Meghna Mathew

Periods. Menstruation. Vagina. Discharge.

These are just a few words most individuals are intimidated by. Understandably so, if one does not know enough about them. While ignorance may be considered bliss, Red Badge of Courage believes that it is of utmost importance for men and women alike, to inform and educate themselves on the topic of menstruation. 

Before we begin to explain why it is an extremely normal thing to occur in women after a certain age, and absolutely nothing to be ashamed about, let’s talk about where it takes place.

The female reproductive system is beautiful. We could definitely get into the complex biology of it but let’s save that for another day. Here’s the easy version-

The two ovaries on either side of the uterus are connected to it by fallopian tubes. The uterus opens out through the vagina. Every month, the ovaries produce a singular egg in hopes that it will be fertilised by a sperm to make a baby. The egg travels through the fallopian tubes and lands in the uterus, waiting for fertilisation to take place. The uterine wall thickens in order to accommodate the egg.  At the point of time, two things can take place

1. Congratulations! You’re pregnant!
   In this case, the egg gets fertilised by a sperm from a male (a whole different discussion awaits) and embeds itself into the uterine wall to grow into a foetus. It nourishes the foetus for its duration in the uterus and provides it with all the required nutrients. 9 months later, voila, you’ve got yourself a baby!
   
2. Here comes your period
   If the egg is not fertilised by a sperm, it needs to be discarded somehow. This is done through the process of menstruation. The unfertilised egg dissolves and makes its way out of the body through the vagina. When pregnancy does not take place, the thick uterine wall is of no use either, so that too leaves the body through the vagina. Essentially, all the unrequired waste comes out through the vagina along a heavy side of blood.
   

This flow of blood and uterine waste can last from anywhere between three days to a week. The time period between the two periods is called the menstrual cycle; it should essentially last for 28 days. In this duration, the ovary sends out another egg to the uterus to be fertilised. If left unfertilised, a period takes place. This process is accompanied by immense pain in the lower abdomen and back, mood swings, nausea, dizziness, hot flashes and extreme discomfort. Each month a woman faces such challenges for what seems like a punishment for not being pregnant! Here’s a simple video that explains the entire process:

Red Badge of Courage is here to normalise periods and make everyone aware of what it really is. Bringing about a conversation is the only way to make people feel comfortable with the topic and in 2020, it is high time that happens.

Keep in mind- whatever you can do, a woman can do bleeding!