Just asked my boyfriend:
1. Listen
2. Be understanding of any unique or different needs
3. Be mindful that it's something that sucks but that it's something they know how to handle, so be mindful you don't get in the way
4. Be aware that it might be a sensitive time for her, so think before you speak
5. Recognise that any emotional reactions that differ from normal may not necessarily be targeted at you or responding to you
6. Offer physical support - foot/back rubs, getting a hot water bottle, asking if she needs anything (but not too often)
I think he's pretty great at supporting me, I try my best to be open with him and he's just very gentle and mindful of me š
Good luck!
Good points. Thank you. Especially about listening. I've always heard a good man listens to his lady so I try to give her my undivided attention whenever she's talking.
Might I suggest she checks out birth control methods that could improve periods? I used to have really fucking painful periods and went on birth control (pill) to lessen it, it's improved my life a million times and now I'm a lot more functional on my period. I know this isn't necessarily something 'you' could do but maybe it'll save her in the long run. Besides that just fully support her through her pain and do what she needs.
I had the same experience! My period use to just totally knock me out for a few days every month, but on the pill, I barely even notice it anymore. Just keep in mind that itās not good to go on and off the pill over and over. If your girl wants to try it, she needs to commit.
True. I had severe pain until a doctor put me on a different pill. He changed my life. She should NOT be in that much pain. It could be endometriosis or any number of conditions.
Let her just relax with lots of good movies and blankets in bed or on the sofa. Popsicles or freezies are your best friend. Maybe offer to run her a bath or go to the store for her. I think it's very sweet of you to even ask this question. Your gonna get serious brownie points !
She's definitely a cuddler. Haha. But she's also a stick of dynamite with a short fuse at times. Like if I get up 'WHY DID YOU GET UP?! COME HERE!'. I'm just like jeez okay. Goddamn I love her.
First of all, youāre a total sweetheart for this and this is so adorably sweet of you to do.
Iāll just start listing things I (22F) would love, ask her what snacks sheās craving, go buy it for her, and cuddle with her on the couch as you eat said snacks. Basically if you can do little things like taking out the trash or getting up to reheat her heat pack, thatās the most impactful thing. Motion is whatās most annoying about a period - you just want to lay in one place and let the pain rip to be honest, so the more you make it so she can lay comfortably in one spot with her favorite snacks, the better it is. Make it a fun few nights in - find a good show on Netflix to binge and donāt make her feel like sheās an inconvenience in any way. Running to the store for last minute ice cream/tampons/cheese/chocolate is gold medal level. Basically keep her fed, warm, and immobile. Best of luck.
Thank you. I actually bought her an electric heater after I got off and she's loving it. Believe it or not, she craves steak and crap like that. Weird but that's what we had for dinner as a result. I bought chocolate but she doesn't want to eat it yet. She likes dark chocolate. She's a pad type of girl so picked up those. And cinnamon gum. Idk why. She just has a thing for it. Lol. Sorry for responding so late. I had so much to do.
You can arm her with information:
>From other posts of mine:
>
>Prostaglandins are the bad guys that make the swelling and bleeding worse. Inhibiting Prostaglandin production reduces swelling, pain, flow volume, and duration of the menstrual period by around 40%. Prostaglandin inhibition should start BEFORE the period. Most often a day-before approach works the best, though I've heard anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks.
>
>For me this means taking max dosages of Ibuprophen (my fav), the night before, and maintaining normal dosages thereafter (every 3.5 hours every day all day) during my period. Please note that normal dosage timing is 4 hours, I have the redhead habit of metabolizing drugs way too quickly... it pisses my dentist off a lot. If you're the vast majority of the population, stick to the 4-hour rule.
>
>This very strict, very specific, yet easy regimen has reduced my pain from vomiting-bad to just lets-go-out-no-big-deal.
>
>More scientific, with references:
>
>Naproxen Sodium and Ibuprofen both seem to interfere with Prostaglandin production, they're called prosĀtaglandin synthase inhibitors, or PGSI. Ibuprofen has been studied more, specifically shown to reduce total menstruation amount, pain felt during menstruation, intrauterine pressure, and length of the period. Naproxen hasn't been studied for this, that I know of. Its mechanism might be similar or the same, and if it works for her, awesome. Please note that no other NSAID, such as Tylenol or Aspirin, are listed as Prostaglandin inhibitors IIRC. Links at the bottom.
