What do guys think of periods?

[girlwithissuess]

I'm a thirteen year old girl and I've got my period and have ever since I was twelve. I feel really insecure as we recently have had sex education and we learnt about periods with guys in our class. Some guys made some comments like "that's gay" , "disgusting" , feral etc. I also had to sit out for sport for day because of it and they always say "she is such a weakling" or something like that. I don't know what to do but what in your intake on periods boys?

[Anonymous]

The term ‘menstrual cycle’ refers to the changes that occur naturally in a woman’s body to prepare it for pregnancy.

In a normal menstrual cycle, women experience menstruation (also known as a period) followed by the release of an egg. During menstruation blood, cells and mucus are discharged from the uterus.

The menstrual cycle starts on the first day of the menstrual period (referred to as day one) and ends the day before the next period begins. While the length of the menstrual cycle is often 28 days, it can vary between women and from one cycle to the next. It is common for women to experience cycles that last anywhere from 20 to 40 days. Cycles longer than six weeks are considered unusual.

The length of a women’s menstrual cycle can change throughout her life. Irregular periods are common among adolescent women, and in women approaching menopause. Factors such as stress, extreme emotion (good or bad), weight changes, excessive physical activity and travelling can also cause irregularities in a woman's menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle has four distinct phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

womhealth.org.au/.../menstrual_cycle.jpg

Although menstruation is considered to be the first phase of the cycle, in order to properly understand menstruation, it is necessary to first explain the other phases.

FOLLICULAR PHASE
During this phase, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which causes between 10 and 20 follicles (cells that contain immature eggs, known as ova) to begin developing in the ovary. They produce the hormone oestrogen, which causes the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to become thick in preparation for the possible embedding of a fertilised egg (1).

Usually only one follicle develops into a mature egg (2). This follicle moves towards the surface of the ovary, while the others break down and are reabsorbed by the body. The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation. It can vary considerably in length, depending on the time of ovulation.

OVULATION
The term ‘ovulation’ refers to the release of a mature egg from the ovary. During the follicular phase, the rise in a woman’s oestrogen levels causes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to be released from her brain. This in turn causes the pituitary gland to produce increased levels of luteinising hormone (LH).

[Opinion Owner]

The abrupt rise in LH, known as the LH surge, triggers ovulation. Following ovulation, the egg is swept into the fallopian tube and moved along towards the uterus. If fertilisation does not occur, the egg disintegrates within 6-24 hours. Cervical mucus and position Just before ovulation, a woman’s cervical mucus becomes clear and slippery, resembling raw egg white; it is very elastic and can be stretched into a string between two fingers. This kind of cervical mucus is known as 'fertile mucus' because a woman is considered fertile when it is present. Fertile mucus assists and nourishes sperm as they travel up the vagina towards the opening of the cervix. When a woman is in a non-fertile phase of her cycle, her cervical mucus differs in colour and texture. It might be sticky, crumbly, gummy or creamy (like lotion) in texture, and white, milky or yellow in colour.

[Opinion Owner]

This mucus cannot be stretched between the fingers and may have a sour smell. It is important to note that secretions related to sexual arousal, semen, lubricants, spermicides, vaginal infections (e. g. thrush), and certain medications can all interfere with the appearance of cervical mucus. The positioning of the cervix and its opening also change throughout a woman's cycle. At about the time of ovulation, the cervix moves into a higher position and its opening widens. Some women may experience aches or pain around the time of ovulation. This pain can vary from cramps or a general ache in the abdomen to sharp pains in one side. Spotting (light bleeding) can also occur at this time. Time of ovulation Women often believe that ovulation occurs mid-cycle. It actually occurs 12-16 days before the next period starts. So, although a woman with a 28-day cycle may ovulate mid-cycle (between day 12 and day 16), a woman with a 36-day cycle will ovulate between day 20 and day 24.

[Opinion Owner]

For women with regular cycles, an easy way to approximate the time of ovulation is to subtract 16 from the number of days in the cycle and then add 4. This will calculate the span of days in which ovulation is most likely to occur. For instance, a woman with a 22-day cycle is most likely to ovulate between days 6 and 10 of her cycle (22-16 = 6 (+4 =10). Ovulation and conception Following ovulation, the egg's lifespan can be up to 24 hours, but is usually between six and 12 hours (4). In contrast, sperm generally survive for three days, but can live inside the vagina for up to five days if optimal fertile cervical mucus is present (5). Pregnancy can therefore result from intercourse that occurs within a woman’s fertile window (from as early as five days before ovulation, until up to 24 hours following ovulation).

