THE MODERN PERIOD

by Anuradha Parmar and Rujuta Deshpande

If there is one thing we can count on
In menstruation and in life
It is unpredictable
— Nikki Tajiri

We may have come across situations where
1. Someone in your group was not allowed in the temple during those days
2. Your colleague is carrying a sanitary pad, all panicked
3. You noticed a stain on the dress of your friend

Yes, this article is a small effort to talk about the hushed topic: periods or menstruation.

Menarche

The reproductive system of the menstruator’s body, the uterus, produces a bed for a possible baby. It is made up from the tissues of the uterus and blood. During pregnancy, the said bed ensures the baby gets all the protection and nutrition.

Every time the menstruator’s body doesn’t get pregnant, the bed sheds. This shedding through the vagina is termed as periods or menstruation.

Menarche is the first time the menstruator’s body bleeds which can be around 9–15 years of age. Periods can stay for 3–7 days. The number of days and the flow vary from person to person.

The pain

Imagine your stomach has been washed and is being squeezed to remove the excess water. The uterus does the same to release the bed. These contractions lead to cramps.

Hormones make the pain crappier. Besides cramps, moodiness, trouble sleeping, food cravings, bloating, etc. are experienced during menstruation.

Utilities like sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, etc. provide fewer chances of infection than using basic cloths. A sad reality does exist that these products are still not accessible to a major portion of menstruators.

PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal condition affecting almost 1 in 5 menstruators. It has symptoms like irregular periods, ovarian cysts, weight gain, etc.

PCOS is one of the many factors that may lead to infertility. Although, doctors suggest that the symptoms can be eased through lifestyle changes and dietary supplements.

Infertility

Infertility means the inability to conceive. The problems of infertility are prevalent in all sexes and are treatable to a certain extent in most cases. In the opinion of doctors, depending on the age of the couple, a couple should try to conceive for a duration of six months to a year before going for any consultation.

Vaccine for cervical cancer

As we read before, the uterus sheds the bed which comes out of the vagina. Cervix comes in between the uterus and the vagina. Since, cervical cancer is very much heard, it is important to note that the vaccines for cervical cancer i.e HPV vaccine can be obtained with a doctor’s consultation. There is a misconception that the age limit for this vaccine is only up to 26 years of age, which is untrue. Further, HPV vaccine can be taken by non-menstruators also.

Workplace scenarios around periods

Providing sanitary utilities and disposal options in the workplace is slowly finding its roots. But granting paid leaves is still a debate. Countries like Japan, Indonesia, South Korea etc. and Spain (very recently) have rolled out the menstrual leave policy.

It will not be wrong to say that we are still in a beginning age of understanding periods physically, socially and psychologically.

Menopause: A different journey towards the end

A time comes when the body stops making the bed;hence there is no shedding. This period is known as menopause. It usually hits around post the age of 40 after not experiencing periods in a year.

Menstruators can identify their struggle during this menopausal transition. Some menstruators may suddenly feel warm which may result in perspiration and have trouble sleeping with mood swings.

How can a non-menstruator help?

Simple things like awareness and empathy can build bridges. Try this activity: Ask your close menstruator what it is to be on periods. One would be amazed to know how complicated things have been made for this shedding.

And being a non-menstruator if you have reached till here, you have already understood the assignment

😊

References:
1. Wikipedia
2. Major takeaways from the event “The Modern Period” with Dr. Shantala Bhole at Library On Wheels Townhall.