I’ve started the Endometriosis Foundation of India because a lot needs to be talked about a serious condition that a significant number of people face called endometriosis. The condition leaves people with debilitating pain when tissue similar to the lining inside of the uterus grows outside of it, there shouldn’t have been any. I believe that talking about an issue is the first step in resolving it.
In this process, I’ve talked with countless people affected by endometriosis from all over the world. I noticed that there are many myths surrounding menstrual health across cultures, let alone endometriosis. Slowly it became clear to me that whatever steps I was going to take for better advocacy of endometriosis have to begin with an awareness of basic menstrual health.
Talking about menstruation remains taboo in India. As a result, a lot of myths have surrounded it. Like the abandoned house on the top of a hill that is rumored to be haunted. It is a regular old building like the ones we live in, but it might be haunted because you never know. For all that we know, there’s no ghost but someone somewhere claims to have seen one.
There are a lot of myths that we need to be exorcised from the society about periods.
First, it is believed that girls during their periods are impure. During periods they are not allowed to cook or to visit sacred places. This is a bit ironic coming from a land with umpteen villages, and mainstream female deities but what have you. The fact is that there is nothing impure about periods. It is a nature’s way of saying you are growing up.
The second myth was that foods like curd, tamarind, and pickles disturb the menstrual flow. This isn’t true. The food you eat does not affect the flow of your periods. Just like how you won’t grow wings for eating chicken.
Third, going out, playing sports, or exercising disturbs the menstrual flow. In fact, it does the opposite. Exercising or playing sports can help relieve the pain.
Fourth, I’ve often bought sanitary products wrapped in paper when purchasing. Many believe that they should be kept private. I don’t see how buying a sanitary product is different from buying a bar of soap or toothpaste. They are all personal hygiene products.
Fifth, girls having periods are made to sleep in a different room in some religions and cultures. Menstruation is not contagious! It causes no harm to someone else in the room.
Sixth, a girl should not talk about her periods in public. If she does she will be shamed publicly. Do you think twice before you talk about your hair, nose, eyes, or ears? Talking about periods is no different.
The many myths surrounding periods and menstrual hygiene will continue to be believed as long as we all keep mum. But the idea, through the Endometriosis Foundation of India, and this blog is to talk about the health conditions that aren’t talked about enough. To provide a supportive ecosystem where we talk enough about our health problems without any judgment or apprehension then maybe people who need to hear the truth with hear it, and get the help that they need.