The bloody truth about periods

With 94% of people feeling like their education surrounding periods and menstruation wasn't good 

enough, as well as over 138,000 people in the UK missing out on school due to period poverty, I wanted to 

share the truth about periods. I love talking about 'taboo' topics and opening up to allow people to start a 

conversation. Nobody should feel ashamed of having a period, when half of the population have or will 

experience them. There is no such thing as a bad period and we should never feel embarrassed about it. 

PERIOD COLOUR

Red blood - Bright red blood, shows a steady and healthy cycle.

Brown/black blood - This is normal, and is often seen during the beginning of end of your cycle. 

It's older blood that has taken a little longer to leave the uterus. If this is accompanied by itching, swelling, 

bad odour or any discomfort some blood may be blocking the vaginal canal and need medical attention. 

Pink blood - This is completely normal and just means that the blood has mixed with cervical fluid which 

is what makes it a lighter colour. Some contraception can make your period lighter and alter the colour. 

Orange blood - Orange blood can also mean that is has mixed with cervical fluid. However it can often be 

a sign of infection and should be checked out by a doctor especially if paired with itching and discomfort.

Purple blood - This can be completely normal depending on the person. Often people with endometriosis 

or PCOS have purple period blood as it can indicate higher levels of estrogen in the body. 

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PMS

"PMS; premenstrual syndrome. A combination of symptoms that are experienced by 3 in 4 people 1 - 2 

weeks before the start of their period. These can be so severe, causing them to miss school or work."

There are tips and tricks to help deal with PMS, such as exercise; painkillers, sleep and birth control. PMS 

is and should be pretty mild, however if it's causing severe pain and discomfort talk to your doctor. 

- Tender breasts

- Headaches

- Cramps 

- Mood swings

- Back pain

- Bloating 

- Fatigue

- Acne

- Irritability 

MISUNDERSTANDINGS

There are so many misunderstandings out there surrounding periods, due to the lack of education and information about them, as well as combining them with a little bit of Chinese whispers. 

YOU CAN LOOSE A TAMPON. You cannot loose a tampon. A tampon can not get lost in your 

body, it will always be in your vagina. A tampon can occasionally get stuck, but it doesn't get lost. 

PERIODS ARE VERY PAINFUL. Mild discomfort is often experienced throughout your period, 

however if it becomes unbearable and severe then you should get in touch with your doctor.  

YOU CAN'T GET PREGNANT IF YOU HAVE SEX ON YOUR PERIOD. After years of sex 

education and information being online, this is still a huge misunderstanding. It is very rare that you will 

get pregnant when having period sex, due to ovulation and the dates of having sex lining up, however it 

is still possible. Contraception should always be worn to avoid an accidental pregnancy. 

THE STICKY SIDE OF A SANITARY TOWEL IS NOT STUCK DIRECTLY TO YOU. This 

is something that I have seen online recently, especially amongst men. When applying a sanitary towel 

the sticky side is applied to the inside of your underwear, not to you as the sanitary towel is used to catch 

and absorb the blood exiting the uterus. 

Every period is different and every person's body is different. It is so important to educate yourself 

with as much knowledge as you can about periods in general, but also learn and listen to your body

 as that it what's most important. 

xoxo

Lea-Mai