Pad A Girl Initiative - PAGi

Period Terminologies and What They Mean

Ladies!
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We have our own language codes. Let's dive in.
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📌Tampon - A feminine hygiene product inserted into the va**na to absorb menstrual blood.
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📌Menstruation - The monthly shedding of the uterine lining, typically accompanied by bleeding.
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📌Menstrual Cycle -The recurring physiological changes that occur in a woman's body, usually lasting about 28 days, preparing for a potential pregnancy.
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📌Sanitary Napkin/Pad - An absorbent material worn externally to collect menstrual blood.
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📌Menarche - The first occurrence of menstruation, marking the onset of puberty. Girls usually experience menarche between the ages of 9 and 16.
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📌Menopause - The stage in a woman's life when menstrual cycles cease, typically occurring around the age of 50.
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📌Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) - A set of physical and emotional symptoms experienced by some women in the days leading up to menstruation.
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📌Dysmenorrhea - Painful menstrual periods, often accompanied by cramps.
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📌Amenorrhea - The absence of menstruation, which may be temporary or permanent.
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📌Menstrual Hygiene - Practices and products used to maintain cleanliness during menstruation.
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📌Menstrual Cup - A reusable, bell-shaped device worn internally to collect menstrual blood.
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📌Period Poverty - The lack of access to menstrual products and education, often due to financial constraints.
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📌Irregular Menstruation - Variations in the length, duration, or amount of menstrual bleeding outside the typical 21 to 35-day cycle.
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📌Spotting - Light bleeding that occurs outside of regular menstruation, often in between periods.
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📌Heavy Flow/Menorrhagia - Excessive menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than seven days.
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📌Panty Liner - A thin absorbent pad worn in the underwear to catch minor va**nal discharge or light spotting.
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📌PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) - A severe form of PMS characterized by intense mood swings, depression, and irritability.
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📌Luteal Phase - The second half of the menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation and ending with the start of menstruation.
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📌Cycle Tracking - Monitoring and recording menstrual cycle patterns, including the start and end dates of menstruation, ovulation, and symptoms.
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Is this conversation helpful so far? Which one did you know about before now? Which one did I miss?

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𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

The chi in charge of females, who bestowed menstrual periods and their associated symptoms ensured I had seamless period cycles every month. On some occasions, the pain is bearable, mild discomfort that comes in flushes throughout the day and at night, slightly to remind me of my period so I don't get too carried away.

Most times, it is as if we made an unspoken bargain about the associated pain, it can come in January, April, November and December but skips February and other months. Then, as if to compensate for this reprieve, it decides to afflict me with symptoms that disrupt my entire well-being.

The weight gain is something else, my body would increase in size days before the flow begins and then slowly sheds all the extra weight immediately after it ends. My legs would swell too, almost as if I'm pregnant. And should I mention the headaches? I can literally hear the banging sounds in my head. Or the waist pain that arrives in seizure-like waves, nearly rendering me immobile.

The most annoying experience happened this month. You should have seen the "mighty-in-battle" boil that came to disfigure my face just because of my period. I woke up the day before it started with a slithering pain in my left eye. I thought it would go away, so I didn't bother about it. But Tuesday morning arrived with swollen eyes and the piercing swell of the boil. Shortly after, my period started.

I was confused - a boil and swollen eye maka period? Why me?

I'm not like other girls who take felvin for period cramps ná ndị òtù ya but you see other things? I'm taking paracetamol for headaches, for the waist pain, I'm raising my legs and placing it on the wall to help relieve the water weight or taking cinnamon tea to help me drain the retained water my body suddenly refuses to let go of.

If you see me somewhere outside, anywhere, during my period, just hug me. Inugo? Just hug me!


1. Maka- Because of

2. Inugo - Have you heard?

3. Na ndị otu ya - those of their kind

(I've used style like this to teach you small Igbo 😅)

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

Welcome to 2025!

May this new year bring us closer to our goal of ending period poverty and ensuring every girl has access to menstrual hygiene.

