With changing times, we have seen changes in menstrual management as well. I remember when I first started menstruating, my mother handed over a homemade cloth pad to me and explained how I was supposed to use it. Later, my aunt who is a nurse, asked my mom to use cotton pads available at a hospital (generally, it was used to absorb bleeding during surgeries). Gradually, I started using sanitary pads available in the marketplace. This had been my journey with menstrual products until I got married. Post-marriage, I learnt about tampons thanks to my husband. During a casual conversation about menstruation, he told me that he had seen advertisements of tampons on TV during his stay abroad. I researched this further and decided to give it a try.

Using tampons was quite exciting and seemed easy to me but the fear of contact with harmful chemicals in both pads and tampons was always there. Also, the thought of leaving them unattended for too long a time during inevitable circumstances was a little scary.

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I found out about menstrual cups seven months ago through a very informative article. Menstrual cups appealed instantly to me for a few reasons:

  1. It is an eco-friendly menstrual option.
  2. I always keep exploring and keep myself updated on menstrual management options – the cup seemed to be a modern means of managing menstruation.
  3. Rashes and irritation caused by sanitary napkins was nagging me to find the best alternative option which obviously, was menstrual cups.

I did some research over the Internet, interacted with a few cup users and finally purchased the cup (online of course, since in retail stores, you only get sanitary pads). I was excited to try the cup during the process of shipment. Finally, I received it just in time before my periods.

I tried it in the shower (it is usually suggested that it be tried during showers for easy insertion). Inserting the cup was a very smooth process with no hurdles and I even heard it pop up (that happy little sound which I love to hear again and again).  Everything went perfectly.

I headed to work and immersed myself into my work routine after that. At the back of my mind, I had doubts about the removal bit as it was for the first time that I was wearing it. Just to gain a little more confidence and hack the removal process, I surfed through a few videos online during my lunch time. During the second half of my day at work, I practically tried to remove the cup three times as I was scared about it getting it full and leaking (generally, you have to gauge the flow and plan your removal intervals). Since I was so confused, I panicked as I was failing at removing the cup. I tried to call someone who had been kind enough to select the right menstrual cup for me. She advised me not to panic in the first place as vaginal muscles need to be relaxed during both insertion and removal. After several failed attempts, I finally decided to leave work early and reached home so that I could be in a relaxed environment. Again, I tried to remove the cup but failed. Next, it was my husband’s turn. I showed him the video and briefed him a little about it and so he tried to remove it as well, but it was all in vain. Here, I must emphasize that I am so happy that my best partner (husband) has been a part of my journey with the menstrual cup. We finally decided to find a gynecologist and get the cup removed by her/him. This whole procedure of removing the cup and stressing out because of not being able to do so was exhausting for me and so I decided to sit and relax for a while with a cup of coffee (and to book an appointment with a gynecologist at the same time). While I was doing so, I decided to give this a final try, entered the washroom, took a deep breath and succeeded in removing the menstrual cup. It was such a happy moment for both me and my husband because we didn’t give up on it. I feel this is all due to one thing – to constantly explore and improve upon my menstrual routine and knowledge. That pushed me to be a positive cup user.

I must say, menstrual cups have changed my outlook towards menstruation completely. Now, I wait for my periods each month so that I can use my cup – I have never been this positive about menstruation in my life! I insist that all my female sisters should give menstrual cups a try; using it has worked like a charm for me. I almost feel period – free. In case you wish to connect with me for any queries related to cup usage, you can e-mail me at  shreyabagthariya@gmail.com.

Happy Cupping!

shreya_thumbAuthor – Shreya Bagthariya

Explorer | Music • Books • Nature • Coffee lover 🙂

Edited by – Divya Rosaline

Illustration by Isa Ibaibarriaga.

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