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What If Men Were Menstruating, Would It Then Be “Normal”?

Written By: Infano
May 19, 2021

Highlights

  • It’s sad that we are in the 21st century and there is still a need to write this article, asking people to normalize something as natural as menstruation.
  • My sisters and my female friends were directed by their mothers to not talk about menstruation, especially with men.
  • I think menstruation would have already been normalized if men menstruated.
  • I wonder how many times I was unknowingly insensitive towards my mother’s menstrual pain.
  • Quick Read
  • Full Read

My first encounter with menstruation was when my girlfriend had an open conversation with me regarding the pain that she went through during those few days. Of course, we are taught the biology of menstruation in our schools, but no one teaches us to be gender-sensitive. They don’t educate us to be more open about these conversations.

Women in my family are being taught the same, because women teaching them have also learned the same, over generations. What if men were menstruating? Would this shame still be so prevalent; would they be considered “IMPURE”? I bet, if the tables were turned, we would have had no issues talking about menstruating men or better access to sanitary products. It would have been considered the most naturally occurring thing.

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This Content is a Part of The Menstrual Hygiene Awareness 2021, in collaboration with The Logical Indian and Pee Safe.

Only when I had a girlfriend did I understand what a woman goes through during menstruation. She was the one who told me about the discomfort that she experienced
and how agonizingly painful it can be for some women. My teachers only taught me about the biological process of menstruation. My mother did go through the pain and discomfort but never told me about it. My sisters and my female friends were directed by their mothers to not talk about menstruation, especially with men. The only thing that was taught at home was that women are not allowed to enter the kitchen for a few days of every month, because they become impure. IMPURE?! I can’t even imagine how I would react if people made me believe that I was impure, but that’s what they did to my sisters and friends. They still do. Even my mother was a part of the same insensitive and oppressive system, but it was also taught to her and she followed the same mentality.

I think it’s sad that we are in the 21st century and there is still a need to write this article, asking people to normalize something as natural as menstruation, which is something that we witness first-hand in our own households on a regular basis. Then why is it still so difficult to have a conversation about it? People defecate and urinate on a regular basis, even in the open, and no one seems to care. Does that make them impure? No! Can they enter the kitchen? Hell yes, because they wash their hands and move ahead with their day. No one goes hush-hush about it. You will witness how people make her feel shame and discomfort as if it is something new or such a big deal.  In fact, students are taught to freely ask for permission to use the washroom whenever they feel the urge to use the loo. We call it ‘nature’s call’. Then why isn’t menstruation considered one of nature’s calls for women? Why is there shame and stigma attached to it? If I can tell my parents/friends/teachers something like, “I’ll go pee, and then I’ll be ready”, then why can’t a girl say to them, “I’ll change my pad, and then I’ll be ready”? Why would the former be normal and the latter be obnoxious or taboo or ‘TMI’?

In my opinion, our patriarchal roots have a lot to do with making menstruation a taboo. I do not want to go into our history, when almost all religious texts or the ways of living life were either written or propagated by men, from men’s point of view. If we were to even assume a hypothetical, where men would menstruate, I think menstruation would have already been normalized.

I so wish talking about menstruation was normal, and they would teach it at home and in schools about the pain and the discomfort caused by it. I wish they could teach us about being sensitive and accommodating, just like they taught basic manners.

I wonder how many times I was unknowingly insensitive towards my mother’s menstrual pain. How many times did my sister have to walk to a nearby medical shop by herself to buy sanitary pads while in excruciating pain? If only I knew earlier. If only they were ‘allowed’ to tell me. If only they felt comfortable telling me to get it for them. I wonder if they will still tell me. I wish they would.

Author- Aman Bhutada

#IAmAPeriodAlly#MenForMenstruation #MyStory IAmAPeriodAllyMenstruationPeriodsPMS

Infano

Infano is a platform that aims to impact every facet of a woman's life - health, career, motherhood, lifestyle, and much more. We are a team of like-minded individuals who wish to be a support to women from all walks of life and in everything they do. Our aim, through our posts and articles, is to bring to light the issues and problems that women face in their day-to-day life, to try and make their life a little easier and a little better, provide the latest news updates of women around the world, and to highlight their big and small achievements. We celebrate womanhood each and every day.

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Menstrual Cup; Why Should You Choose It?

