Breaking Barriers: Kosmotive’s Visit to Karongi Schools for KosmoPads Donation & Menstrual Health Education, January 2025.

Recently, the Kosmotive team with the donation from Greater Good (Greatergood.com) embarked on a meaningful visit to G.S Nyarubare and E.S Gakuta, two schools located in the Twumba sector of Karongi district, a rural area in the Western Province of Rwanda, reflecting our mission to reach the most underserved areas. Our mission was simple yet powerful: to equip girls with menstrual hygiene products, provide education on sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and break the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Photo: Students at G.S Nyabubare with KosmoPads after an empowering discussion on sexual and reproductive health

Menstrual Stigma & Misinformation: A Silent Barrier

Before every donation, we hold a reproductive health discussion with the beneficiaries. Lack of information, misinformation, and the stigma surrounding menstruation remain a major issue in rural areas in Rwanda. Some girls from the schools we visited fear letting men including their parents, know they have gotten their periods, and are reluctant to express their need for sanitary pads. Some of them, due to stigma and deep-rooted taboos around the subject, avoid discussions around menstruation with others.

photo: Kosmotive team member Engaging with students on sexual and reproductive health education

Fear of self-expression and reservation in general is a huge barrier we often face when interacting with these students, usually requiring the Kosmotive team to hand out sticky notes for them to write down their thoughts and questions, some of which are shared here. Note that the discussions are held in Kinyarwanda (native language) and the translations are provided in the caption.

Photo: Misinformation in the question asked by a student . Translations: 1. Is it true that when you experience dysmenorrhea and sleep with a man, You don’t experience pain anymore? 2. Is it true that when you paly sex with a man, the acnes (due to period) disappears?

The Lack of Correct Information and Misconceptions about sexual and reproductive health were prevalent, as can be observed from the questions asked by the students during the discussions. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive SRH education in schools to dispel myths and empower young girls with factual and reliable information.

Photo: Lack of information, A question asked about Menstrual cycle. Transltaion: Why does a person get menses 2 times a month?

Listening to the Girls: Challenges & Insights

During our interactive discussions, the girls shared their experiences, struggles, and knowledge regarding menstruation and reproductive health. When asked about menstrual hygiene management, many students shared that the rely on cloth pieces due to limited access to sanitary products posed by the financial burden which comes with having to buy Sanitary pads every month for period management.

Photo: Kosmotive Team Member Engaging with students on menstrual hygiene management with reusable sanitary pads.

One of the biggest challenges they faced with Cloth use is that it gets full easily and they usually have to walk a long distance back home to change when their clothes get soaked, often disrupting their education. Additionally, many students had little to no knowledge about reusable sanitary pads, though a few had come across KosmoPads through ads.

Photo: A question asked by one of the students reflecting period poverty. Translation: Sometimes I miss sanitary pads and when I talk to a man, and he tells me that he will buy me one because my parents do not buy me pads but I say no. On other side I feel like accepting it but Me, I have not accepted that yet.

A Safe Space for Girls: The Role of  ‘Icyumba cy’umukobwa’

Both schools have a dedicated ‘Icyumba cy’umukobwa’ (Girl’s Room) — a crucial safe space, managed by a female matron whom the students refer to as “Shangazi” meaning Auntie. The room is equipped with sanitary pads, painkillers, towels, a bed, and water to provide basic necessities and enable the girls to manage their periods with dignity. Recognizing the importance of sustainable menstrual solutions, we provided KosmoPads to be stored in these rooms and distributed to students in times of need, ensuring that no girl has to miss school or disrupt her classes due to menstruation.

Join Us in Breaking the Barriers!

This visit reaffirmed the urgent need for menstrual health advocacy and comprehensive sexual education in schools. No girl should feel ashamed of her period, lack access to safe menstrual products, or struggle with misinformation about her own body. At Kosmotive, we are dedicated to Empowering girls and women and promoting women’s reproductive health and rights. Our initiatives focus on education, advocacy, and community engagement, raising awareness around Reproductive Health and ending period poverty.