[Opinion Owner]

THE LUTEAL PHASE During this phase, the remnants of the follicle that released the egg (now called the corpus luteum) release large amounts of the hormone progesterone as well as some oestrogen. These hormones contribute to the further thickening and maintenance of the uterine lining. If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and progesterone levels decline, leading to the disintegration of the uterus lining. During the luteal phase, women may experience physical and emotional changes including tender or lumpy breasts, fluid retention, bloating, mood swings, tiredness or anxiety (see Premenstrual syndrome). MENSTRUATION Menstruation occurs when the broken-down lining of the uterus flows out through the vagina. Menstruation generally lasts from three to seven days. Some women regularly have periods that are shorter or longer than this.

[Opinion Owner]

The length can also differ from one cycle to the next. In addition to blood, menstrual fluid is made up of several components including endometrial cells, cervical mucus and vaginal secretions (6). The amount of menstrual fluid lost varies between women and from one cycle to the next, but a woman generally loses about 50-100ml of fluid each time she has a period (7). Menstrual flow may be heaviest or lightest at the beginning of menstruation or may change throughout. The colour can range between black, brown, dark red, bright red and pink. Menstrual fluid only tends to have an unpleasant odour after it has been in contact with air for a period of time. Age of first and last period (menarche and menopause) In Australia, menarche (the onset of menstruation) occurs most often in girls aged from 11 to 14. Menarche usually occurs a year or two following the appearance of other puberty related changes, such as breast development and pubic/underarm hair growth.

[Opinion Owner]

Genetic factors and social influences, as well as a girl’s ethnicity, size, and weight, can influence when menarche occurs (8). Girls with a higher body mass index (BMI) are likely to begin getting periods earlier than those with lower BMI scores (9). Girls who are highly physically active (such as athletes) tend to have slightly delayed menarche. Research suggests that the average age of menarche has fallen during the last century. This can be attributed to a number of factors including improved diet, better healthcare and possibly the increase in oestrogen-like substances in the environment (e. g., pesticides and plastics) (10). Recent studies suggest that the age of menarche is often slightly reduced in girls who are subject to emotional stressors, such as family disruption or childhood adversity, and in girls who consumed high intakes of animal proteins, such as cow’s milk, during childhood (11).

[Opinion Owner]

It is recommended that if a young woman has not had her period by the time she is 16, she should consult a doctor to ensure that she does not have a medical condition that is preventing menstruation from occurring (12). When young women first start menstruating, they are often anovulatory (not ovulating) and, therefore, not fertile. However, it is important for sexually active young women to remember that as soon as they start menstruating, pregnancy can occur. Therefore, they should use contraception if they wish to avoid becoming pregnant. Menstruation without ovulation can also occur at other life stages, such as before menopause. Menopause, the ending of periods, typically occurs in women who are in their late 40s or early 50s. In the time leading up to menopause, the menstrual cycle and/or flow may change, becoming lighter, heavier or longer.

[Opinion Owner]

While irregular bleeding is also common at this time, it can be a symptom of gynaecological cancer so women experiencing this should consult their doctor. Even though women may be unsure as to whether they are ovulating prior to menopause, contraception still needs to be used if pregnancy wants to be avoided. Sex and menstruation Some women avoid sexual activity when they have their period for personal, cultural or religious reasons. However, there are few physical reasons why women should avoid sex during menstruation. One consideration is that the risk of transmitting blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C and HIV is higher when having unprotected sex at this time. It is possible for pregnancy to occur if women have unprotected sex during menstruation. Women who want to avoid pregnancy should use contraception at this time.

[Opinion Owner]

The Pill and menstruation The Pill contains synthetic oestrogen to prevent the development of an egg (and therefore, ovulation), and synthetic progesterone to increase the thickness of cervical mucus (to slow the movement of sperm) and prevent the complete development of the uterine lining. Women who do not ovulate do not experience changes in cervical mucus or ovulation pain. Their 'period' is actually a withdrawal bleed resulting from the stopping of the synthetic hormones (during the seven days of inactive/sugar pills) rather than a natural menstruation. Women taking the Pill can use it to miss or delay a withdrawal bleed. This can be convenient for women planning travel or special occasions. Women who experience health problems such as endometriosis, menstrual migraine and heavy bleeding may use the Pill to reduce the number of withdrawal bleeds they have a year (and, therefore, the number of times they experience symptoms).