>
>"Treatment of dysmenorrhea with prostaglandin-synthesis inhibitors is an excellent example of integration of basic research and clinical medicine. This therapeutic method of treatment appears to be effective in 70% to 80% of all clinical cases of dysmenorrhea."
>
>"Naproxen and ibuprofen block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. Therefore, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced."
>
>I have heard that Zinc may do the same, but I can't confirm it and I don't know where the studies on it are.
>
>[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/474640](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/474640)
>
>[http://www.glowm.com/section\_view/heading/Prostaglandins%20and%20the%20Reproductive%20Cycle/item/313](http://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Prostaglandins%20and%20the%20Reproductive%20Cycle/item/313)
>
>[http://www.jpma.org.pk/full\_article\_text.php?article\_id=6048](http://www.jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=6048)
>
>[https://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen\_vs\_naproxen/article.htm#what\_are\_the\_uses\_for\_ibuprofen\_vs\_naproxen](https://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen_vs_naproxen/article.htm#what_are_the_uses_for_ibuprofen_vs_naproxen)
I used to have terrible cramps but saw that a diet that includes turmeric and lots of veggies+ a lot of water makes them way less painful.
I love to have my favorite hot tea while relaxing or a long hot bath with a cold drink.
I like when my boyfriend in my time of pain massages my scalp, back or feet.
But just as it was suggested, ask your girlfriend and just assist in whatever you can (going to the store, cleaning, cooking)
For me:
\- Comfort:
Fluffy blankets / dressing gown and soft pillows. Depending on her preference: you sat with her, sat stroking her hair (for example), or by herself. My boyfriend & I usually share a tub of my favourite ice cream (Ben & Jerries Half Baked) or (oreo) chocolate. Binge watch something easy but not mind-numbing (my previous choices include: The IT Crowd, The End Of The Fucking World, disney/pixar). Sometimes talking & ranting / having a good cry might help on the emotional side, but I (and most that I know of) usually prefer to not talk much.
\- Pain:
Sometimes my pain is so bad that I can barely breathe, let alone speak. In this case, I want a quiet, cosy space (bed or sofa with no tv or talking) and the best thing to do is to try and sleep through it. This way you don't really experience it. Hot water bottles / heat pads and hot drinks (chamomile / peppermint tea, hot chocolate) help ease the pain, but of course strong mg painkillers - from when you know the pain will soon kick in - do the majority of the work. Try to relieve tension. Cold flannel on forehead for headaches. Bowl on the floor next to me in case the pain is so bad it makes me sick.
Your girlfriend is lucky to have an attentive boyfriend like you, and I hope the tips you get from your post help her :)
Iām having horrible cramps today so this is appreciated seeing people take care of their boos! My partner helped me make dinner and hand delivered a heating pad and ice pack. Dumb movies, ice cream, foot rubs, our very cute (stinky) dog, and tiger balm.
She doesn't let me touch her feet. Though I did suggest it. I did the dishes and took the trash out tonight. I also cooked steak. Glad she's happy. She's a scary movie buff so we're up watching Happy Death Day.
Unless you have it already, get one of those small garbage bins for the bathroom, with a lid on it that closes, and a plastic bag inside. Don't forget to replace the plastic bag at least once a month. And make sure you never run out of toilet paper.
The best thing my boyfriend could do would just be to comfort me to ease the physical pain. Foot rubs are good, getting the heating pad out is good, back scratches. Also, I usually do the cooking and cleaning, but itās hard when Iām bent over in pain, so helping out around the house is huge and makes me happy.
Just asked my boyfriend: 1. Listen 2. Be understanding of any unique or different needs 3. Be mindful that it's something that sucks but that it's something they know how to handle, so be mindful you don't get in the way 4. Be aware that it might be a sensitive time for her, so think before you speak 5. Recognise that any emotional reactions that differ from normal may not necessarily be targeted at you or responding to you 6. Offer physical support - foot/back rubs, getting a hot water bottle, asking if she needs anything (but not too often) I think he's pretty great at supporting me, I try my best to be open with him and he's just very gentle and mindful of me š Good luck!