Photo: Questions asked by a student. Translations: 1. I was told that when you have a heavy flow and you sleep with a man, the problem get solved. 2. I was told that when you have period every month and you sleep with a man, you skip One month

With support from Government of Rwanda, our partners, and donors, we are able to impact girls’ and women’s reproductive health and draw closer to creating a world where every girl in Rwanda and beyond can manage her period with dignity.

To support our cause, you can do any of the following:

  • Donate to help us provide more KosmoPads and menstrual education sessions in schools
  • Spread awareness by sharing this message to fight period stigma
  • Advocate for improved SRH education among peers and in schools to ensure every girl has access to the knowledge she deserves
  • Follow us on our social media channels to help us reach a wider audience and create more impact. (LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook)
Photo: Kosmotive Team member handing a KosmoPads’ package over to a girl student

 

Female Genital Mutilation – The Controversy around Labia Elongation. Is the fight really won?

The Controversy around Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) especially in East African Regions makes it a sensitive topic to discuss with its victims. There are many forms of FGM, usually enforced by parents onto their children, from generation to generation, and mostly prominent in rural areas.

What is FGM really?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is mainly described as the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons and with no health benefits. The practice can result in bleeding, Inflammation, urinary problems, infections, etc. It is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women and is an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women. While some are affected physically and emotionally, and try to stand up against the practice, others advocate for the cause and push for the agenda to be embraced by everyone. Most people who practice or promote FGM often talk of it as tradition, and a way to maintain cultural identity, given that their ancestors have upheld it for decades. It was used by men in the past and some men today to control women’s sexuality and enforce gender norms. In some communities and families, is still considered a prerequisite for marriage and is believed to ensure a girl’s purity and fidelity, or her ability to please her partner after marriage.

The Case of Rwanda; Is Labia Elongation a form of FGM?

In Rwanda, traditional forms of FGM, are not common, and rarely heard of, which makes people believe Rwandan women are free from it. However, labia elongation, which is a common cultural practice known locally as gukuna or guca imyeyo is prevalent. This practice involves the manual stretching of the labia minora, typically initiated at an early age and facilitated by children’s mothers, aunties, female relatives or friends, with the belief that it enhances sexual pleasure and aligns with cultural aesthetics. Some women also get pressured to undergo the practice in their marital homes. It is common in several regions in Africa including the  East African Community (EAC), Central Africa and Southern Africa. 

 

Previously, the World Health Organization classified labia elongation as type IV FGM, but in 2008, reconsidered its classification of labia elongation and began to describe it as “female genital modification” rather than female genital mutilation. This change was made considering that the practice does not typically involve physical violence, although it still poses health risks and ethical concerns such as pain, inflammation, tissue damage, infections, or gender inequality, by placing the burden of sexual satisfaction on women, which can contribute to unrealistic expectations and pressure, possibly resulting in body shame. Many people in Rwanda argue that labia elongation should meet its end, while others keep pushing for the practice. As global awareness of women’s rights grows, the practice has become more discreet, especially in urban areas where it may face legal or social scrutiny. There has been a decline in the practice due to education, urbanization, and exposure to global perspectives on gender equality and bodily autonomy, but It remains a sensitive topic. In neighboring Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the practice is also present, alongside more severe forms of FGM such as clitoridectomy and infibulation, which could migrate across borders, due to cultural and migration influence.

The Reality of Labia Elongation: Voices from Rwanda

A recent interview published by Rwanda Family Magazine TV  features several women sharing their personal experiences and thoughts on labia elongation, revealing that they were forced or pressured at young ages and that they believe it is an unnecessary practice and should be stopped.

