Why Do Girls Get Periods? | Menstruation | The Dr Binocs Show | Peekaboo Kidz

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Boox explains the natural and biological process of menstruation. The video highlights the various stages of the menstrual cycle, from ovulation to the shedding of the uterine lining, and emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting those who experience periods. It also addresses common misconceptions, such as the idea that menstruation is impure, and encourages empathy towards people undergoing menstrual pain. Fun trivia about menstruation in other mammals adds an interesting twist to the topic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Menstruation, also known as periods, is a natural biological process where the body sheds the uterine lining and releases blood through the genital area.
• 😀 Periods are a sign of the body preparing for future reproduction and typically start between the ages of 8 to 15 during puberty.
• 😀 The ovaries release estrogen, a hormone that helps the body prepare for reproduction, which leads to the release of an unfertilized egg during ovulation.
• 😀 After ovulation, if the egg isn't fertilized, the body sheds the uterine lining, which contains blood and nutrients, resulting in menstruation.
• 😀 The entire menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days and includes ovulation, fertilization, and menstruation, repeating monthly if pregnancy does not occur.
• 😀 Periods can cause discomfort, such as cramps, which can last for up to 5 days, due to the body shedding the uterine lining.
• 😀 Menstruation is a **completely natural** process, and there is nothing impure or gross about it.
• 😀 People going through their periods may need support, such as sanitary pads or pain relief, and it’s important to be kind and understanding during this time.
• 😀 During menstruation, a person typically loses around 2-3 tablespoons of blood, which is normal and does not lead to major blood loss.
• 😀 Other than humans, some female mammals like monkeys, apes, bats, and elephants also go through menstruation.
• 😀 Being empathetic and supportive to someone on their period helps foster understanding and kindness around a natural, biological process.

Q & A

What is menstruation?

Menstruation, also known as the menstrual cycle, is the process in which a girl's uterus naturally releases blood and other materials through the genital opening. It is a biological phenomenon that occurs monthly in females during their reproductive years.

Why do girls get periods?

Girls get periods as part of the natural process of puberty, which marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. During this time, the body prepares for possible reproduction by releasing hormones like estrogen and triggering changes in the ovaries, uterus, and other reproductive organs.

What happens to the ovaries during menstruation?

The ovaries release hormones, including estrogen, which help prepare the body for reproduction. The ovaries also contain follicles, which hold immature eggs. During ovulation, the most mature egg is released from the follicle and travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation is the process in which the most mature egg is released from the follicle in one of the ovaries. This egg then travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus, where it may potentially be fertilized by sperm.

What is implantation?

Implantation occurs when the fertilized egg embeds itself into the endometrial lining of the uterus. However, if the egg is not fertilized, this process does not happen, and the lining of the uterus will be shed during menstruation.

Why does the body shed the endometrial lining?

If the fertilized egg does not implant in the uterus, the endometrial lining, which is rich in blood and nutrients, is no longer needed. The body breaks down and sheds this lining, resulting in menstruation.

How long does menstruation last?

Menstruation typically lasts between 3 to 7 days. During this time, the body expels the shed endometrial lining along with blood and other materials.

How much blood is lost during menstruation?

On average, a girl loses about 2 to 3 tablespoons of blood during the entire menstrual cycle.

Is menstruation painful?

Yes, many girls and women experience pain during their period, often referred to as cramps. The pain is caused by the contractions of the uterus as it sheds the endometrial lining. The discomfort can last from a few hours to several days.

Can menstruation happen in animals?

Yes, menstruation is not exclusive to humans. A few female species of mammals, including monkeys, apes, bats, and even elephants, also experience menstruation, though it varies across species.