Came across this great video on thebrainscoop YouTube page on tips to handle menstruation while on the field. While this is great, we definitely need such resources for Indian researchers too. For example – there’s no hope of porta-potties here and sometimes the taboo is much greater (how many of us have had frank conversations about periods with our PIs?). During our conversation with conservation ecologist Jis Sebastian, she had emphasised her preference from menstrual cups while she’s out for research. It did not make it to our final interview, so we are releasing this unpublished excerpt now:
“Generally, girls think that only pads are available – but there are many alternatives. Plastic causes skin problems, in urban areas it all goes into landfills and releases dioxins when burnt. The options are cloth pads which can be used 75 to 80 times, cups, tampons, sponges. I tried everything myself – only after that would I recommend to others. After using cups, I was super happy. I travel a lot and when you travel you can use for one 12 hrs. A cup can be reused for 10 years. It’s not any more messy, no skin problems… there are many brands in India, too. During an event I organised on Women’s Day, we had a gynaecologist come in and talk about these alternatives and it appeared as if menstrual cups are best options. Nowadays, I talk to girls… I give the cup as a gift to them for functions. It’s very common in other countries. Most women who like travelling have switched to cups.” – Jis Sebastian
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