[Opinion Owner]

Women taking a monophasic Pill (a version of the Pill that delivers the same dosage throughout the cycle) can miss or delay a withdrawal bleed by simply missing the inactive/sugar pills and going straight on to the next pill packet. However, women on a triphasic Pill (a version of the Pill that delivers different dosages throughout the cycle) may experience spotting if they do this, due to the change in hormone levels at the start and end of the pill packet. Women on triphasic Pills who wish to miss a withdrawal bleed should seek advice from their doctor. Breakthrough bleeding can sometimes occur in women on the Pill, particularly in the first few months of taking it or if the woman is using a triphasic Pill. A woman is still covered contraceptively if she has not missed any active pills and has a breakthrough bleed. However, she should consult her doctor to review the choice of Pill and to ensure the bleeding is not related to another condition (see Bleeding between periods section).

[Opinion Owner]

Return of periods after childbirth The length of time before a woman's period returns following pregnancy largely depends on whether she is breastfeeding or not. This is because the hormone that stimulates milk production, prolactin, also inhibits ovulation and the return of menstruation. Therefore, women who are fully breastfeeding may not have a period for several months after childbirth or until they finish breastfeeding. The return of menstruation in breastfeeding mothers depends upon the frequency and duration of breastfeeds a day. In women who are not breastfeeding, and women who are combining breastfeeding with bottle feeding, menstruation can return as soon as five-to-six weeks following childbirth. It is important to be aware that women will ovulate, and therefore be fertile, before the return of their first period following delivery/breastfeeding.

[Opinion Owner]

It is also important to note that even though breastfeeding can delay the return of periods, it is not a reliable form of contraception. Hope it helps in understanding in better way.

[winterfox10]

Hmm... well I guess when I was younger I was somewhat confused by the idea but it never disgusted me. I realized that it was just something girls' bodies did to keep themselves clean and fresh down there.

I don't think I ever really talked about girls having their periods anyone... except this one girl, but that was only because she was cramping pretty bad and (not knowing that she was having her period) I suggested that she take an Aleve

When middle/high schoolers get together in groups the maturity goes wayyyyyyy down though. For both guys and girls.

[girlwithissuess]

Why can't guys be like you?

[winterfox10]

They are sweetie, you just need to be patient and let them grow up a little.

[samhradh_leannan]

Periods definitely have a gory aspect- it's blood pouring out of you, after all. But any mature, respectful guy will understand that it's totally natural and nothing to get Squamish about. Don't worry. You are young, and the guys in your class are young too. It gets better.

[samhradh_leannan]

squeamish*

[Imafreespirit]

you're at 'that' age. A lot of boys are just very immature about it at first, but don't worry, they don't stay like that forever lol
Periods are completely natural and is pretty amazing how our bodies work, so don't ever feel ashamed about it.

[girlwithissuess]

Thank you for the reply! I wish they would grow up asap!! 😂

[Imafreespirit]

no worries :P haha yeah, it is a bit annoying at first, you just gotta be patent :P

[fauchelevent]

At that age, boys are pretty immature and generally will react badly to things they don't understand or don't experience for themselves. Trust me, they tend to care way less about it once they get a bit older.

[girlwithissuess]

Well some are 13/14 we are in high school (year 8) but thank u!

[girlwithissuess]

Oops year eight not 😍

[fauchelevent]

Yeah, year 8 boys are still super immature :P My boyfriend thought that it was the most hilarious thing ever to put a female condom on my shoulder when he was 13/14, that was like the height of comedy to him. When they get to around 16, they become way more mature. Generally, I find that girls grow up faster than boys so you might need to be patient and put up with the stupidity for a little while but it does get better! :P

[ushagomez]

It's just boys your age being immature. By about 15 they grow up a bit more and most are cool and supportive l when u are feeling a bit yuk. For now just ignore their silly comments.

[Paris13]

With Much Dating and Mating, I find the Biggest Problem... Is when it is Time for Sex and My "Friend" is a Hex. xx

[Paris13]

Welcome to Gag Town. xx

[Afrodesiac]

Don't pay the boys I'm your class any mind. Periods are 100% natural and okay. When they're older they will understand it, problem is it isn't something they have to live with so they won't understand it anytime soon I'm afraid.
Periods are just simply mother nature's way in telling you you're not pregnant, which in itself it a cause for celebration 😂.
So don't worry about it, they are natural, okay and one of the best news you could ask to get so don't let the childish boys get to you 😊

[Afrodesiac]

Don't pay the boys in your class any mind.*

[girlwithissuess]

Why can't guys be like you?

