In India 99% times the girls dont know about menstrual cycle until they have their first period.The same was the case with me.I was in class 7th when I had my first period.
As every normal day I came back from school,got changed into my comfy pyjamas and a loose tshirt,had lunch.Then I went to the loo and came out with a red panty.I was so scared.One day before this I googled ‘kiss’ (teenager's curiousity) and I was looking at pictures of people kissing.Now when I had my period I thought that because I had looked at kissing pictures I was pregnant now.At that time I didnt know anything about periods or pregnancy.I was scared how am I gonna tell my parents about this and I was so scared that I didnt even tell them about periods i called my maid and told her that this has happened and she started searching for a sanitary napkin but it wasnt there so she asked my aunt for it and she had it.Then my aunt explained me about what it was, how it worked,its start was called menarche and that it was normal for every girl to have.Then my maid told my mother about it and then my mother explained the same to me.I felt kind of awkward I dont know why.
Education about menstrual cycle is very important you dont know how a child's brain reacts to a blood stained panty if she doesnt know what has happened.Even in school we had sessions but they werent very clear about it.They used to focus only on the parts that how to use a sanitary napkin, how to dispose it and do and donts of periods but we never knew the basic that why it happened and why we have to use a sanitary napkin.The same I had my periods my maids daughter was going to a nearby shop and i insisted on coming with her and she was reluctant to take me and she said “if you want to know why i am not taking you with me then come with me”.So i did i went with her and then i started having stomachache.
Even today many girls are unaware about period till they experience it on their own and many dont even have acess to sanitary napkins.The day this scenario will change it will be a big victory for India.