Insights reveal that labia elongation was initially practiced by Rwandan women in the past to protect their genital openings in the absence of underwear. Over time, it became sexualized, with some men perceiving it as attractive and an act to please them. The practice’s relevance today is questioned, given modern alternatives for genital protection, and the lack of health benefits to it. Some women have shared traumatic experiences, describing the process as painful, lengthy, and fear-driven, with no clear gains explained beyond claims of enhancing sexual pleasure for future husbands. Girls undergo the practice out of fear or due to pressure, mostly fueled by threats or societal pressure, and, as adults, often remain silent about its impact on them due to the fear of rejection and cultural expectations.

The Broader Impact

Labia elongation and other forms of FGM have significant consequences on the daily lives of victims. People continue to defend it as a means of enhancing sexual pleasure, but the psychological impact and health risks cannot be ignored. Furthermore, any activity that influences the sexuality of a person, when imposed on minors, constitutes not only child abuse, but violation of their Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.  As awareness grows, there is an increasing call for education and dialogue to ensure that cultural practices respect bodily autonomy and prioritize the well-being of individuals. Allowing girls to grow up and make informed choices about their bodies remains a crucial step in balancing tradition with human rights. 

Every year, on Feb 06, the International Community celebrates the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, to amplify and Direct efforts towards the elimination of this practice. At Kosmotive, we are dedicated to promoting women’s reproductive health and rights. Our initiatives focus on education, advocacy, and community engagement to raise awareness around Women’s and girls’ Reproductive Health. 

We call upon everyone and the international community to support efforts aimed at eliminating issues such as FGM in all its forms. This includes investing in survivor-led movements, enhancing educational programs, and enforcing laws that protect women’s rights. We encourage individuals in Rwanda and beyond to normalize conversations around the topic, refrain from pressuring women into the practice of labia elongation or other forms of body modification, against their will, and to empower women and girls to make informed choices about their bodies. 

FGM is a global issue that transcends borders. Even in countries like Rwanda, where its prevalence is lower, the influence of neighboring regions and underlying cultural practices necessitate vigilant and proactive efforts. 

 

Sources

For more information on global efforts to end FGM, please visit the United Nations’ page on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, Read Here 

To learn more about the psychological impact of FGM and support initiatives, see this Article

For insights into the current state of FGM globally and the need for renewed efforts, Read Here

Labia Elongation is child abuse

Female Genital Modification

Voices from Rwanda on Labia Elongation

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

Whether you’re just starting or just curious to learn more, understanding the four phases of your menstrual cycle can help you distinguish and navigate the ups and downs of your menstrual cycle with confidence and ease. So, let’s dive in and explore what happens during each phase of your menstrual cycle, and discover some tips on how to take care of yourself along the way. Trust us, your body is doing some incredible stuff!

ClevelandClinic.org

1. Menstrual Phase:

Duration: 3-7 days

What Happens:

This is your period. During this time, your uterine lining (endometrium) sheds and leaves the body through the vagina as menstrual blood.

Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are at their lowest.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Cramps, lower back pain, bloating, are very common at this stage, you may also feel – or have felt breast tenderness, fatigue, headaches in the build up to this phase.

Emotional: Mood swings, irritability, sadness, or feeling low/depressed.

What Can You Do?

Make sure to take plenty of rest and self-care during this phase to feel better. This may involve taking more naps/longer nights sleep or reading and watching your favourite books and tv shows. Heat therapy is commonly advised to help with cramps and pain – make yourself a hot drink or fill up a hot water bottle to sooth that pain! Some gentle stretches and exercises may help to relieve those painful cramps.

You may also want to take this time to hydrate and nourish your body to relieve the stress on your body during future phases. Drink plenty of water and eat iron-rich foods like beans and meat to replenish the iron and water you are losing in you’re period blood.

LloydsPharmacy

2. Follicular Phase:

Duration: About 10-14 days (starts on the first day of menstruation and ends with ovulation).

What Happens:

Following your period, your body prepares for ovulation. During this time, hormones like estrogen rise, prompting the uterine lining to thicken again. The pituitary gland in your brain will also release the Follicle Stimulating  hormone ‘FSH’ to stimulate your ovaries to release an egg, which will begin to mature.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Expect a gradual increase in energy and improved well-being, depending on how well you rested and cared for your body during your period, you make see different rates of recovery in this period. You will also notice a more symmetrical face and clearer skin – get yourself back into the swing of things, pretty woman!

