If you have managed to open the link of the article, then trust the force which has brought this piece of writing to you, as this has a possibility to change your life! I urge you to not shy away. Read on…
First of All
A Menstrual Cup is The Cup which a girl (who has reached the age of puberty) or a woman of any age, can use during their menstruation period. Forget every unpleasant experience you have read or heard earlier about using The Cup. I am going to provide you with a completely honest accord of how to begin using the Cup, what to do and not do while using the Cup, how does it feel, and more…
My Tryst with The Cup
Picking up to write about The Menstrual Cup itself was a courageous effort. Although, as a society we are broadening our horizons and talking about these earlier ‘tabooed’ matters, it still took me over three months to get rid of the inhibitions and write about it. The resolve is stronger now, as using The Cup changed a very important part of my life, and I know if I am able to get through even one other individual, it will make a huge difference.
Let us start from the root of it all by addressing the most important question, ‘How comfortable we women are with our bodies.’ If you are constantly living in an environment, where touching (read: exploring) your own body is considered unacceptable, talking openly about body issues are frowned upon, where ‘those days’ of the month you become an undesired/disgusting individual and treated differently, or even subtle acts of not talking about the body, then the mind is naturally conditioned to the following:
- The period days should quickly get over, without much noise and fuss
- It is alright that we are left alone with our misery
- We are supposed to go through this horrible time alone
- Period blood is disgusting
- We are at our worst during these days
- Touching the Vagina especially while bleeding is the worst thing ever (Yes, I did not hesitate to use the word ‘Vagina’, because that is what it is called. I would advise you to read this point again and tell your respective minds that it is alright to use the ‘V’ word)
- And more such conditionings…
Coming back to me, I suffer horrible period cramps. ‘Cramps’ in fact is a very gentle word which I am using to describe the horrendous pain I go through. For me, it feels like probably being in labor every month during ‘those days’, but without an actual baby. I become completely immobile as if I am terminally ill. And it has been this way since I remember. Over and above that, I carried the burden of a sanitary napkin since day one. These napkins weren’t just uncomfortable (trust me, I have tried them all), but also left me with rashes and kept me in a constant fear of ‘leaking and showing’. Oh, and the nights were the worst, sleep in one position to remain ‘clean’. The combination of the pain and the incompetent sanitary napkin made a monster out of me for the five days.
I can so vividly describe my experience right now, as I am writing this on the first day of my period. I am in pseudo labor, but this time without the burden of the sanitary pad, I felt it was important to share this today itself (you know, the real emotions would come out).
A few friends of mine, who have been in this enlightened path of using The Cup for a few years now, kept advising that The Cup is the best thing you can give yourself for the periods. But the above conditioning has been so fierce and over powering, that the mind did not even consider the thought of shifting away from the necessary evil (the napkin). But, I did give in finally to a constant pestering of an ‘evolved friend’, who I can trust with my life. I bought the much amusing Cup and waited for the D-day! This is how things unfolded:
- I am in the washroom, rereading the instructions a thousand times
- The pad is also at my service
- I followed the directions and after a few failed attempts, managed to insert The Cup
- I had never directly touched ‘period blood’. I did cringe at it in the beginning, but you know what, it comes off with soap and water. I laughed slightly for overreacting.
- I sealed the deal with the pad as well (how can I suddenly leave this beloved or rather hated companion of the past twenty odd years)
It felt funny in the beginning. It was a new and unchartered territory. I immediately went and sat motionless in one place, thinking The Cup would come out or go further deeper, etc.… I was constantly checking the napkin too, to see if the cup was leaking. To my surprise, the ‘funny feeling’, went away very quickly. The body loved this new change and adapted to it. I donned the napkin for close to six hours, and there was no leaking at all. I began to develop confidence in this ‘new companion’, finally let go of the napkin and felt as if a huge boulder had been removed off me.
Initially it was tough for me to remove the cup to empty it. But the evolved friend came to the rescue again and shared her experience. I just had to release some air from the cup with an effortless pinch and it was easy breezy from then on. And the best part, the sleep is just worriless now!
My final Verdict on The Cup
- It is Safe
- It is fuss free
- It is very easy to use
- The instructions on the leaflet are very accurate
- Get the right size
- It is a boon for ‘those days’
- It is one accessory I will always have with me!
Why The Cup is not much talked about
After becoming a user, I wondered why is it not talked about in mainstream and why doesn’t every woman just use this. It would be a huge loss for the FMCG companies who are making money off our misery, marketing and packaging the product (sanitary napkins) in a manner which makes us feel that it is the only thing that can save us during our periods.
Pass on the message
If you have reached here, but still feel the need to postpone the use of The Cup, I would still urge you to pass on this article to other women or to mothers with young girls who could develop this habit early. This could help them know and understand their bodies better, and see periods as a natural part of growing up rather than being disgusted at the thought of it.
Environment
I also try to do my bit for the environment now and then. And not filling up the landfills with used sanitary pads brings me huge satisfaction now. My periods do not contribute to the pollution anymore!
Personal Freedom
This is the amazing part. I can move around a little better now, after getting rid of the napkin and do not have to constantly bother about leaking. The ‘cramps’ still give me a ton of trouble, but with the burden of the pad off of me, I am a tolerable monster now!
Gratitude
I can’t thank enough the people, the circumstances and all the forces which have brought The Cup in my life. And also wish to express gratitude to girls and women who will begin using The Cup after reading the above.
