I was 13 years old and
had just finished my annual exams, when one day I started bleeding. I was
scared looking at the blood coming out from my body. Something did not feel
right and I thought I fell ill. My mother noticed my agony and nonchalantly
told me I had turned into a woman. She said whatever I was experiencing was a
taboo and should not be discussed with anyone else. She did not explain what
was happening with me. She explained how to use a sanitary pad but then it was
referred to in code words. Months passed and slowly I got to learn about the
cycle which would happen every month.
However, I was unable to
manage my pain in the lower abdomen, but could not discuss it with anyone.
On those particular days,
I used to stay in bed and didn't do anything. My dad observed my suffering.
When I told him about my pain, he counselled me and put me on treatment for
about 6 months. That helped me both mentally and physically.
Fast-forward to 2020, I'm
close to 40 years now and mother of an adolescent girl. My child knows about
periods quiet well. I have discussed with her about how a girl grows up and her
school has also conducted sessions. I'm glad 'periods' is no more a taboo for
her. But, I feel sad when I see people treating menstruating women as impure. I
hope to see a 'periods' taboo free generation on this Menstruation Hygiene Day.
#mestruationhygiene #periods #taboo #reddot #womenhealth #sanitarypads #MenstruationHygieneDay #myperiodstory
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