I reached out to 12 women between the ages of 20 and 27 to discuss their first-period experiences, how they navigated them, and what they wished they had changed if they had all their present knowledge back then.
This story is published in two parts. This is the first part. Read Part Two here.
Eve: Hi! Let’s start with your name and age
Lilian, I’m 27.
Favor, 20.
Lilly, I’m 23.
Janet, I’m 25.
Vivian, 25.
Peace, 22.
Eve: Can you share a bit about the first time you got your period?
Lilian: I was in JS3 at a mixed boarding school where we were taught about periods as early as JS1. I felt prepared, thanks to lessons from school and support from my uncle’s wife. My mom never really talked about it, but I knew what to expect. When it finally came, I wasn’t surprised.
The only mistake I made was telling my friend, Ucheoma. She told other girls, and during a hostel meeting, one of them shouted it out. I was mortified.
Favour: I was 11 and thought I was bleeding internally. I kept changing my panties, not understanding what was happening. My mom wasn’t home, so I called my dad.
He brought me a pad and took me to his female friend who explained everything, what periods were, what to expect, and how to track them. I had no idea girls could menstruate that early. I thought it was for women in their twenties.
Lilly: It was the 3rd of January, 2012. I was in JS2. I felt cramps but didn’t recognize them, and later noticed the blood. I was terrified but didn’t tell anyone. I cleaned up and stayed quiet. I was used to handling things on my own.
My aunt later found out and announced it to everyone. I felt so embarrassed. I remember everything about that moment, even the Wizkid song that played in the background. My mum didn’t say much; she just asked my sister to show me how to wear a pad.
A week later, I got “the talk”— the typical African mum lecture about staying away from boys. When it was time to go back to school, my mum gave me pads, but I was too shy to use them and opted for tissue instead.
I even had an incident where my pad fell off in class, but, of course, I denied that it was mine, just like the other girls in class did.
Janet: It wasn’t a surprise because my mum had always taught me what to expect. I saw blood while using the bathroom and immediately knew what it was. I told my mum and she smiled and handed me a pad. I was well informed.
Still, I once got badly stained at school in yellow sportswear. A male friend helped me by tying his cardigan around my waist and taking me to the nurse.
Vivian: I got mine at 11 during Christmas in the village. I was excited at first because I’d seen my older sisters joke about cramps and trade always pads among themselves.
But it wasn’t as fun as they made it seem. I didn’t have cramps early on, but the fear of staining my clothes and not finding places to change pads made it stressful.
Peace: I felt ashamed when I got mine. I couldn’t even tell my mum. I felt distant from my peers and uncomfortable with my own body. But that changed with time. Now, I see it as a sign of growth and pride.
Eve: Knowing what you know now, what would you have done differently back then?
Lilian: I wouldn’t have told Ucheoma. I’d have kept it private. But honestly, I’m glad I was mentally prepared. That helped a lot.
Favour: I wish I’d been better informed. If I had known what was happening, I wouldn’t have been so scared. Schools need to teach this better,and boys should be educated, too.
Periods shouldn’t be something girls feel ashamed of.
Lilly: Looking back, I wish I had been told what to expect earlier. Maybe if I had a better relationship with my mum, I would have confided in her and avoided all the period embarrassment. Knowing what I know now, I wish I had been better prepared.
Although periods were taught in school, it never felt practical. More than anything, I wish I had grown up in a place where I could share my experiences, be heard, and feel supported.
Periods are a normal experience for every girl and child, and we shouldn’t be coerced to keep quiet about them.
Janet: I should’ve tracked my periods more carefully. I started missing them and didn’t think it was a problem until I was diagnosed with PCOS. I assumed I was just lucky to get a break from cramps, but it was a hormonal issue.
If I had spoken up earlier, I could’ve avoided a lot.
Vivian: I wish I’d been properly educated. In African homes, they avoid talking about sexuality, reproduction, or even menstruation. It’s treated like a secret.
But we’re going to experience these things anyway. I just wish they told us what to expect.
Peace: I would change the shame. That’s all. I now see my period as something to embrace, not hide.
This is Part One of this story. Part Two continues here!
Want to share your story? Click this link, we’d love to hear from you!
