My first period- Karisa 21 years

“Blood on my hands”

My name is Karisa and I am 20 years old. I first experienced my menses when I was fifteen years old. My first time was quite embarrassing as I did not expect my period to start while I am in a bus headed home from school! As I got off the bus, I felt something wet on my skirt. I touched the spot and then looked at my hand, and I was so shocked to see the blood on my hands. I had learnt about menstruation in school but I was not prepared on how it can just start without notice. I tied my sweater around my waist and went home to shower and change.

“I could barely track my periods.”

In the months that followed, I could barely track my periods. I had to wait to see a blood stain on my pantie to know that they are here. Another struggle was that the period was irregular, and came at different times of the month. I kept on writing down dates to remind me to be on guard around that time, but I kept getting surprised. One thing that helped me know that I was about to get my period was that I would experience cramping and headaches about 2 or 3 days before my period started. When this happened, I ensured that I had everything I needed to get me through my menses. I had my pads and prescribed painkillers from my doctor that helped relieve the headaches, cramps and occasional backaches.

The OKY menstrual health application

I continued to note the dates that I received my periods manually on my calendar, hoping that I might be able to predict my period the next month. When I heard about the OKY menstrual health application after it was launched in April, I decided to give it a try and download it. I was informed that if one consistently logged in the dates that they experience their periods, the app will help in giving accurate predictions on when the next period is to be expected. I proceeded to input in all the information, logged in the dates of my previous cycle and I look forward to using the application to help me track my period.

I have also learnt so much from the encyclopedia that is available on the app. I know how to better manage my menstrual cramps, and I have a lot more information on menstruation and menstrual health than ever before.

Get OKY- for girls, by girls.

I would like to encourage everyone who gets their menses to download the OKY menstrual application and use it to track their period. It can be downloaded from the Google app store and after downloading, one does not need to have internet access to use the app. I also like the fact that girls majorly contributed to the development of this application, so I find it very fun and easy to use. They have made it extra fun with the colors and avatars that you can choose while on the app. Periods do not have to be gloomy and sad.