A Different Period Experience

Nanakmatta Women
Jun 3
6 min read

Updated: Jun 30

Almost four years ago, a menstrual health session conducted by Nature Science Initiative at Nanakmatta Public School in Uttarakhand changed the way many of us understood periods.

Until then, menstruation was something rarely spoken about openly. Feelings of shame, discomfort, fear of leakage, irritation, and confusion around disposal were treated as normal parts of growing up. But that session opened a different kind of conversation for us. As some of us began exploring safer and more sustainable menstrual practices such as menstrual cups and cloth pads, we also realised how important it was to create spaces where girls and women could speak honestly about their experiences without embarrassment or fear. With support from NSI, students from Nanakmatta Public School gradually started conducting conversations and experience-sharing sessions within the school and later across different parts of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Kashipur, Ramnagar, and Munsiyari. What began as a small discussion among a few students slowly grew into a wider community dialogue involving girls, mothers, teachers, and even boys. Over time, these conversations became less about simply changing products and more about understanding our bodies, questioning stigma, and making periods a subject that could be discussed naturally and without shame.

The following experiences are shared by girls and women who transitioned to menstrual cups through these conversations and initiatives. Collected as part of a wall magazine created by students of Nanakmatta Public School in November, 2025, these reflections capture moments of hesitation, learning, discomfort, confidence, freedom, and change. Together, they show how small conversations around menstruation can slowly grow into stories of comfort, dignity, and self-awareness.

photo credits: Team NSI

My First Experience with a Menstrual Cup

I still remember the day I held a menstrual cup in my hand for the first time. It looked so small in size, yet felt like such a big change in my mind. I had heard so much about its benefits, how it was eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safe. But I was nervous. What if it didn’t fit? What if it leaked? What if it was uncomfortable?

The first time I tried it, I wasn’t sure which fold to use, and I was too tense. But I reminded myself why I was doing this — to take care of my health, reduce waste, and have more freedom during my periods.

By my second cycle, things began to change. I learned to relax, use the right folding technique, and understand how my body responds. That’s when I experienced the comfort everyone talked about. I could wear it for hours, even overnight, without worrying about leaks. For the first time in years, I went through my period without the constant discomfort of pads.

It also made me notice something I had never paid attention to before — my actual menstrual flow. I could see it, measure it, and understand my body better. It was an empowering feeling, like, I had taken control of my period instead of letting it control me.

The biggest joy came when I realized I hadn’t thrown away a single pad that month. One small cup had replaced dozens of disposables. I felt proud knowing I was not just making life easier for myself, but also helping the environment in a small but meaningful way.

Now, using a menstrual cup feels natural. It’s a part of my life, and I wish I had started sooner. It gives me freedom, comfort, and a deep sense of responsibility — to myself and to the planet.

Aditi Rana is an undergraduate student at Azim Premji University, Bangalore.

It was very difficult for me to spend 24 hours with sanitary napkins, and it was also very confusing where to throw these used sanitary napkins, and they also smelled very bad. Really, I was frustrated with this. Then I thought I would try a menstrual cup, and my seniors and Saumya ma’am also recommended it to me... ooo, it was unbelievable that I didn't feel my periods, there was no wastage, and even no smell. Yes, it was a bit difficult when I immediately changed from pads to a menstrual cup, as it was not easy to put the cup in. But taking it out was way more difficult. But with time, I got comfortable with it.

After transition, I never had to think about how to sit or check my pants again and again. When I spent three of my menstrual cycles without any problem, then I realized that yes, the menstrual cup is very amazing, and every female should use a menstrual cup during the menstruation cycle.

Ayesha is an alumni of Nanakmatta Public School, Uttarakhand.

