Because Change is Bloody Good!

 

I live in India, and I am starting this story with where I live because it’s important. So, I am from a small town and from where I belong, talking about menstruation is no less than a sin. Growing up, I have always felt a sense of discomfort whenever the topic of menstruation came up, but now things are different, and when I say different, I mean good different. Today, as I stand on the cusp of womanhood, the narrative has changed. From switching to sustainable options like a menstrual cup to better awareness about periods from government and non-government organizations, a lot has changed, and today, I am here to share my story. Fold your sleeves, get your reading glasses and read my story of change, because who are we kidding, still menstruation is shrouded in hushed tones!

How it all started

My journey with menstruation began like many others, with confusion and embarrassment. To be very honest, nobody told me about periods or how they work, so when I got my first period, I was unprepared and terrified. I was in school, and at the sight of blood rushing out from my nether regions, I fainted. Yes, now it seems like a pretty funny tale to tell, but when we are talking about how I felt then, it would be safe to say I was traumatized. That incident, and of course, the notion and guilt surrounding periods in our society, made me super uncomfortable with anything related to menstruation. 

I remember feeling isolated like I was the only one going through this ordeal. I mean society forces us to believe so. We cannot touch the male members of the family or even a plant. While menstruating we weren’t even allowed to enter the kitchen, and the worst part was that everyone forced me to feel periods were impure.

I wasn’t alone

Yes, it was tough, but as I grew older, I realized I wasn’t alone. Countless women around the world experience the same struggles and challenges with their menstrual health, and still, they choose to be guilty, just because they are experiencing a normal physiological phenomenon. Well, that’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and started changing for good. From using sanitary pads to switching to the best menstrual cup in India, I made quite some progress. I started talking about my periods with my elder sister, and then some friends, and now I can talk about it with any woman.

However, the change has to be on all levels. The male members of the family should be equally aware of periods as the females, and they should help women during their periods. Whether we are talking about household chores, or something else, men should accept periods as normal and treat women with a little extra care during their “those time of the month”. Why? Because I feel change is inevitable, change is the need of the hour, and when we are talking about menstruation, “CHANGE IS BLOODY GOOD!”