Emotional: Improved mood, increased motivation, and higher levels of optimism are expected with higher levels of Estrogen.

What Can You Do?

Take advantage of your energy boost with regular workouts—try cardio, strength training, or your favourite sport. You can also use this opportunity to engage in social activities and hobbies that make you feel good. If you are working or studying, this increase in energy will make you smarter,  more focused and confident – so take part in those class discussions or projects!

3.Ovulation phase:

Duration: 1-2 days (around day 14 of a 28-day cycle)

What Happens:

A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of the mature egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube. Around the middle of the cycle, usually between days 12-16, an egg is released from the ovary and will begin making its way through the fallopian tube into the uterus. This is the most fertile time in the cycle, where you are most likely to get pregnant.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Mild twinges or cramping on one side of the pelvis (mittelschmerz) can happen when releasing and egg. You may also see more discharge in your underwear that looks clear and stretchy.  With your body at its most fertile, don’t be ashamed to experience a heightened libido!

Emotional: Estrogen levels will peak just before this time, so you can expect to feel your most social, confident, and attractive!

What Can You Do?

Embrace high-energy workouts like running, or dancing and spend lots of time with your friends or trying new activities. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated and nourished to support your peak energy!

HelloClue.com

4. Luteal Phase:

Duration: About 14 days (from ovulation to the start of the next period)

What Happens:

After ovulation, your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. Progesterone levels will increase to support the egg’s growth, however, If the egg isn’t fertilized, these hormone levels will drop, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the start of menstruation.

What You Might Feel:

Physical: Bloating, breast tenderness and fatigue are very common. Changes in appetite, and sometimes constipation or diarrhea may also be experienced, along with the feeling of weight and body shape changes.

Emotional: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and depression can occur. It’s time to start resting again in anticipation of your period!

What Can You Do?

Treat yourself with warm baths, massages, or your favorite relaxing activities to care for your body. Try stress-managing techniques like meditation and deep breathing to manage your changing emotions and keep up the healthy eating and prioritized sleep.

It’s important to note that menstrual cycles can vary in length and regularity. Factors such as stress, diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions can influence the cycle. Tracking your menstrual cycle by using a calendar or a mobile app can help you anticipate your body’s changes. Reach out to Kosmotive’s helpline service and online health advice by visiting the KosmoHealth section!

Healthline.com

Understanding the menstrual cycle helps you stay in tune with, and regulate, your body. By familiarizing yourself with its phases, hormones, and variations, you can better manage your reproductive health and know what to expect each month.

Sources:

Variability in the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

Menstrual Cycle

Physiology, Menstrual Cycle

The Evolution of Menstrual Pads

As we observe Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness throughout February, it is crucial to shine a light on menstrual hygiene, an integral aspect of women’s health. 

The evolution of menstrual pads over the years has been a fascinating journey filled with challenges vis-à-vis stigma and stereotypes surrounding the topic, and a push for innovation and sustainability. 

 

This article looks at some intriguing facts surrounding the history and advancements in menstrual pad technology.

Before the advent of disposable pads, women resorted to using an array of materials like rags, cotton, sheep’s wool, and even grass to manage menstrual flow. 

 

The first sanitary pad, Lister’s Towels, was introduced in 1896. However, societal taboos surrounding menstruation hindered its success, as many women felt embarrassed to openly seek and use the products.

 

During World War 1, French nurses ingeniously utilized wood pulp bandages as makeshift sanitary pads. This marked a pivotal moment, laying the foundation for modern disposable pads widely used today. 

 

Ever since the evolution of pad design from belted napkins to adhesive strips and ‘wings’ has revolutionized comfort and convenience for women worldwide.

