covered in blood! Horrified, Thato bolted out of the bathroom and called out to Nolo who came rushing out of her room. His skin still crawling, he asked Nolo why she would leave something so gross in the bathroom for him to see. He demanded that she leave her nasty girl stuff in her room. How disgusting!

Nolo’s head dropped for a moment before she stormed into the bathroom to retrieve her misplaced panty. Her face flushed, she stomped past Thato and into her bedroom, the door slamming behind her. Thato huffed – why was she angry? It was he who was subjected to her bloody, soiled underwear, not to mention the many times he had found one of those weird pad things that she had dropped in the bathroom. She should really be more careful next time, Thato thought.

Later that day, the incident long gone from his mind, Thato approached Nolo at school to ask if he could borrow her mathematics textbook, as he had left his at home. Before he could complete his sentence, Nolo glared at him before spinning around and marching off. This behaviour continued on throughout the day, the next day and the day after. Thato was bewildered.

After the fourth day of being ruthlessly ignored and snubbed, Thato, too embarrassed to approach his mother about it, sat down with his dad and explained the incident.

To Thato, he had done nothing wrong. More than anything it seemed unfair that Nolo had an attitude after he was the one who found her bloodied underwear. Even though he knew what a period was and how it worked (vaguely), he didn’t want to have to see any evidence of it if he could.

With a deep sigh, Thato’s dad explained to him that, although he must have been very surprised to see Nolo’s underwear, the words he used to address her might’ve been very hurtful. Though he has never experienced one himself, Thato’s dad understands from speaking candidly with the women in his life that it is not an easy or comfortable thing to go through. Raging hormones, mood swings and aches and pains sound horrible as they are. So, to add to that the embarrassment and shame of someone yelling at you for misplacing a pad or soiled panty, one might feel incredibly hurt and even isolated. His dad assures him that, knowing how tidy and meticulous Nolo is, she probably dropped her underwear accidentally without ever intending to surprise Thato. Finally, he reminds Thato that his words have gravity and, especially when speaking to his twin sister, he should be more considerate of Nolo’s feelings.

As a boy, you will grow up without ever experiencing the trials and discomfort that come with having a period. However, that doesn’t mean that your role in the story of menstruation ends there. The girls in your life who you care about depend on you to support them during this poignant transition in their life. Educating yourself about periods through reading books, doing research and asking questions proves to be a great service to your schoolmates, friends and sisters who ask little from you beyond your understanding. 

Periods are not grotesque, disgusting or something to tease someone about. In fact, the cycle of menstruation is an incredibly complex and intricate process that is natural for the female body. Even though it is a process foreign to your own body, having some respect and for it and compassion for those who experience it is an excellent quality to have.

If a girl you know has some period blood on the back of her dress, politely tap her on the shoulder and inform her quietly that she ought to visit the bathroom. If you see a girl drop a pad or tampon, or misplace any other menstrual item, find a discreet way to pick up the item and hand it back to her when she is alone. Kindness and consideration are key to the role boys and men play in the story of menstruation.

For most boys, menstruation will become more important to them as they grow up. If you date or marry a woman, understanding how her period affects her could improve your relationship. If you are trying for a baby with her, helping her to monitor her ovulation cycle could determine the success of your reproductive efforts. If you become a father, assuring and comforting your daughter during her first period could fortify her trust in you. For these reasons, a boy’s role in menstruation should not be overlooked and should be adopted with pride.

Late at night, as Nolo emerges from her bedroom to brush her teeth, she finds something just outside of her room. A small chocolate bar sits at the threshold of her door and as she picks it up, she can’t help smile at the all too familiar handwriting scrawled on the chocolate’s wrapper, “Sorry.”

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.

[smbwana-online]

Jamie’s Story: Transmen and Periods | Comic Week 19 - created on Corel Painter.

Nothing excites Nadine more than getting to hang out with her older cousin, Laila. Laila is the epitome of chic – she studies fashion design at university, has her own car (fuzzy dice included) and has an array of colourful friends who Nadia gets to meet on occasion.

