It has become very clear to me as I entered college and started living a co-ed lifestyle that many men are essentially clueless when it comes to female menstruation. (Menstruation is the big people word for period, FYI.) I decided to look into what were commonly held questions that men had, but were too often embarrassed to ask their female friends. I stumbled upon an article with very good questions, that were accompanied by very dumb tag lines that only a male would think was funny. So in an attempt to clear up some of this questions and misconceptions I’m going to pose a females response to them. Keep in mind that every woman’s cycle is different and that not all women will agree with every response I have but this will at least clarify a few things for those confused males…hopefully.
15. Why does it make you hungrier than usual?
This is something that I actually just learned. When you are on your period you are burning more calories, thus making you hungrier. So FYI ladies, don’t feel bad for eating more because your body needs it. The cravings women get, often for chocolate, or salty foods, is all a result of out of balance hormone levels.
14. Does the actual… area hurt when it bleeds?
Not really, no. You can ache from time to time but the “area” as you call it AKA our vagina, does not hurt from the bleeding.
13. What does it feel like?
Pain…You don’t feel that much honestly. Just cramps or other pains. Although, when you get your period you can feel it a lot. It feels like you just wet your pants when you know you didn’t.
12. Is that syncing thing true?
I don’t honestly know about this one. I’ve heard that it can happen to some people, so never say never. All I know is that there is not scientific study that says this is a 100 percent true. I’ve lived with four different girls for the past two years and my period never changed from when I was supposed to get it and as far as I know theirs didn’t either.
11. How do you go about your day with cramps?
You have to, and in today’s society you can’t call off work because of them. I, fortunately enough, have not had a lot of issues with cramps. I’ve had bad nights from here to there but nothing constant. Although, I get terrible back pains that are sometimes unbearable. But you’ve just gotta take drugs and carry on with your day to day life hoping it improves.
10. Are you turned on at all?
Varies a lot from person to person and depending on where you are at in your cycle.
9. How do tampons feel inside of you?
Once you get it in you really can’t feel it, unless it isn’t inserted properly then it is uncomfortable. Inserting it most times just results in you feeling a bit of pressure but nothing painful.
8. How long does the bleeding actually last?
This very much so depends on the woman, and if they are any sort of birth control. The shortest I’ve ever heard was three days and the longest being seven. Although some women may have had a longer or shorter experience than that.
7. How do you not bleed out?
Your body has a lot of blood in it. Even though we are pretty much bleeding for a solid seven days sometimes, it’s not enough blood to be a concern. Menstruation is simply your uterus cleaning itself out, this is a natural function and your body knows what it is doing.
6. Does menopause scare you at all?
Yes, a lot. It sounds terrible, but right now the thought of giving birth to a child scares me more. Being a woman sure is great.
5. Why do some tampons have "wings"?
Tampons do not have wings. Pads do. There is a big difference. Tampons are the “things” that go “up there”. Pads go in your underwear like a liner. They can be thicker or thinner depending on your flow and some have wings that wrap all the way around your underwear to secure it. The wings are a preference item. They aren’t necessary, some women like them, others don’t.
4. Have you ever been afraid of going to the beach while on your period?
Yes, even though wearing tampons makes this possible, it is still terrifying.
3. Do you believe men get periods, too?
No. Not at all. This was a stupid question.
2. Why exactly is it called a "period"?
Because it’s a periodical event that occurs. Makes sense right?
1. Is there anything I can do to help?
Be nice and understand that however your girlfriend/wife/SO/friend/sister/mother/acquaintance is feeling is real. They aren’t making it up. Each woman has different things that affect her. I don’t cramp much but my back hurts a lot. An offering of a backrub or heating up a hot pad would be nice when it’s really bad, but even that isn’t necessary. Just kindness and understanding. Don’t say it’s all in our head or we are over exaggerating. We aren’t, I promise
