My Period As A 23-Year-Old Content Writer in Ibadan, Oyo
Period Dairies - Episode 2
Period Diaries is a 4-week series documenting the experiences of Nigerian women during their periods. Sadly, periods are still a taboo topic in Nigeria and the prices of period products keep rising while the quality keeps reducing. With Period Diaries, we hope to bring attention to the menstrual health of Nigerian women during Women’s History Month and highlight the work of organizations fighting period poverty in Nigeria. Last week’s diarist is a student who experiences period poverty and spent 13.5% of her income on sanitary products.
Today, our diarist is a 23-year-old content writer whose period came 10 days late. She describes experiencing intense cramps, having diarrhoea, craving cold drinks and finally, some relief when the last day comes around.
Occupation: Content Writer
Industry: Writing Services
Age: 23
Pronouns: She/ Her
Length of period: 5 - 6 days
When did you get your first period?
At age 11. I was at church, and I felt a weird sensation. I got up to go to the bathroom and realized I was stained. Thankfully, I was wearing a pair of black jeans and already knew what periods were, so I didn't panic. I informed my mum afterwards, we went home and she gave me sanitary pads to wear.
Period Expenses
How much do you spend on period products and period care every month?
NGN 3950
Please, list the period products and services you use monthly and their costs.
Molped Ultra Soft Super Value Pack - NGN 1700. This lasts for about roughly 3 months.
On a discount, my tracking app costs NGN 5400 for 1 year. That's NGN 450 per month.
Medication to ease period pain - NGN 1800.
What is your monthly income and what percentage of your monthly income do you spend on your period?
About 3 per cent of my income.
Have you ever received any education about periods from a teacher or family member?
Yes. My mum tried to break it down for me. Before that, I had been taught Integrated Science in Junior Year 3. Although, all my classmates did was laugh and so when I had questions, I took them home to my mum. Not long after, I was supposed to move to the boarding house at my school. My mum made sure to include sanitary pads in my suitcase and let me know what to look out for, and how to pay attention to my body. She made me understand that there's nothing to be ashamed of about having my period and to try to learn how to predict when it would come by writing down the dates. It wasn't accurate but I at least always had an idea of when to expect my period. I also had a period purse that contained spare sanitary towels and a few hygiene things that I might need in case of an emergency.
Have you ever ever experienced or do you currently experience period poverty?
While I acknowledge the high expense of purchasing menstrual products and care packages, I have never experienced period poverty.
Have you ever experienced discrimination or harassment because of your period?
I would like to say I got lucky, I never got harassed, as far as I can remember. I witnessed other girls getting harassed and being called names for getting stained but I never experienced it first-hand.
Do you have any health or other condition that affects your periods?
Apart from dysmenorrhoea experienced during my periods, I do not have any underlying health condition that affects my periods.
Day One
My period was late. By late I mean, over 10 days late, according to my period tracker. I'd been experiencing cramps from the moment my "ideal cycle time" ended, but all they did was deceive me and put me on edge because I was already beginning to wonder what could have been wrong. I wasn't worried about being pregnant because I'd not been sexually active but I know women's bodies change ridiculously so I was resisting every urge to check google for a diagnosis.
When it finally came, I was washed with relief. I hurriedly added it to my tracking app. Now, because it was already dramatic by being late, you would assume that it didn't come with extra. LOL. I was in so much pain in the morning when I got up around 7 am. I was tired, I felt like I had not slept in days. I also didn't have any appetite so it meant taking pain-relieving meds was a struggle. I got in the shower, and then came diarrhoea, and severe back pain. I was able to make it out of the shower and because I always keep sanitary pads, I had what I needed. I ate around 11 am. I had oats for breakfast and then proceeded to lay on my stomach for another hour.
I didn't experience relief until 4 pm when I took another dose of painkillers. The ghetto for real. I was able to write only one article for work on this day and honestly, I was extremely proud of myself for showing up still. I took a warm bath and went to bed early after dinner.
Day Two
I woke up a little later than usual, despite having an early night on day 1. I recall feeling tired but not experiencing cramps as badly as I did the day before. I was able to shower and have breakfast, after which I signed into work. I started feeling overwhelmed because of the backlog I had from day 1 but periods are no respecter of women so I had to brace myself and do the work.
I had intense cravings for cold drinks (I don’t know why) so I tried to get a few drinks and cold bottles of water to keep me going. I had lunch and by evening, the cramps were totally gone. I was grateful for the win, took a bath and went to bed.
Day Three
Day 3 is usually when I begin to experience relief. The fatigue had waned and the cramps were gone, call me a superstar because I had a great day at work. I replied to all emails, finished up on deadlines and even got a commendation. My period only happened in the background and I do not take the lack of drama for granted.
Day Four
This day was funny because my back felt like it was on fire. I didn’t understand why I had to go through back pain but it meant I had to swap out my work chair for a more comfortable one with pillows to support my back so that I could show up. I also had a few errands, so I tried to take walks to where I needed to go to help ease the discomfort. By evening time, I was fine again.
Day Five
My final days are usually light days when it comes to my menstrual flow. I remember just being grateful that it was all over and that I could have some sanity for a few weeks again before my next period.
Is there any other thing you’d like to add?
Period poverty is real and it affects many. In 2019, I was on outreach to give out sanitary pads to young girls in slum areas who used clothes for their periods. We had to teach some of them how to use sanitary pads and talk to them about what it means to experience menstrual cycles. Thank you, Sisterly HQ for always doing important work.
Is there any period resource you would recommend?
My hot water bottle is a lifesaver, I highly recommend it. I also think Flo is a great tracker. I also recommend taking walks if you can and just taking things as slowly as possible, especially on work days. You're not lazy, there's no need to feel guilty about it.