One weekend, Nadine meets one of Laila’s closest friends, Jamie. Jamie, a fellow fashion student, has the same warm and welcoming disposition that Laila has, not once snubbing Nadine for being “too young” to chat to. Charming, kind and mature he’s absolutely nothing like the boys Nadine has to deal with at school – which makes him even cooler! Jamie and Laila seem to have a never-ending stream of conversation, one that even a chatterbox like Nadine can’t quite keep up with. As Nadine heads off to the kitchen in search of some snacks, she sees Jamie excuse himself to go to the bathroom. Suddenly she notices something peculiar.

A little floral-patterned parcel peeks out from his back pocket. Pulling it out just before he enters the bathroom, Nadine finally gets a glimpse of what it really is: a pad?!

What could he possibly be using a pad for? Why do men even need them?! For the rest of Jamie’s visit, Nadine’s mind couldn’t help but spin. While something told her that it’s for the best not to bring it up while he was around, dozens of questions burned in her mind.

As soon as Jamie left, Nadine exploded. Flustered, she explained to Laila that she had seen him go into the bathroom with a pad and then proceeded to inundate her cousin with a slew of questions. To Nadine’s surprise, Laila didn’t look surprised at all – more than anything she seemed amused.

The two retreated to the privacy of Laila’s bedroom and sat on her bed. Nadine could tell from Laila’s expression that whatever story this was– it was going to be a long one.

Laila explained that even though Jamie is a guy now, he wasn’t always that way. Jamie was actually born a girl, with female reproductive organs and all. However, for all his life Jamie had felt as though he had been born into the wrong body. For Jamie, he knew he was meant to be a boy. It was deeper than just wanting to wear boy’s clothes and play with toy trucks. Jamie felt an immense and profound discomfort in his female body, and trying to get the people around him to understand this was its own battle. When Jamie approached puberty and began to develop the way any young teenage girl would he became deeply depressed. Now his body was even further from what he wanted and for years this feeling tormented him until he could no longer supress it.

At sixteen, Jamie came out to his parents as transgender. A transgender person is someone whose gender expression does not match with the sex they were assigned at birth. While it took some time for Jamie’s family to understand his situation, they eventually rallied around him, supporting his journey to transition from being a female to a male.

Jamie considers himself to be early on in his journey even though every transgender person’s journey is different. He has been attending therapy for almost a year to help him reconcile the big change he is making. Soon he will be administered hormone therapy and thereafter he will consider sexual-reassignment surgery. But until he is well into his testosterone treatment, he will more than likely still experience periods. This is why Jamie is a boy who has periods.

Nadine can’t help but look at Laila incredulously. She concludes that basically, Jamie is not really a boy. She’s a girl underneath, which is why she still gets periods and uses pads. To Nadine, the whole thing just seems too weird. Noticing a sudden gloomy expression appear on Laila’s face, she asks what’s wrong.

Calling Jamie “not really a boy”, Laila explains, is very hurtful to him and would be hurtful to other trans people. Similarly, referring to him with the incorrect pronouns such as “she” and “her” is equally hurtful. To Jamie, had he been given the choice before birth, he would have chosen to be male. However, he has had to suffer being spoken about and referred to in ways that were contrary to his very nature as a person. Laila reminds Nadine that when Jamie arrived, he was kind to her and respected her as a person despite their age difference. So, just because his life has been a little different from hers, why should Nadine not do the same for him?

It is possible for people who do not identify as “women” or “girls” to have periods. Transgender men and other non-binary people can experience periods as a result of having a uterus, even though they wouldn’t call themselves women. Up until this point, we have focused on the process of menstruation for young girls and women, however it is important to note that menstruation is something experienced by a wide range of people who go by different gender identities and signifiers.

Nadine may not understand Jamie’s life and experiences and many people who meet Jamie may choose to ostracise him and invalidate him for the way he has lived. However, he and other trans people are no less deserving of compassion, understanding and kindness than anyone else. Being dismissive of his gender identity, asking invasive questions about his body, and being prejudiced against people like him breeds immense pain in a world that could only benefit from more respect and understanding.

Nadine apologises to Laila. She would never want to hear someone call Nolo “weird,” so for Laila it must have been awful to hear that about Jamie. Later that evening, Nadine is grateful that she did not react in front of Jamie the way she did in front of Laila. Before going to bed, she makes an oath to herself to be more understanding of others who are different to her in the future.

Like Nadine, let’s all do what we can to support Jamie and other trans people like him!

Illustrated and written for the IAMFORHER Foundation's educational program on puberty and menstruation for children and adolescents.