Like Charity, Menstrual Conversations Must Start At Home

Highlights

Lack of open conversation is the breeding ground for misinformation that further feeds into the biases denying menstruators the basic right and respectability.

What is even education which doesn’t let you shake an inbuilt belief system, hindering the evolution of society into a more inclusive space.

Just like charity starts at home, conversation too, starts at home.

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I vividly remember when I was in Class 10th in a small town called Dalhousie, I saw boys and even teachers giggling or frowning on the topic of periods. I was so naive that I did not understand a tad bit of what was being giggled upon. I thought I am so weird for not knowing what exactly periods are! Come to think of it, as a student of class 10th, I should have had such knowledge by then. It goes on to point a finger at the education system where periods are considered taboo even in the classrooms. Chapters on Reproduction continue to be skipped by the teachers.

Instead of being educated by the informed professionals, my knowledge about periods came from friends who were equally clueless. Even with our naive assumptions, I could never understand why the mention of periods invoked giggles amongst my peers. My elder sister had once asked me to buy her pads from the local store. At the shop, much like everybody’s experience, I even noticed how the shopkeeper carefully wrapped the napkin pack with a newspaper. I had even asked my sister about why the shopkeeper would do that! But my sister dismissed my question.

In retrospect, when I think about it, I cannot stop thinking about how my sister and every young woman is inherently indoctrinated to shy away from the conversation. It stems from a false sense of shame inflicted upon them for simply having natural physiology. As a human being born into the gross cultural privilege of being a man, I believe the accountability of narrowing down spaces for menstruators lies on men. My simple reason for this is the fact that the taboos pertaining to menstruation are usually segregated as “women’s issue”. It’s bizarre on so many levels because the human rights of women cannot be written off as a women’s issue. It is everyone’s issue!

Lack of open conversation is the breeding ground for misinformation which further feeds into the biases denying menstruators the basic right and respectability. As a society that dominates every narrative from the patriarchal lens, I want to come forward and be an ally to the menstruators in their fight to restore their “bloody” affair for visibility and pride.

Today, my sister and I have both evolved into better-informed individuals about menstruation. Just like charity starts at home, conversation too, starts at home! There are no more newspaper-wrapped sanitary pads coming home for us anymore. We stare back at uncle aunties who try to morally monitor us. This menstrual Hygiene week, I stepped up to not take away the mic from the menstruators but to engage with people of the gender who benefit from patriarchy. It’s time we step up and become an ally!

Here is where I want to end the article but I have one more anecdote to share if you are willing to hear. So here it goes,

Once upon an evening, my educated and well-read friend and I along with a few of our friends went to the temple. She refused to go inside the temple. When asked, she remained quiet, hoping we would understand why! We did. We failed to convince her why it was normal to go inside the temple during the periods. Heck, what you gonna teach your kids, I quizzed with visible resentment. Unfortunately, I wasn’t quite able to reason it out with her. It’s funny how we worship Goddess Kamakhya because she bleeds but we do not let menstruators into the temple. Bizarre much? The Indian culture is so patriarchal that it has trained the menstruators to blindly follow what men have practised in the past. What a deplorable state of affair, one may ask! What is even education which doesn’t let you shake an inbuilt belief system hindering the evolution of society into a more inclusive space.

At home, when I see my sister in law not entering our ‘ghar wala mandir’ during her periods, I make her question her faith which is so fragile that her god will care if she is bleeding or not. I couldn’t much shake my sister in law into reason but I have pledged to normalise periods with my nieces, nephews and even my own kids. They must grow into an environment that doesn’t consider periods, taboo. We have a superstore in Dalhousie and I make sure the sanitary pads are not given in a newspaper bag and are put along with other shopping items. If requested for a newspaper, they get a very 2-3 liner humble and shameless lecture from me. I don’t care if it makes them uncomfortable. It’s time people forego their comfort zone around something that is SO NORMAL!!!!!!

Author: Arpit Shangri

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Are you tired of worrying about staining your favourite pants when on your period? Or are shifting pads and leaking tampons not allowing you to get a comfortable night’s sleep? Or, perhaps you want to switch to a more environment-friendly and sustainable option, unlike other disposable menstrual products? If you answered yes to any of those above questions, then there are only two words we’d like to say to you: Period Underwear. Yes! Period underwear is the new rage in town – and we must admit, deservedly so.

Now, we understand you’ll have some questions and even some hesitation towards period panties – this is why this article is a must-read. For today, we’ll be diving deep into the world of period underwear and answer all your questions on how they work, how safe and comfortable they are, and ultimately, how reliable.

What Is Period Underwear?

First and foremost, period underwear is not the old granny underwear or nappies from ancient times. In fact, period underwear is much more advanced than that. These are undergarments that are intended for you to wear during your menstrual cycle but minus the pads/ tampons/ cups. They come with extra layers and high-tech fabrics in the crotch area that absorb the menstrual flow and prevent leaks. However, some women tend to prefer a combination of period underwear with their regular menstrual products on days when they experience a heavier flow. But if you have a lighter flow, a period panty can be your only go-to!

How Do They Work?

Typically, period panties are composed of multiple layers, each designed for a specific purpose. These layers and special fabrics work together to wick away moisture from the skin and keep you comfortable, absorb the flow, and finally, prevent any leaks. Making a sudden switch from your regular menstrual product to period underwear can sound risky. Thus, you can always give these panties a trial shot on your lighter flow days or combine them with your pads or tampons. Plus, did we mention that they look and feel like regular underwear? Yes, they are designed in such a way that no one will notice you’re wearing them!

How Long Can One Wear Them For?

Usually, period underwear can be worn for up to twelve hours at a stretch, after which you must change them. Although, this can vary depending on the style of underwear you’ve chosen and your flow. Once the underwear has absorbed about two tampons’ worth of fluid, it’d be a good time to change. You can wash them after – don’t worry, they are easy to wash! And, if you take good care, the underwear can last you for two years and more, making them a highly sustainable and economically viable option.

How Do I Wash Them?

Washing period underwear is pretty much like all your other clothes. Hard to believe? But, it’s true! First, rinse them in cold water till you see clear water. Then, toss them into your washing machine on a delicate cycle with cold water. Remember NOT to add any fabric softener or bleach because that can harm the natural fibres and fabric of the underwear. Let them dry, and voila! They are ready to use again! Usually, these panties can take 24 to 48 hours to dry, so ensure you have a pair or two more for a smooth, mess-free cycle.

Why Make The Switch?

Not only is period underwear safer and more comfortable compared to other menstrual hygiene products, but they are also the need of the hour for the environment. You see, the one-time disposable pads and tampons we’ve been using have had quite an adverse impact on nature. They are filling up oceans and landfills and are highly unsustainable. On the other hand, period panties last longer, generate reduced waste, and are much better for the environment and our planet. Need we say more?

We hope this article has helped answer all the queries that you may have had about period underwear. They are reusable, great for nature, and far more comfortable than a sanitary napkin. Find one that is the right fit for you and suitable for your flow, and you are all set. Here’s a tip: owing to the pandemic, since most of us are currently at home, now would be a good time to give these magic panties a shot. We bet the convenience and comfort will eventually convince you to make them your sole go-to for all periods to come!