Menstruation- The Blessing In Disguise (1st position)

“No one saw that blooded body as they were passing nearby. But everyone noticed those small BLOOD STAINS on the skirt”.

Menstruation is probably one of the least talked topic and ill-understood biologically concepts. This is because of complicated network of taboos and customs

Women of rural India have to battle far more serious concerns such as absence of toilets and limited options. Women usually go out in the open and hold it until it is dark due to which there is huge strain on both their physical as well as mental well being

Despite being a phenomenon unique to human, it has always being surrounded by various myths and taboos which are practiced in many societies. It also exclude human and girls from many aspects of social and cultural life.

You will be surprised to know that many women in the world are separated from their families and made to live in cattle sheds during their PERIODS for eg – CHAUPADDI PRACTICED IN NEPAL. This is because period is considered “impure”. It is an extreme example of the stigmas and restrictions around the menstruation that exists not only in Nepal but also globally.

The recent protest at Sabarmila temple in India in which women of the menstruating age are not allowed to enter, is another example of menstrual pollution beliefs.

Our society see women and girls as inferiors also they have been taught that they are impure from a young age, which leaves a damaging effect on their psyche and sense of self-worth.

There are several myths surrounding menstruation which in turn leaves given rise to social, cultural and religious norms that ban women from participating in numerous activities during periods. From wilting tulsi plants to ruining pickles the myths and taboos surrounding menstruation abound a plenty.

In some parts of the world, women are shunned from kitchen, places of worship, they are asked to reduce contact with the outside world. And a common denominator is all these myths is that women are impure...

There are few things that science can help you to think logically.

Increased awareness is a step towards eliminating the social stigma and the queasy feeling that accompanies many women when they talk about their periods.

I know period cramps can be painful, period flow can be messy and period timing can be inconvenient, but periods should never be shameful .Instead every women should feel blessed even they have their periods...

You know why?

• IT’S A MARKER OF FERTILITY

Conceiving a baby is the best feeling one can never get you know one in eight women experience infertility so being able to conceive is not something we should take for granted.

• IT MAINTAINS THE POSITIVE HEALTH

Periods is a good indicator of a lot of women’s health issues.

• IT MAY HELP WOMEN TO LIVE LONGER

Women develop cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack, stroke etc. Usually in their 70s and 80s, about 10 years later than men. One cause may be women’s relative iron deficiency. As iron ions are necessary for the formation of free radicals, which may age cells and increases the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and other age related diseases.

• IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR WORKOUT

During the “follicular phase” when follicles in the Ovaries mature to release an egg- a woman has higher pain tolerance, which become used to push herself harder in a tough workout.

At the end, I would like to conclude that menstruation is an issue taught should be openly talked about, rather than being hidden within the pages of newspaper or black polythene bags. The more you hide things, the ‘dirtier’ they get and treated as taboo more than even before. It’s a blessing for every women who bleeds- a blessing to be able to give birth to another life.