Thank you for being part of this movement and cheers to a stress free menstruation this year!

🥂🥂

Reading and writing exams while being on your period is pure fire.

But then, aren't you made of fire, young lady?

Who else can do the things you do while managing such amount of cramps, drowsiness and irritability?

We will tell our story on the stars of time someday but for now, we will keep being the super humans that God created us to be.

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

Because you are strong, girl!

Because you are the powerful one, dear Lady!

Yes, you're a fearless woman!

Look at what you're doing; going through life like the Queen that you are.

Taking giant strides.

Levelling mountains and filling up valleys.

Making mistakes and cleaning them up.

Taking your seat on thrones.

Dining with royalties.

Defying the norms.

Breaking stereotypes and changing the narrative.

Indeed you are strong!

You go ahead to become Ambassadors, Presidents, Governors, Chairwomen, Director-generals, Chancellors, Professors, Doctors and so much more.

Even on these big days, sometimes with menstrual pains and contractions.

Then some of you go through childbirth, postpartum depression, and family care and then come back to give the world a SLAM!

You're never to be forgotten because that's who you are - A WOMAN.

The one who shapes history

With a never-ending spirit.

I give you your trophy, Queens!
You deserve it.

Happy International Women's Day.

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love.

Period glow 🤗

Let's have it!!

It is not that our period will be glowing o, I mean our faces and maybe our skin.

This 'glow' occurs naturally during a woman's period and it is often attributed to hormonal changes.

During this time, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can lead to changes in skin hydration and blood flow, resulting in a more radiant complexion for some individuals.

Have you noticed this before?

Those moments when you're wondering if you've somehow stumbled into a skincare commercial because your face is positively glowing. Forget highlighter, your cheeks are beaming all on their own!

And sure, while not everyone gets a VIP invite to this glow-up party, for those of us who do, it's like Mother Nature decided to give us a little compensation for enduring cramps and cravings. I mean, why not??

However, it's important to note that not everyone experiences this glow, as individual hormonal fluctuations and skin types vary. Additionally, factors such as stress, diet, and skincare routines can also influence skin appearance during menstruation.

So here's to embracing the period glow 🥂🥂

After all, who needs a skincare routine when you've got hormones doing the heavy lifting?

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

🩸Ups and Downs of Our Menstrual Cycle

For many girls, the arrival of periods brings along a mix of emotions and, of course, a range of symptoms.

It's essential to understand that each person's experience is unique, but here are some common symptoms that many girls may face during their periods:

1. Cramps
2. Spotting
3. Migraines
4. Dizziness
5. Acne
6. Tender breasts
7. Backaches
8. Low back pain
9. Muscle pain
10. Chills
11. Rashes
12. Night sweats
13. Hot flashes
14. Weight gain
15. Bloating
16. Constipation
17. Nausea
18. Hunger
19. Loss of appetite
20. Cravings
21. Moodiness
22. Irritability
23. Unable to concentrate
24. Fatigue
25. Insomnia
26. Catarrh
27. Sore throat
28. Swollen feet

Remember, it's crucial to listen to your body and practice self-compassion during your period.

If you find that your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

Gearing up for the last period of 2023 💪

Who's with me?

Mine is 17th - 21st December.

At least, I won't be having periods on Christmas Day! 😅😅

What a relief!

Share yours in the comment section.

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

𝟳 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗣𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮

Ladies, we're going to dive straight into a topic that doesn't get discussed enough: what you should never put in your va**na.

It might sound like common sense, but trust me, some surprising items have no business going inside of you. So, let's have a candid conversation about what to avoid.

𝟭. 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀: It might seem tempting to experiment with food in the bedroom, but please, keep it out of your lady parts. No cucumbers, bananas, or any other phallic-shaped farm produce. These can introduce harmful bacteria or even lead to embarrassing clinic visits.

