Dear Men,
“It’s just a cramp, get over it!” is something you should have a criminal trial for. Since you’ve never been in those shoes and never will be, it’s more than obvious you shouldn’t say a word about a situation you’ve never experienced.
Menstruation is far more than just blood. Far more than cramps and mood swings. In fact, that is just the beginning. It is difficult to get through, because we are as worried as a toad under a harrow if they come by: the stress, the pain and the mood swings. But, we are also worried when they skip the monthly meeting with us.
The question that’s probably lingering around you is why am I ranting? How does this relate to you? Well. Sorry not sorry, but they do relate to you. They’re the reason you’re alive!
Hence, here’s what you should definitely know about it:
1) It’s More Than “Just Blood”
The menstrual cycle is far more than just blood. It’s the shedding of the uterus lining, something that happens when the egg in the fallopian tubes doesn’t get fertilised. Hormonal changes happen almost everyday – they can be subtle like cervical fluid or not so subtle like painful cramps. The shedding is also the remnants of the unfertilised egg, which is why the intensity of blood flow changes within the span of 2-7 days. Actually, you might not even know that the intensity fluctuates! Trust me, it’s nothing like The Shining.
2) The World Of Period Whines Isn’t The Same For Everyone
You might be a pro at handling your ex-girlfriend and her whining but trust me, if you’ve moved on, your next is definitely not like your ex in any possible way, and that includes her on her periods. Period pain and their symptoms differ amongst the female population. While some may complain of serious abdominal pain, others may be accustomed to increased tenderness in their nipples, so be careful of your tactics irritating her further.
3) Not Every Painkiller Kills The Pain Well Enough
The painkiller you buy for your girl on her periods doesn’t have to be any painkiller you think will work. It needs to be specific: the NSAIDS or the non-non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug. Period pain is nothing like a usual stomach ache, or joint pain, it holds the production of prostaglandin which cannot be treated without the combination of ibuprofen and aspirin. Hence, be mindful of your purchase and consult your girlfriend, wife, sister, mother or friend before you make a grand gesture.
4) PMSing Is A Bloody Reality
Pre-menstrual syndrome might be a joke to you, but it is not a joke to us. My irritability and mood swings might look like an excuse to not do something, but honestly, they are not. If this wasn’t enough, the body aches, tenderness, bloating and fatigue just make it worse.
But yes, every time I’m irritated about something you did, dear better half, do not blame it on my PMS. I’m not on my menstrual cycle 365 days a year.
5) Her Period Can Kill Her Mood And Yours
Or It can just make her hornier. Period sex is entirely possible, only if she says so.
Remember she can still get pregnant (yes, break that myth), because the only problem in period sex is the possible sensitivity of the vagina and surrounding areas. Period sex comes with the additional benefits of lubrication and an oh-so-awesome level of arousal – the sensitivity can make it easier for her to reach orgasm. Hence, if she consents, do not refrain as it can be as enjoyable as ever.
6) Well, Day One Is Anything But A Joke
Day one of a woman’s period is the worst. This may not be true for everyone, but for many, flow is the heaviest, cramps are at their most terrible stage and one is almost always in a mood to tear someone apart with bare hands. This is also the day when she might ask you, “why do I have to suffer this way and you don’t, when practically the entire point of having my period revolves around producing girls AND boys?!”
At this point of time, do nothing more than either being her human pillow and if the need be, her human punching bag.
7) Our Food Is OUR FOOD. Period.
When we crave something, you get to have no opinion on it because our bloated belly doesn’t demand opinions, it demands food. So, even if it is gulab jamun in gajar ka halwa, deal with it and of course, go get it. Additionally, just bring chocolate with everything else you buy, because even if we don’t say it, we crave it. It’s biological.
8) Tell Us We’re Beautiful And That You’re Here For Us
While all of this is right on our heads, we might really need you by our side. Trust me when I say our cranky selves need a human panda which offers comfort. We may or may not admit, but a man can be the most helpful thing during a period. Or not. It is advisable to check the temperature of her mood swings beforehand.
But, beware of blaming everything on her mood. You might just call upon your own death.
While that basket of your love is all she needs while she is on her menstrual cycle, she might consider your awareness towards it even more beneficial. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, stop disgusting yourself when you touch or buy a sanitary napkin. Stop being ashamed to be associated with the word menstruation, because it’s a fact of existence.
Moreover, it’s part of what she is, and always will be. Stay aware, stay healthy and responsibly keep her healthy too.