[Afrodesiac]

Because you're in class of boys, when they grow up into men that's when they'll be a little bit like me maybe.

[AndyOh]

It is a natural thing that women have to deal with. IN high school, most of the other kids are kind of immature about it, so hopefully in your sex ed class, the teacher was smart enough to quiet the immature jerky boys.
Be proud of your body and what it does, periods and all. It is a good thing, and deserves respect. Don't waste your time with jerky boys. :)

[xlsScummer]

Young men are idiots and they, themselves probably don't fully understand it either. It's natural. You'll see as you become older it becomes less of a topic, also with age comes wisdom so as guys get older they'll understand it better. Once you get into a serious relationship when you get older you'll be sending your boyfriend to Walmart to get tampons and chocolate. Hope this helps :)

[_Mysterious_]

I think that, periods are natural.

[H2OHydrox]

Young guys are, on reflection, real dickheads about periods. As we get older, we mature a little bit, and realise it's just a normal healthy part of life.

[the_mad_tinkerer]

I buy tampons for my wife without trying to make the cashier look at my wedding band. Periods are now a fact of my life, and I can usually tell when PMS is going to start and when the cycle is over. It's a bit of an inconvenience, but that's about it.

[meatballs21]

They happen. We know, we know it sucks, and we wish you didn't have to go through all the discomfort.

(also, here's to the 13 year old boy mentality that a girl menstruating is "gay")

[xslope]

I'm sure that I'm older than the boys you are hoping to answer but here's my take anyways. I have never had a problem with girls having periods. I honestly do not understand why some do. Maybe it's because since a little boy I've been fishing with my dad and when you get used to fish guts and stuff like that, some blood isn't as disgusting. You can think it in this way, boys are going out to play less and less causing them to have less accidents and wounds. They go fishing or have less to do with all that messy. So when seeing blood is a concept you have only seen from pictures, it's understandable they don't know how to handle it. Mocking it is a way to hide their insecurity on the matter. Feeling disgusted is a reaction to the mental image when you are not used to it.

Most people think poop is disgusting, until they have to change their baby's diapers many times in a day and they get to used to it. So when periods start it can be disgusting to the girl too, but I'm sure that in some level most (?) get used to it.

So in a short version: When boy's do not know how to react, they tend to react oddly no matter the situation.

[girlwithissuess]

No anyone could of answered. Thank you!

[KatherineJ]

Ok, I'm not a boy but menstrual cycles are part of life for half of the human population. Sure boys are going to be weird about them at 13. But as they mature, men accept that it's just a natural thing.

[tartaarsaus]

Meh, almost half the population experiences and biologically it's quite normal.

[jansoka]

They are Just There and if a Guy does Not concentrate on women over 50 He will have to Deal with that!
Most Guys Just Stop having Sex then but There are als the ones who Like "the read sea"
Calling that Gay is Just a sign of immaturity and a Lack of sexual education

[Lottifan]

These things happen. Just ignore what those boys say. They just don't realise how painful and embarrassing periods can be.

[oldoldold]

they happen. its natural. and its a time we may never understand

but anyboy who makes you feel uncomfortable you should ignore as childish and stupid

[disgustingweebtrash]

They're normal.. what is there to think of them?

[jakeofalltrades]

it happens, there is nothing to be ashamed or disgusted of. thirteen year old boys are not a good indicator of what most guys think

[Nice222]

There is nothing wrong with it I feel it is a beautiful and natural thing that makes women what they are.

[eagle1951]

Well your young and dealing with immature boys. it's all part of growing up. every girl goes through this. every girl is different. Some have very hard periods. some have no trouble at all. Even though I'm a Man I can not tell you How many times in my life I have gone through this with a woman or my daughters. or Sisters.

[Theicekube]

I think they're cool and you should be comfortable with it because you're going to have it for most of your life. All guys don't know what it feels like but no guys should think it's a joke.

[dreicqb]

I think its totally fine if they say it. Everybody knows that you have periods.

[girlwithissuess]

Yeah but it's really annoying when people harass you about it. I've also had some embarrassing stuff happen. I got my period and you could tell bc it was on the back of my skirt but instead of the guy telling me he spread it to everyone and made fun of me. 😒