 

Despite the convenience brought by disposable pads, their environmental impact cannot be overlooked. Traditional pads contribute to non-biodegradable waste. In response to this concern, reusable cloth pads are a better alternative, which has gained traction for their eco-friendliness and long-term cost-effectiveness.

 

Furthermore, access to menstrual hygiene products remains a pressing issue globally, particularly in developing nations. Factors such as lack of awareness, affordability, and inadequate sanitation facilities pose challenges for women and girls. 

 

For instance; in Rwanda, over 18% of women and girls still struggle to afford menstrual pads, while 15% of girls attribute missing school to their period, and 23% of women and girls report missing participation in economic activities, (WEEAT and WaterAid, 2022), resulting in a potential loss of $215 per woman annually.

 

Initiatives, such as Kosmotive promoting menstrual health education and improving access to sanitary products, must reinforce efforts to bridge these gaps and ensure menstrual hygiene for all.

 

Proper hygienic product use 

 

Dr. Jeanne D’Arc Uwineza, an obstetric gynecologist, emphasized the potential risks associated with prolonged pad usage. 

 

“Skin reactions, pad rashes, and vulva irritation can result from friction, excessive moisture, or underlying infections,” she said, advising that to mitigate these issues, one should opte for alternative sanitary products like reusable pads such as Kosmopads may be beneficial.

 

Kosmopads are reusable cloth pads tailored for menstrual hygiene management. They are composed of three layers, including fleece, zorb fabric/microfiber for absorption, and polyurethane laminate. 

 

Kosmopads offer a breathable, non-toxic, and cost-effective solution. With proper care and maintenance – washing with mild soap, air-drying, and ensuring complete dryness before reuse.

 

Kosmopads can last up to two years, offering superior absorbency and economic value.

 

 

 

Indwara ya Myoma

Indwara ya myoma cyangwa uterine fibroids ni ibibyimba bitari kanseri bifata nyababyeyi, bikura mu turemangingo dukoze inyama za nyababyeyi. Ibi bibyimba bikunze kuboneka mu bakobwa n’abagore bari mu myaka yo kubyara, ni ukuvuga hagati y’imyaka 12 na 50. Ibi bibyimba si kanseri kandi nta nubwo bitera kanseri ya nyababyeyi.

Impamvu ya nyayo itera ibi bibyimba ntabwo izwi, gusa ubushakashatsi bwagaragaje ko imisemburo ya estrogen na progesterone ikorwa mu mubiri w’umugore ari yo ibigiramo uruhare cyane; ni na yo mpamvu iyo umugore yamaze gucura cyangwa yageze muri menopoze ibi bibyimba biyenga kuko ya misemburo ntabwo iba igikorwa ari myinshi nk’iy’umuntu uri mu kigero cyo kubyara. Nubwo impamvu ibitera itazwi, hari ibintu byongera ibyago byo kurwara ibi bibyimba; harimo: kujya mu mihango uri muto cyane – ni ukuvuga mbere y’imyaka 12, kunywa inzoga nyinshi, umubyibuho ukabije, kuba ufite umuvuduko w’amaraso uri hejuru cyane, no kuba mu muryango wawe hari umuntu wigeze kubirwara. 

Ibimenyetso byerekana iyi ndwara: 

Inshuro nyinshi umugore ufite ibi bibyimba ntabwo aba abizi kuko nta bimenyetso aba afite, akenshi amenya ko abirwaye yagiye kwa muganga nko kwivuza izindi ndwara zo mu myanya myibarukiro na byo bakaba babibona; gusa iyo afite ibimenyetso, ibikunze kuboneka ni: kuva bidasanzwe hagati mu kwezi kw’imihango ariko akava atari igihe cye cyo kujya mu mihango, ubugumba, kuvanamo inda kenshi, kuvira ku nda, kumva aremerewe mu myanya myibarukiro no kuribwa bidasanzwe mu kiziba cy’inda – ibi bikunze kubaho iyo ibibyimba byabaye binini cyane, ndetse no kuribwa cyane mu gihe cy’imihango. 