मेरा नाम भारती है और मेरी उम्र 40 साल है।18 साल की उम्र से मैं सैनिटरी पैड्स इस्तेमाल कर रही थी। अभी कुछ महीने पहले से ही मैंने मेंस्ट्रूअल कप इस्तेमाल करना शुरू किया है। शुरुआत में कप इस्तेमाल करने में मुझे डर लग रहा था लेकिन जब मैंने इसे इस्तेमाल किया तो इसमें डर जैसा कुछ भी नहीं था। कप इस्तेमाल करके बहुत कंफर्टेबल फील होता है ऐसा लगता ही नहीं कि आपके पीरियड्स भी आए हैं। पैड से मुझे स्कीन पर दाद हो जाया करते थे लेकिन अब वह प्रॉब्लम नहीं होती है। पैड को इस्तेमाल करने के बाद कहां फेंकेंगे, कहां रखेंगे, बहुत टेंशन होती थी जो अब नहीं है। पहले पीरियड्स के दौरान रात को सोते समय पैड लीकेज होने के डर के कारण ठीक से नींद भी नहीं आती थी लेकिन अब लीकेज का कोई डर नहीं रहता है। कप पॉकेट फ्रेंडली है एक बार ले लिया तो कई साल तक इस्तेमाल कर सकते हैं। पहले दिन थोड़ा हेवी फ्लो रहता है जिस वजह से मुझे तीन या चार घंटे में कप को खाली करना होता है लेकिन उसके बाद बाकी के चार दिन आराम से कटते हैं कोई टेंशन नहीं। पैड के साथ एक एहसास साथ में रहता है कि आप पीरियड्स में हो। लेकिन कप इस्तेमाल करने में ऐसा नहीं है कई बार चौथे दिन, पांचवें दिन तो मुझे याद भी नहीं रहता कि मुझे पीरियड्स भी हुए हैं और मैंने कप लगाया है।

-भारती, नानकमत्ता पब्लिक स्कूल में शिक्षिका हैं।

Using a menstrual cup has been an amazing experience for me. I have been using it for the past six months, and it has made my life so much easier. I no longer worry about where to dispose sanitary pads, whether I can travel on my period for long journeys, or if I might get a stain on my clothes. The menstrual cup has helped me feel stress-free and confident. It's comfortable and is also good for the environment. Sharing this experience with my friends has also been amazing as many of them have also started using it and found it helpful. Switching to a menstrual cup has been one of the best decisions for me—it's simple, safe, and makes life during periods so much better.

Harshita is an alumni of Nanakmatta Public School.

I first used a menstrual cup for a water park activity, and it worked without leakage. But in the next month of my menstrual cycle, it started leaking out. But I kept on using it; and it worked. It does not cause any irritation or problems. It didn't feel like I had used/worn something. It is the best alternative to sanitary napkins. These napkins caused bacterial infections and irritation. Sanitary napkins caused me itching, but I ignored it because of the fear of convincing my mother. But when I explained everything about this, she agreed easily. All I can say is, the menstrual cup is very comfortable.

Khushi is a 12th grade student at Nanakmatta Public School

I am having a great experience using a menstrual cup. The results are amazing. I feel free, and it feels like a normal day. I can walk and run freely. The irritation of using pads is gone forever. It is also very cheap as compared to pads, which can be used only once. I have also recommended this to many of my friends, and my mother is also using it. She is really happy that it helps her a lot in moving freely anywhere and doing any household work without any problem of stains.

-Shruti

Hello, my name is Varsha, and I've been using a menstrual cup for the past year. Before that, I used sanitary pads, which always came with the fear of leakage, rashes, and itching. Moreover, I had to constantly worry about changing the pad on time, which was a hassle.

But since I started using the menstrual cup, all these problems have disappeared. I no longer have to worry about rashes, leakage, or constantly changing the pad. Plus, I don't have to think about how to dispose of the pad after use.

The most significant advantage of using a menstrual cup, in my opinion, is that it gives me a period-free life. On my period days, I can live life as usual, without feeling any discomfort or hassle. I can run, exercise, sleep, or do anything I want without feeling any leakage or discomfort.

Overall, using a menstrual cup has been a game-changer for me, and I'm so glad I made the switch. Thank you.