Today is 'Chogyeong Day'... Menstrual product brand 'Tempo' sends support through story contest

Total feminine hygiene brand 'Tempo' by Dong-A Pharmaceutical (Photo by Dong-A Pharmaceutical)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chunhee] Every year on October 20th, the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Ministry of Health and Welfare designate this day as Menarche Day. It was created to bring menstruation, which had been considered a secret topic among women, into public discussion.

Tempo, Dong-A Pharmaceutical's total menstrual product brand, announced on the 20th that it held a special story contest on SNS in celebration of Menarche Day. Participants were asked to recall their own menarche memories and leave messages they want to share with girls who have just started menstruating. The event was planned to resonate with the purpose of establishing Menarche Day, to recognize menarche as a natural bodily change and help form healthy sexual awareness.

Among the collected stories, many mentioned that they thought menstruation was a symptom of some abnormality in the body. In the past, due to the lack of menstrual education, many people could not properly accept bodily changes. Nowadays, there have been many changes such as books and health education addressing menarche. However, there are still voices saying that simply listing information like menstrual symptoms and how to use sanitary pads is not enough.

Also, since menarche occurs at an average young age of 11.98 years, there was a point made that it is important to help girls adapt through attention and care from those around them. This is also why menarche celebration parties are recommended. They help women experiencing menarche recognize that the adults around them are aware of this change and can provide help anytime. In fact, among the stories, many shared experiences of their menarche celebration parties with advice and encouragement such as “If you are celebrated freely, fear will disappear,” “I hope menarche remains a happy memory,” and “When you don’t know something, it’s good to ask adults for help.”

A Tempo representative said, “When discussions about menstruation are conducted secretly, there is a greater chance of obtaining inaccurate information, and even when actual bodily abnormalities occur, girls may not visit an obstetrician-gynecologist in time, missing the opportunity for treatment.” They added, “We will continue to provide various types of content so that girls starting menarche can view menstruation as a positive change and increase their understanding of women’s health.”

To commemorate Menarche Day, Tempo is also holding an event offering up to 30% discount on all Tempo pad products.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.