Ibi bibyimba biravurwa kandi bigakira, muganga ashobora kuguha imiti cyangwa bikaba ngombwa ko umugore ubifite abagwa. Ni ngombwa cyane ko buri mukobwa cyangwa umugore uri mu myaka yo kubyara yisuzumisha imyanya myibarukiro kugirango amenye uko ubuzima bwe buhagaze kuko nkuko twabivuze haruguru iyi ndwara inshuro nyinshi umuntu uyirwaye nta bimenyetso agaragaza. Ikindi kandi iyo bibonetse kare birinda ubifite kuba yagira izindi ngaruka bitera nko kubura urubyaro no kubagwa inshuro nyinshi – na byo byongera ibyago byo kuba wabura urubyaro. 

Sources: 1. Callahan & Caughey Blueprints: Obstetrics &Gynecology; 2.ACOG Practice Bulletin 96: Alternatives to Hysterectomy in the Management of Leiomyomas (April 2008); 3.SOGC Clinical Practice Guideline 318: The Management of Uterine Leiomyomas (February 2015); 4. Mayoclinic.org

Why is my period late?

Some women might often miss their period without being pregnant, or their periods might stop altogether. Regular menstruation cycles usually last around 28 days. However, it’s also common for cycles to last from 21 to 40 days. Periods may be early or later, may last from 3 to 7 days and might be heavier or lighter.
There are various reasons why periods might stop. The most common ones are pregnancy, stress, sudden weight loss, being overweight, doing too much exercise, taking the contraceptive pill, menopause and/or polycystic ovary syndrome. Other reasons include medical conditions, such as heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, an overactive thyroid, or premature menopause.

Pregnancy
– If you’re sexually active and your period suddenly stops, you might be pregnant
– Wait a few days to see because your period might just be late
A pregnancy test could confirm whether you’re pregnant or not
– It’s possible to get pregnant in the days after your period is normally due
Illness and stress might delay the release of an egg leading to pregnancy

Stress
Stress can lead to:
– Longer or shorter menstrual cycles
– Periods stopping altogether
– Painful periods
How to calm stress:
– Regular exercise can help you relax
– Breathing exercises can also help
10 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress

Weight irregularities
Sudden weight loss: restricting the amount of calories you eat stops the production of hormones needed for ovulation
Being overweight: your body may produce an excess amount of oestrogen one of the hormones that regulate the reproductive system in women

Excessive exercise
– Stressing your muscles too much through excessive physical activity can affect your hormones
– Losing too much body fat through intense exercise can stop you ovulating

Contraceptive pill
It is normal to miss your period sometimes when taking the contraceptive pill.

Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless follicles, which are underdeveloped sacs in which eggs develop. If you have PCOS, these sacs are often unable to release an egg, which means ovulation does not take place.

Irregular periods
Causes of irregular periods include:
– Puberty, periods might be irregular for the first year or two
– Menopause, usually between the ages of 45 and 55
– Early pregnancy
– Some types of hormonal contraception
– Weight irregularities
– Medical conditions, such as polycystic ovaries syndrome

Heavy periods
Heavy periods (also called menorrhagia) are common and may be normal for you. If they’re affecting your daily life, you might need to see a doctor.
Symptoms:
– Need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended
– Need to use 2 types of sanitary products together, such as a pad and a tampon
– Have periods lasting more than 7 days
– Have blood clots larger than about 2.5cm (the size of a 10p coin)
– Bleed through your clothes or bedding
– Avoid daily activities, like exercise, or take time off work because of your periods
– Feel tired or short of breath

Causes
For some people it can be normal to have heavy periods. They can be heavy at different times, like in puberty, after pregnancy or during menopause.
Other causes include:
– Conditions affecting your womb, ovaries or hormones, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, fibroids, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease
– Some medicines and treatments, including anticoagulant medicines and chemotherapy medicines
– Stress and depression

When to see a doctor
– Periods are affecting your daily life
– Heavy periods occur for a long period of time
– You have severe pain during your periods
– You bleed between periods or after sex
– You have heavy periods and other symptoms such as pain when peeing, pooing or having sex
– You experience fever, nausea and vomiting

Sources:
healthline. Why Is My Period Late: 8 Possible Reasons.
NHS. Stopped or missed periods.
NHS. Heavy periods.
NHS. Irregular periods.

