The first days

How girls experience their first menstruation depends in particular on their prior knowledge. Even today, it is still the task of parents - especially mothers - to convey this knowledge.

It's hard to describe what the first period feels like. It's strange and new. But menstruation is part of being a woman. Menarche, as the first menstruation is technically called, usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 16. The timing depends on the amount of fat in the body, which increases during puberty.
Today, menstruation tends to start earlier, especially in South and Central America, where girls are often only 9 years old. This is due to genetic factors and environmental conditions such as diet. This is not a problem in itself, except that sex education needs to take place earlier.
Menarche is preceded by two signs: thelarche at the age of 9 to 10, when breast growth begins, and pubarche one to two years later, when pubic hair begins to grow. If girls over the age of 16 have not yet had menarche, this should be clarified, as hormonal disorders or malformations may exist.
Educating girls also means handing over responsibility

According to a survey by Bravo magazine, whether young women experience their first menstruation positively or negatively depends on their previous knowledge. Gynaecologist Thomas Eggimann agrees: «The worst thing that can happen is that a girl bleeds and doesn't know what it is.» The first menstruation is a special event for all girls. It is up to the parents - especially the mother - to prepare their daughter for it. Such conversations should include information about the cycle, but also about the onset of fertility and being a woman in general.
There are different settings for each family that are best suited for such conversations. Some girls find it exciting to find out how their mum experienced it. Others, however, would find it completely embarrassing. Nowadays, young people receive a lot of information in sex education lessons at school or when talking to their girlfriends, for example about how to use pads and tampons. Most young girls also find information on the internet, as many product providers have set up specific information platforms for young women. A visit to the hygiene department of a department store with mum, on the other hand, would be somewhat antiquated for many.
Whilst sanitary towels are only presented, tampons have to be inserted into the vagina, which many young women are afraid of. Girls simply have to try out what they feel more comfortable with. Parents need to find a balance between respecting their growing independence and caring for their child in all discussions about puberty. After all, the cute little girlie is now becoming a young woman. It is a transition process.
Gynaecologist or gynaecologist?

The first menstrual periods are often irregular and vary in intensity. A few days before their period, girls may feel a pulling sensation in their lower abdomen or mood swings. They may also experience pain. «This is individual and can be related to the position of the uterus, among other things,» says Eggimann, who also reassures: «Period pain is treatable.»
A visit to the gynaecologist is not necessary just because of the first period. However, young women should see a gynaecological specialist if their period is painful, they have problems with their cycle, are sexually active, have other complaints or are concerned about contraception. Thomas Eggimann emphasises: «Young women should decide for themselves whether they prefer to see a doctor.»
Like most of his colleagues, Eggimann initially only offers girls who are seeing a gynaecologist for the first time a consultation. During this, he explains everything and discusses the individual situation with the young woman. He carries out a physical examination - which is standardised - the second time, when the «new» patients already know him.
Eggimann finds it important that a mother is not offended if her daughter does not want her to come to the gynaecologist. «We experience both young women who want to be alone and others who are happy to be accompanied,» he says. However, the doctor's confidentiality applies to the daughter, which must be respected. This is as much a part of growing up as menstruation.

What happens at the gynaecologist's?

  • Beim ersten Frauenarztbesuch lernt die Patientin die Ärztin oder den Arzt in einem Gespräch kennen. Es findet noch keine Untersuchung statt.
  • Eine gynäkologische Konsultation ist überall auf der Welt standardisiert. Sie dauert etwa 10 bis 15 Minuten, das Vor- und Nachgespräch etwa 30 bis 45 Minuten:
    • Eine Urin- und Blutuntersuchung wird gemacht, Grösse, Gewicht, Blutdruck und Puls werden gemessen.
    • In einem folgenden Gespräch stellt der Arzt oder die Ärztin Fragen zum Gesundheitszustand, der Periode, ob Beschwerden oder Fragen zur Verhütung bestehen.
    • In der anschliessenden gynäkologischen Untersuchung wird unter anderem zuerst das äussere Geschlecht beurteilt. Danach werden für den PAP- oder Krebsabstrich an der Oberfläche des Gebärmutterhalses Zellen abgewischt. Mit dem Wattetupfer wird Scheidenflüssigkeit entnommen und unter dem Mikroskop untersucht.
    • Anschliessend werden die Gebärmutter und die Eierstöcke von innen oder aussen abgetastet.
  • Zur Vorsorge von Brustkrebs tastet die Ärztin oder der Arzt auch Brüste und Achselhöhlen ab.