Every woman has experienced it, the uncertainty and excitement of having their first period. It means the journey to becoming a woman is finally starting, and we aren't being left behind. However, what we didn't realize is the embarrassment and feeling of disgust that would follow in the years to come because of the way periods are viewed and how we are treated about them. It evolved from an exciting moment to one of horror if anyone found out because of the way people may look at you. The worst part is that one day you wake up and realize that it is nothing to be ashamed of and you begin to notice how it affects every woman around you.

The most obvious form of embarrassment begins when you first start having your period, usually in junior high. Then it follows you into high school and before you realize it, college. This is when you hide your tampons. No girl wants to walk from class to the restroom holding a tampon, so we become experts at hiding the tampons. This may be in a coat, pants pockets, or even a boot. We are even great at sneaking them into these places so that no one notices what we are doing. The part about this that troubles me the most is the fact that no one tells us to do this. It is something that we just begin to do, but I think we need to work on this no longer being a part of life that we are afraid of and feel that we have to hide.

Another part of the stigma surrounding women and their periods is the insane amount of jokes that follow. Growing up I have heard so many that is truly just irritating and makes me want to sit them down and give them a piece of my mind. Not only are the jokes insulting and demeaning, but that make you look like such a child. No women is going to stand to be with a guy who makes fun of her for something that is a part of life. Instead of making jokes and making women feel insecure, men should be more supportive and understanding, especially if it is someone that they are dating. Lately there have been videos surfacing of men abusing their girlfriends because of something revolving around their periods and it honestly makes me sick. It is horrifying and I cannot believe that has become a trend in our culture.

I believe that we need to take steps to end this kind of behavior. If we don't try to end it as soon as possible, it's just going to get worse and then there may be no going back. We need to begin with education. Typically the only time men are educated about women and their body is in sixth grade, when it's funny and embarrassing. When sex education is continued throughout junior high and high school, women's bodies are not covered in the curriculum, just STD's and their symptoms. I believe that we need to work on the curriculum for older students that actually focuses around both the bodies of men and women so that there is more understanding for everyone. This would not only avoid awkward questions later if you didn't know something you should have, but also, this may help avoid some of the jokes that are made towards women and their bodies.

All in all, this is a serious issue and I believe that with a little knowledge and women who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, we might be able to change they way society view periods. However, if we sit back and hide behind the face of uncertainty, nothing is going to get better. Now, speaking to the men that may have taken the time to read this. Please consider your actions and words. If you make a big deal about periods, it's going to make the woman in your life uncomfortable and extremely insecure. She should be able to talk to about these kind of issues and feel safe and loved. Take the time to be supportive and make that awful week of every month as easy as possible, she will truly appreciate it and you.