Ingaruka zo kugira isuku nke mu mihango

Mu bice bimwe na bimwe usanga umugore mu gihe cy’imihango atabasha kubona iby’ingenzi akeneye byamufasha kwita ku isuku neza; aha twavuga nk’amazi meza, udutambaro tw’isuku two kwibinda, isabune, ndetse n’ahantu h’ubwiherero habugenewe yakwifashisha. Ibi byose rero bikaba byatuma isuku ikenewe ititabwaho ndetse ubuzima n’iterambere ry’umugore muri rusange bikadindira.

Isuku idahagije ishobora gutera ingaruka zitandukanye mu buzima. Zimwe mu ngaruka zaterwa no kutagira isuku ihagije mu gihe cy’imihango harimo: Kwandura zimwe mu ndwara ziterwa n’udukoko duturutse mu gukoresha udutambaro tudasukuye mu kwibinda bikaba byagera no kuri nyababyeyi, kurwara indwara ku ruhu rukikije imyanya ndangagitsina, kurwara indwara z’udukoko mu myanya ndangagitsina, ndetse  n’ikwirakwizwa rya zimwe mu ndwara zandurira mu matembabuzi nka hepatite ndetse na virusi itera SIDA, indwara zo mu miyobora y’inkari, kuzana uduheri ku myanya ndangagitsina, kurwara kanseri y’inkondo y’umura bishobora kuvamo no kutabyara.

Kugirango umugore agire isuku ihagije mu gihe cy’imihango hari bimwe mu byo akeneye harimo: amazi meza yo gukoresha bisukura ndetse banasukura udutambaro n’imyambaro, kubona ahantu habugenewe biherera bari mu isuku, kubona ibikoresho bikenewe bibafasha mu gihe cy’imihango, kubona aho babasha kujugunya imyanda cyangwa se udutambaro bakoresheje.

Ni byiza rero kwita ku isuku mu gihe cy’imihango kugirango twirinde ingaruka ziva mu isuku nke.

Uko umugore ashobora gusuzuma amabere ye

Buri mugore yari akwiye kumenya gusuzuma amabere ye buri gihe kugirango amenye hakiri kare ibibazo yaba afite kuko 95% za kanseri y’ibere zishobora kuvurwa zigakira iyo zimenyekanye hakiri kare. Ibi birareba cyane cyane abagore kuva ku myaka 40 kujyana hejuru kuko muri iyo myaka ari bwo haba hari ibyago byinshi byo kuba barwara kanseri y’ibere.

Abagore bo muri iyi myaka bagomba kandi kujya kwisuzumisha kwa muganga byibura rimwe mu mwaka kugirango barebe niba nta kanseri y’amabere baba batangiye kugira. Bakorerwa ikizamini cyitwa mammographie.

Uburyo ushobora kwisuzumamo:

  • Uhagaze imbere y’indorerwamo nini, itegereze neza amabere yawe, urebe niba ubunini bwayo butagenda buhinduka, urebe niba nta bibara bidasanzwe biri ku mabere, urebe niba amabere yombi angana, niba ntahagaragara akobo kadasanzwe cyangwa guhinamirana.
  • Hanyuma, zamura akaboko k’iburyo maze ukandakande buri bere witonze ukoresheje intoki eshatu (igikumwe, musumbazose na mukubitarukoko), kugirango wumve niba nta hantu humvikana akabyimba.
  • Ibere ryose ugomba kurikandakanda ukageza aho ritereye mu maha kuko ari ho hakunze kuboneka ibibyimba bya kanseri y’ibere (50%).
  • Kanda imoko woroheje urebe niba nta matembabuzi avamo adasanzwe.