Written By: Shweta Singh
September 6, 2022 | 03:11 PM |
305

Highlights

  • What is a menstrual cup?
  • Tips on choosing the right menstrual cup
  • Cost of using a menstrual cup
  • Steps to make the perfect use of menstrual cup
  • Steps to clean the menstrual cup
  • Quick Read
  • Full Read

Menstrual cup ; a tiny bell-shaped period product that ensures safe and leakage free periods. Most menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone. The material used for making menstrual cups are tested for bio-compatibility and are appropriate to be used for internal use. You might find some made of latex. However, If you have latex allergy, choosing the silicone cup would be a better option. Using a cup over other menstrual products makes you less susceptible to Toxic Shock Syndrome due to its chemical-free properties.

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Imagine having a small bell-shaped period product that sits fine at the base of your cervix and soaks in all the blood during periods. A mess-free alternative that saves you from spotting and leakage without making a hole in your pocket. A Menstrual cup does it all for you. Yes, that is for real!

Hereon, we will talk all about menstrual cup to dispel all your doubts and unravel the enigma around this mystery period product.

What is a menstrual cup? 

Basically, a menstrual cup is a bell-shaped period product made of medical-grade silicone free from any nasty chemicals to keep any harm off limits. It is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. It collects menstrual fluid along with other fluids. Interestingly, a menstrual cup can last up to a decade if you use it the right way and secondly if you don’t lose it. 

How to choose a chemical-free menstrual cup?

Most menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone. The material used for making menstrual cups are tested for bio-compatibility and are appropriate to be used for internal use. You might find some made of latex. However, If you have latex allergy, choosing the silicone cup would be a better option. Using a cup over other menstrual products makes you less susceptible to Toxic Shock Syndrome due to its chemical-free properties. 

To be sure of picking up the chemical-free cup, check the list of materials mentioned on the packaging. 

Will buying a menstrual cup cost me a fortune?

The menstrual cup is graded as a ‘luxury item’ by most users firstly due to it’s low popularity and secondly the higher purchasing cost. A menstrual cup costs around 250- 600 INR on average. However, the catch is a menstrual cup can last over a decade with proper care and attention.

How to use a menstrual cup?

Now that you know how to pick an affordable menstrual cup, let’s get to the real task of learning about its usage. Follow these steps to place the cup comfortably inside the vagina –

1.  Wash your hands properly with soap and water.
You need to be extra hygienic while dealing with your vagina as even minimal exposure to germs can cause infections. 

2. Apply water or lube at the rim of the cup.
If you are a beginner it is recommended to use some water or lube at the rim of the cup before insertion as using it plainly might cause some friction down there making it difficult for the cup to slide in. 

3. Tightly fold the cup with your finger so that it bends into half from the middle, with it’s rim facing upwards. 

4. Now, insert the cup into your vagina such that it sits at the base of your cervix.

5. After putting it inside the vagina, rotate it to allow the cup to create an airtight lid that collects vaginal fluid and prevents leakage. 

To check if you have inserted the cup correctly try to do a few movements such as walking, jumping, and bending. If you do not feel the cup down there, Kudos! You have done a great job. 

When should I remove my cup? 

Ideally, it is recommended to remove the cup immediately after 12 hours of insertion. Remove the cup with clean hands, empty the fluid, rinse it with water and insert it back carefully. However, if you have heavy flow, consider emptying the cup before 12 hours. 

How should I remove my cup? 

You simply need to follow the steps stated below to remove the cup out of your vagina safely. 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water 
  • Pull the stem of the cup gently with the help of your thumb and index finger. 
  • Pinch the base of the cup, it will squeeze in and slide out of your vagina. 
  • Once it’s out, empty the cup into the sink or toilet. 

How should I clean my cup?

It’s super easy. Follow these simple steps –

  • Empty the fluids of your cup and fill it with soapy water.
  • Cover the opening of the cup with your palm and flip it to squeeze the water out of the suction hole.
  • Rub the cup between your palms to remove the leftover gunk. 
  • You may also use soft bristles brushes to clean the suction holes of the cup. 
  • Once it is clean, it’s ready to be inserted again.

It is recommended to sterilize the cups before the first use and before/after every period. An easy way to sterilize the cup is to first clean the cup with soap and water and then put it into  the boiling water for 2-3 mins. Remove the cup from water, let it dry and your cup is ready for the next period.

Though the thought of switching to a menstrual cup may seem intimidating, it really is not that tough once you try it. However, if you still face problems while using the menstrual cup it is recommended to talk to someone who has been already using a cup or consult your doctor. 

You choose the best of everything for yourself, then why leave behind your periods? 
Smash the taboos and pick what’s best for your sexual health. Your vagina deserves all the care to ensure healthy and hassle-free periods
!

To read more such articles, Click Here

Mensesmenstrual cupMenstruationPeriod ProductPeriods

Shweta Singh

A Writer, who sometimes lends voice to audio book and loves to be on camera. An avid reader with a penchant for storytelling on camera.

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