Puberty: That time when girls are pulled out of swimming classes and advised to stay away from all men.

Thankfully, my parents did not treat me differently after I hit puberty. I could do everything I was doing even before I hit puberty. All that puberty meant for me was – a mess. I was unable able to manage my sanitary napkin, staining my clothes right into higher secondary school. Those were the days of thick cotton pads that felt like diapers and no wings on pads!

Even if not out of the embarrassment of staining my clothes, I disliked leaks simply because they were foul. God, I hated those days. Hell, even now I struggle with making sure I don’t leak while I sleep.

So, for 18-odd years periods were the filthiest five days of the month.

Then, I met the menstrual cup. Periods are no more messy or inhibitive.

Here are five instances when a menstrual cup made my life easy

Day one at work after a two-year hiatus.

This day was an important one. I was nervous, scared, doubtful – I was a mess. To add to this mess, it was also Day one of my monthly cycle. I did not have the mental bandwidth to deal with leaks, worry about how clean the work toilet would be and how many extra pads I should have to carry on this day.
I had a shower, slipped in the cup at 8.30am, popped a painkiller for the stomach ache and headed out to work. I returned home around 8pm, no leaks, and feeling fresh.

Hiking and day-long physical activity

There has been just one time I have taken medication to delay my cycle. This was when I was going on a 10-day trek. It bothered me to be messing with the natural cycle of my body. I did it mainly because I did not know how I could best dispose off my used sanitary pads high up on the mountains. Then, there was the added worry of menstrual cramps potentially reducing my stamina.

With the menstrual cup I have been on one hike and lots of day trips. I love that I can just dump the discharge, wash the cup with water, and insert it right back. It is hassle free, and I think my menstrual cramps have reduced because of a placebo effect.

Long flight back home from Israel.

We were packed and ready to catch the flight back home the next morning, when my body decided to add a new variable to the mix. This was going to be 24 hours of numbness accompanied by Day one of the period. I inserted the cup in, stuck an extra long night pad on my underwear for back up and headed out for what was one of the most emotionally draining flights journeys I have undertaken so far.

I reached leak-free, stain-free and more at ease with myself than I had expected.

Swimming on my period. 

As much as I understand that the pressure of water on the body plugs the flow of blood for the duration of the swim, I prefer wearing some protective gear.

I had just begun swimming classes and it was a crucial class with my instructor. I had tried a tampon once earlier and did not feel comfortable. With the menstrual cup I was more at ease and relaxed in the pool. Ever since that day, I no more worry about swimming or trips to the beach while I am on my period.

and finally…

Every day of my period for the last 5 months.

Those five days of the month have been a lot more stress-free. I can move around, travel, run, work with no thought wasted on wondering if I need to change my pad soon, or if I have leaked. I have also slept more comfortably at night since I started using the cup.

Menstrual cups have changed my life and I am sure they can change the lives of many more girls. Give it a try!