On World Menstrual Hygiene Day, there is a need to demystify this most natural of human processes. By Team Viva
Films like Padman have tried to bring the discussion about menstruation to centre stage. Women (and men) are still under the impression that one must slow down during periods. It’s time to wake up and embrace the innovation. Ahead of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a report conducted by Donald W Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism, says that globally, the feminine hygiene product market is expected to be worth over $36 billion (approximately Rs 2.40 lakh crore) over the next six years. Feminine hygiene market in India has been growing steadily and is already an Rs 2,200 crore market today. However, it is still only 1.5 per cent of the global market and is bound to explode. It suggests that out of approximately 35.5 crore menstruating women in India, only 12 per cent use sanitary pads. The remaining 88 per cent rely on cloth, rags, even hay, ash, wood shavings, newspapers, dried leaves or plastic.
Today, the market is brimming with products and disparate ways that can help you manage your periods with ease.
Don’t shy away
Why is it that we celebrate pregnancy but treat periods in a hush-hush manner? It’s about time we break out of this regressive socio-cultural mindset. Periods should no longer be a secret between moms and daughters but can and should be discussed with brothers and dads too.
Exercise your right to choose
Menstrual care is not just about sanitary pads anymore. You have options, so why not choose the best? The best according to you, that is. Choose wisely and look for a product that suits your lifestyle and menstrual patterns. For instance, with internal use products like tampons, you can run, jump and even swim while on your period. However, there are some common myths that women have about tampons — such as losing a tampon inside. Usually, the vaginal canal is three to five inches long with only a limited space. Once you insert it, there is no chance that the tampon can travel anywhere else. Another misconception is that you must remove a tampon while peeing. Weird as it may sound, but there is absolutely no problem in doing so as the vagina, GI tract and bladder are separate. A tampon, therefore, never stands in the way of urine or bowel movements. Often it is said that it is unsafe to wear tampons overnight. One can absolutely do so. All you need to do is read and follow the guidelines shown on the leaflet. You can wear one for as long as eight hours.
Go cramp free
Period cramps are the worst, right? We all experience them accompanied by headaches, backaches and thigh pain. Opting for herbal period pain relief patches will discreetly yet effectively soothe the cramping. The ultra-thin, waterproof patches are infused with menthol and eucalyptus oil, along with camphor which provide instant and long-lasting relief from the pain. Gauri Singhal, founder and ceo of FLOH, a feminine health and hygiene brand by Visionaari, says, “The idea of these patches is to make women forget that they are on their period and has been the core ideology. It will change the way women perceive their periods.”
Satiate your period cravings in healthy way
It’s no secret that dark chocolate can chase away those period blues. So, always keep some handy during that time of the month. Apart from that, it is also important to incorporate a diet that is high in fibre and good fats. Indulge in green vegetables, fruits, soups, seeds and nuts to remain alert and active during periods.
Give utmost importance to personal hygiene
Pay attention to personal hygiene all the time, girls. But, make sure you pay extra attention during your periods. Tampons and pads must be changed every four to eight hours depending on the flow due to hygiene reasons. Make sure you dispose your sanitary products in the bin instead of flushing them.