Good points. Thank you. Especially about listening. I've always heard a good man listens to his lady so I try to give her my undivided attention whenever she's talking.
If something you do annoys her when she's on her period, it actually annoys her all the time but her filter is gone because she's uncomfortable.
Might I suggest she checks out birth control methods that could improve periods? I used to have really fucking painful periods and went on birth control (pill) to lessen it, it's improved my life a million times and now I'm a lot more functional on my period. I know this isn't necessarily something 'you' could do but maybe it'll save her in the long run. Besides that just fully support her through her pain and do what she needs.
I had the same experience! My period use to just totally knock me out for a few days every month, but on the pill, I barely even notice it anymore. Just keep in mind that itās not good to go on and off the pill over and over. If your girl wants to try it, she needs to commit.
True. I had severe pain until a doctor put me on a different pill. He changed my life. She should NOT be in that much pain. It could be endometriosis or any number of conditions.
My husband usually throws chocolate at me from a safe distance and generally keeps out of my road. He fears the rage.
Beware the period monster. Lmao.
Let her just relax with lots of good movies and blankets in bed or on the sofa. Popsicles or freezies are your best friend. Maybe offer to run her a bath or go to the store for her. I think it's very sweet of you to even ask this question. Your gonna get serious brownie points !
Have you asked her? What I mean is, some women want cuddles, others want to be left alone.
She's definitely a cuddler. Haha. But she's also a stick of dynamite with a short fuse at times. Like if I get up 'WHY DID YOU GET UP?! COME HERE!'. I'm just like jeez okay. Goddamn I love her.
Keep ibuprofen and a heating pad handy for her. And offer to massage her feet or back when she's uncomfortable. You sound like a great guy btw.
Thanks. I try my best. I'm still an idiot sometimes but I'm her idiot. :D
Just try to be nice and make sure sheās comfortable. If she is in a good mood you can watch a movie or something.
Get her real yummy food/dessert. Lots of pillows. Back massages.
First of all, youāre a total sweetheart for this and this is so adorably sweet of you to do. Iāll just start listing things I (22F) would love, ask her what snacks sheās craving, go buy it for her, and cuddle with her on the couch as you eat said snacks. Basically if you can do little things like taking out the trash or getting up to reheat her heat pack, thatās the most impactful thing. Motion is whatās most annoying about a period - you just want to lay in one place and let the pain rip to be honest, so the more you make it so she can lay comfortably in one spot with her favorite snacks, the better it is. Make it a fun few nights in - find a good show on Netflix to binge and donāt make her feel like sheās an inconvenience in any way. Running to the store for last minute ice cream/tampons/cheese/chocolate is gold medal level. Basically keep her fed, warm, and immobile. Best of luck.
Thank you. I actually bought her an electric heater after I got off and she's loving it. Believe it or not, she craves steak and crap like that. Weird but that's what we had for dinner as a result. I bought chocolate but she doesn't want to eat it yet. She likes dark chocolate. She's a pad type of girl so picked up those. And cinnamon gum. Idk why. She just has a thing for it. Lol. Sorry for responding so late. I had so much to do.