Mu gukandakanda ibere, biba byiza iyo ubikoze uryamye kuko ari bwo imikaya iba itareze.

Mu gihe ubonye ikimenyetso kidasanzwe mu ibere, ni byiza kwihutira kubimenyesha muganga. Icyo ugomba kumenya gusa ni uko akabyimba kose kaboneka mu ibere bitavuze ko aba ari aka kanseri.

Suzuma amabere yawe nibura rimwe mu kwezi, kandi ntuzigere ubihagarika na rimwe. Ugomba kubikora nyuma y’igihe cy’imihango kuko kubikora mu gihe cy’imihango umubiri uba urimo impinduka nyinshi ku buryo ushobora kwibeshya. Mu gihe utakijya mu mihango wakwigenera umunsi umwe mu kwezi uzajya usuzuma byimbitse amabere yawe yombi.

Bimwe mu bimenyetso bigaragaza uburwayi mu myanya ndangagitsina ku bagore

Ku bagore, mu myanya ndangagitsina havamo amatembabuzi; ariko bitewe n’uko asa, impumuro ndetse n’ibiyagize bishobora kugaragaza uburwayi.

Ubusanzwe amatembabuzi asohoka mu myanya ndangagitsina ku bagore aba ari nk’amazi, nta bara agira cyangwa se akaba yamera nk’umweru w’igi bitewe n’ibihe umugore arimo; aha twavuga nk’igihe cy’uburumbuke cyangwa atwite.

Igihe ibara ry’amatembabuzi rihindutse rikaba ryasa umweru, umuhondo nk’amashyira, icyatsi, asa n’amaraso cyangwa se afite irindi bara ridasanzwe, bishobora kugaragaza uburwayi. Ibindi bimenyetso bikunze kwiyongeraho ni ukugira impumuro idasanzwe mu gitsina, kugira uburyaryate mu gitsina, ndetse no kocyerwa mu gihe uri kwihagarika.

Igihe ugararagaje kimwe muri biriya bimenyetso, ni byiza kugana kwa muganga kugirango barebe niba waba udafite zimwe mu ndwara zifata imyanya ndangagitsina ndetse ubashe no kwitabwaho bikwiye.

 

Uko umwangavu yakwita ku isuku y’imyanya ndangagitsina

Kutagira isuku y’imyanya ndangagitsina bishobora gutera impumuro mbi mu gitsina, indwara z’uruhu, harimo n’indwara zandurira mu myanya ndangagitsina na kanseri. Ni byiza kwita ku isuku haba mu gukaraba cyangwa imyenda wambara y’imbere.

Ku mwangavu, imyanya ndangagitsina igomba kozwa buri munsi hakoreshejwe amazi meza kandi ahagije; ni byiza gusukura imyanya ndangagitsina hakoreshejwe urupapuro rwabugenewe cyangwa amazi nyuma yo kwihagarika; ni byiza gusukura mu kibuno hakoreshejwe amazi cyangwa urupapuro rwabugenewe igihe umaze kwituma; ni byiza kubanza koza mu gitsina ugakurikizaho mu kibuno ariko ukoza uvana imbere werekeza inyuma; birabujijwe gukoresha mu gitsina amasabune n’amavuta ahumura, imibavu cyangwa puderi, kuko byakwangiza utunyangingo turinda umubiri; ni byiza kwambara imyenda y’imbere itagufashe kandi ikozwe mu gitambaro cya cotton; ibuka guhita umesa umwenda wawe w’imbere igihe umaze kuwukuramo; birabujijwe gutizanya imyenda y’imbere.

No mu gihe uri mu mihango ugomba gukomeza kwita ku isuku nk’ibisanzwe, ugakaraba byibura kabiri ku munsi, kandi ukibuka guhindura agatambaro wambaye buri masaha atandatu.

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