𝟮. 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀: Ladies, your va**na is a self-cleaning wonder. Using fragranced soaps or douches can disrupt its natural pH balance, leading to infections. Stick to gentle, unscented soaps for the external area only i.e V***a

𝟯. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽 𝗡𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: If you're going to engage in manual stimulation, make sure your nails are trimmed and smooth. Sharp nails can cause painful tears or scratches.

𝟰. 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴𝘀: Your va**na is not a storage unit. Inserting drugs can lead to toxic shock syndrome or infections. Keep these substances far away from your body.

𝟱. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗽 𝗢𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗿𝘆: Vaginal piercings? Not recommended. Sharp objects can cause damage and discomfort.

𝟲. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺𝘀: Always check the expiration date on condoms. Using damaged or expired ones can lead to unwanted pregnancies and even STDs.

𝟳. 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗯𝘀: Some manufacturers suggest using scrubs or exfoliants to cleanse your lady parts. Please don't. These can irritate and harm the sensitive skin.

Remember, your va**na is a remarkable and self-sustaining part of your body.

It generally doesn't need much interference.

When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for advice. Your body deserves the best care possible.

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

**na **na

Hello Ladies,

So let's have a candid conversation about the female va**na and v***a.

Alright, so here's the deal: the terms "va**na" and "v***a" are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different parts.

So now, note to self: Stop calling the va**na what it is not. It is not the v***a!

The v***a is the external ge***al area that you can see on the outside of the body. It includes:
The mons p***s (the fleshy area above the p***c bone).
The l***a majora and minora (the outer and inner "lips").
The cl****is (a sensitive and pleasure-packed area).
The va**nal opening.

Now, the va**na is an internal part of the female reproductive system.
It's the muscular canal that connects the external v***a to the uterus.
This is where menstrual blood flows out and where in*******se and childbirth happen.

So, while the v***a is what you see on the outside, the va**na is the canal on the inside.

It's important to note that both the v***a and va**na come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and that's completely normal.

And remember, these parts serve important functions related to reproduction, sexual pleasure, and overall well-being.

Take home:
The v***a is the external ge***al area that you can see on the outside of the body. The va**na is the muscular canal that connects the external v***a to the uterus.

Are we good?

𝐏𝐀𝐃 𝐀 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 - 𝐏𝐀𝐆𝐢..for the girl child you love

Hey Fam 📚

So apart from being your regular period talebearer, I also weave words and conjure them into beautiful stories.

Yes!

I've written two novelettes and i'd love to share them with you.

AFTER THE GALLOWS
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 61

A young man, John, was sentenced to death for committing the crime of murder. While in prison, he met an older man who didn't let him have a day off without telling him about God, His life, and His sacrifice for man. John believed in and accepted the life of Christ. He faced the gallows and served his death sentence. But then, a great manifestation of God's glory occurred and presented the question again to death: "Where is your sting?"

𝐈 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔, 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐌𝐄𝐍
𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 21 stories
𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 90
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 2

The life God has called the believer into is a beautiful one - full of his love, grace and power. This life source is eternal and by virtue of birth, we have inherited this eternal life. The past has no stronghold on us any longer. We died when Christ died and we rose to a new life in God bearing his seal and reigning with him above all principalities and powers. I Write to You, Young Men, is a collection of 20 short stories that will open your eyes to the everyday realities of the Christian life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 😍

Maryann Ijeoma Nwokoye is a faith writer, who teaches about the realities of the Christian life through her writings and stories.

She is a professional storyteller, novelist, writer, project manager and development communicator. She holds a B.Sc in Mass Communication with a specialty in health and development communication.

Her greatest passion is assisting others in turning their abstract ideas into concrete reality and seeing the world become a better place, hence her enthusiasm for storytelling, research and community development.

Yep, that's me 🤗.

Would you love to get a copy? See the link to my Selar store in the comment section.

And I come bearing good news, a good friend of mine has ordered 10 copies of the book, 5 copies of each intending to gift them to my followers.

Feel free to send a DM if you're interested.

Only the first 10 persons would be selected.

❣️❣️