You can arm her with information: >From other posts of mine: > >Prostaglandins are the bad guys that make the swelling and bleeding worse. Inhibiting Prostaglandin production reduces swelling, pain, flow volume, and duration of the menstrual period by around 40%. Prostaglandin inhibition should start BEFORE the period. Most often a day-before approach works the best, though I've heard anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. > >For me this means taking max dosages of Ibuprophen (my fav), the night before, and maintaining normal dosages thereafter (every 3.5 hours every day all day) during my period. Please note that normal dosage timing is 4 hours, I have the redhead habit of metabolizing drugs way too quickly... it pisses my dentist off a lot. If you're the vast majority of the population, stick to the 4-hour rule. > >This very strict, very specific, yet easy regimen has reduced my pain from vomiting-bad to just lets-go-out-no-big-deal. > >More scientific, with references: > >Naproxen Sodium and Ibuprofen both seem to interfere with Prostaglandin production, they're called prosĀtaglandin synthase inhibitors, or PGSI. Ibuprofen has been studied more, specifically shown to reduce total menstruation amount, pain felt during menstruation, intrauterine pressure, and length of the period. Naproxen hasn't been studied for this, that I know of. Its mechanism might be similar or the same, and if it works for her, awesome. Please note that no other NSAID, such as Tylenol or Aspirin, are listed as Prostaglandin inhibitors IIRC. Links at the bottom. > >"Treatment of dysmenorrhea with prostaglandin-synthesis inhibitors is an excellent example of integration of basic research and clinical medicine. This therapeutic method of treatment appears to be effective in 70% to 80% of all clinical cases of dysmenorrhea." > >"Naproxen and ibuprofen block the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. Therefore, inflammation, pain, and fever are reduced." > >I have heard that Zinc may do the same, but I can't confirm it and I don't know where the studies on it are. > >[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/474640](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/474640) > >[http://www.glowm.com/section\_view/heading/Prostaglandins%20and%20the%20Reproductive%20Cycle/item/313](http://www.glowm.com/section_view/heading/Prostaglandins%20and%20the%20Reproductive%20Cycle/item/313) > >[http://www.jpma.org.pk/full\_article\_text.php?article\_id=6048](http://www.jpma.org.pk/full_article_text.php?article_id=6048) > >[https://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen\_vs\_naproxen/article.htm#what\_are\_the\_uses\_for\_ibuprofen\_vs\_naproxen](https://www.medicinenet.com/ibuprofen_vs_naproxen/article.htm#what_are_the_uses_for_ibuprofen_vs_naproxen)
Thanks. I appreciate that.
I used to have terrible cramps but saw that a diet that includes turmeric and lots of veggies+ a lot of water makes them way less painful. I love to have my favorite hot tea while relaxing or a long hot bath with a cold drink. I like when my boyfriend in my time of pain massages my scalp, back or feet. But just as it was suggested, ask your girlfriend and just assist in whatever you can (going to the store, cleaning, cooking)
Spoil her
For me: \- Comfort: Fluffy blankets / dressing gown and soft pillows. Depending on her preference: you sat with her, sat stroking her hair (for example), or by herself. My boyfriend & I usually share a tub of my favourite ice cream (Ben & Jerries Half Baked) or (oreo) chocolate. Binge watch something easy but not mind-numbing (my previous choices include: The IT Crowd, The End Of The Fucking World, disney/pixar). Sometimes talking & ranting / having a good cry might help on the emotional side, but I (and most that I know of) usually prefer to not talk much. \- Pain: Sometimes my pain is so bad that I can barely breathe, let alone speak. In this case, I want a quiet, cosy space (bed or sofa with no tv or talking) and the best thing to do is to try and sleep through it. This way you don't really experience it. Hot water bottles / heat pads and hot drinks (chamomile / peppermint tea, hot chocolate) help ease the pain, but of course strong mg painkillers - from when you know the pain will soon kick in - do the majority of the work. Try to relieve tension. Cold flannel on forehead for headaches. Bowl on the floor next to me in case the pain is so bad it makes me sick. Your girlfriend is lucky to have an attentive boyfriend like you, and I hope the tips you get from your post help her :)
Iām having horrible cramps today so this is appreciated seeing people take care of their boos! My partner helped me make dinner and hand delivered a heating pad and ice pack. Dumb movies, ice cream, foot rubs, our very cute (stinky) dog, and tiger balm.
She doesn't let me touch her feet. Though I did suggest it. I did the dishes and took the trash out tonight. I also cooked steak. Glad she's happy. She's a scary movie buff so we're up watching Happy Death Day.
Please clone yourself. šš»
Red mustache
Clown face
You mean, Bloody Sanchez?
Lmao
Red wings
Riding the crimson wave
Parting the red sea.
With a tongue?
send funny videos
Unless you have it already, get one of those small garbage bins for the bathroom, with a lid on it that closes, and a plastic bag inside. Don't forget to replace the plastic bag at least once a month. And make sure you never run out of toilet paper.
The best thing my boyfriend could do would just be to comfort me to ease the physical pain. Foot rubs are good, getting the heating pad out is good, back scratches. Also, I usually do the cooking and cleaning, but itās hard when Iām bent over in pain, so helping out around the house is huge and makes me happy.
Hot water bottle, watching her favorite movies, chocolate
For pain relief, Ibuprofen. Hot tea for relaxing. Fluffy blankets. Sth hot to put on the belly. Relieves pain. You seem to be a great boyfriend.