Andrew Mortensen
6/10/18
HR: notes from class, videos
Artifact 6: Shark Week
From around the age of 13 till the mid to late 40’s, every woman undergoes the most terrifying week of the month for men: the period. Menstruation is a process that occurs when the lining of the uterine wall is shed, because the eggs were not used and cannot be replicated. Blood vessels in the uterine wall swell and bleed, along with the release of the wall lining to create the substance that is released from the vagina. Menstruation begins with menarche, or the first period which is prevalent in girls around the age of 13, but can vary from 6 to even 16 in some cases. The period will come about once a month (roughly) and lasts for 2-7 days but can also vary according to the specific female. During the mid to late 40’s and even the early 50’s, women undergo menopause, which is when the period stops and the female is typically unable to give birth. Contrary to belief, menopause cannot be controlled by exercise or good health, it is simply in sync with the biological clock and happens to every women, whether they want it or not. Moreover, the period is a controversial event that is viewed differently around the world and has an impact on every woman.
In the United States, menstruation typically has a bad rep simply because males think it’s gross and causes women to act differently. During the period, women get cramps from the tightening of their muscles in that area, which in turn causes stress and bloating. As a result, women are stereotyped in a way that a lot of personality flaws are to be blamed on the period. Additionally, it isn’t as accepted as much as it is in other countries, most people think it is gross and don’t regard the fact that it is natural and it is a way of life. The only circumstance where a male and especially a female are excited for a period is when someone makes a mistake during sex. That is because the period goes away during pregnancy. An egg will become fertilized and implant itself into the uterine wall, making the shedding unnecessary, along with the continued release of progesterone and other hormones.
Because the period can affect a woman’s everyday life, there have been control methods that have been created. One category is associated with absorption of the blood that is released. Tampons are tiny bundles of cotton that are inserted into the vagina and can soak up the blood for a certain amount of hours until it is full. Pads are similar in their material, but don’t enter the vagina. Instead they cover it, almost like a diaper would, and cover the vagina and absorb the blood that comes out. On the other hand, methods to stop or reduce the intensity or periods have been created, called birth control. Birth control comes in many forms, ranging anywhere from pills, to inserts, to implants and can suppress the period by continuing the release of sex hormones and prevent ovulation. The most popular form is the pill which is taken daily. The implant, which is one of the most reliable forms, is inserted in the arm of the female and works the same as any other method. Another contraceptive method is the vagina ring, which is less common, but is simply inserted into the vagina and is pressed up against the cervix and releases hormones. Besides prevention of pregnancy, birth control is used to reduce period cramps and heavy periods in general.
In essence, menstruation is a fact of life and will continue to be seen in females regardless of shape, size, color, etc. Although the period is regarded poorly, it is natural and can be a huge relief if mistakes are made. Tampons and pads have been created in order to prevent a mess and to make the period a little easier to handle during that rough week. Birth control methods also help a woman in more ways than pregnancy and are extremely common around the world. Regardless of personal opinion and views, the period just shows how badass women can be to endure the pain and cramping every single month for half of their lives.