However, every person’s experience with menstruation is different; there are also some menstruators who aren’t quite at the zombie stage, but also aren’t at the err…enthusiasm level that most period ad actors exude. So, with that being said, what are the medium level activities one can do on their period?

1. Gentle exercise

Anything light will always feel right. Engaging in mild exercises like walking, swimming (if you’re open to doing that on your period), or yoga can help relieve cramps and improve your mood. Also, it will help you stay in shape, and not break your regular exercise routine/momentum.

2. Rest and relaxation

You may not feel it all the time, but your body may need extra rest during your period, so take the opportunity to relax, rest, and recharge. Read a book, take a warm bath, or practice meditation.

3. Creative pursuits

Explore your artistic side by engaging in creative activities like painting, drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument. These activities can be a great way to express yourself and focus on something enjoyable. They’re great mood boosters as well!

4. Self-care

Pamper yourself with self-care activities such as taking care of your skin, doing a face mask, getting a massage, or practising aromatherapy. It’s important to prioritise your well-being during this time. Plus, face masks always smell SO good.

5. Cooking or baking 

Experimenting with new recipes or making your favourite comfort foods can be a fun and productive way to spend your time. Treat yourself to nourishing meals that make you feel good.

6. Catch up on hobbies or projects

If you have any ongoing hobbies or projects, your period might be a good time to dedicate some focused attention to them. Whether it’s knitting, gardening, woodworking, or any other hobby, enjoy the time to indulge in your passions.

7. Socialising

If you’re up to it, consider meeting up with friends for a low-key gathering or having a cosy movie night at home. Human company always has the ability to cheer people up!

Remember, everyone’s period is different, and ultimately, you should listen to your body and do what feels right for you. If you want to curl up in front of the TV, it’s absolutely fine. If you want to do lowkey activities, follow your body’s signals and go for it if you feel up to it. And if you want to climb a mountain, get that bread (and colour us thoroughly impressed).

The post What To Do When Your Period Rolls Around appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

We’ve heard this phrase umpteen number of times, but what does it even actually mean? One can argue that it is the equivalent of a ticking time bomb in the sense that the window of opportunity is finite (and closing). In this case, that analogy does hold up, because fertility is finite, after all. Over the course of time, a woman’s fertility tends to dip the older she gets – these changes are the reason why many women (in particular) are anxious to accomplish a lot of things on the reproductive front before they lose the (biological opportunity) to. 

Right from the first time a teen menstruates (menarche), the biological clock is set in motion – every month, there is a menstrual cycle that occurs (for most women on clockwork), which continues well into adulthood. However, this may start to fluctuate by mid to late thirties, when most women start having erratic periods due to an overall decline in estrogen levels. As one ages, significant changes alter the rhythm of the biological clock, which eventually leads to the natural end of periods (menopause), the mark of a woman’s departure from the reproductive years.  

What does the transition to menopause look like?

Menopause is considered the permanent end to menstruation, and this which occurs as a natural part of the aging process (for women hitting their 40s and early 50s), except in the cases of premature menopause (before 40s), either due to damage in the ovaries and/or surgical intervention. 

Menopause is a gradual transition process which takes place across three stages:

1) Perimenopause

Perimenopause is a transition phase which may begin before menopause – the ovaries may gradually stop producing estrogen and this phase could last for 3- 4 years on an average. Even though the ovarian function might decline and both estrogen and progesterone levels could fall during perimenopause, the menstrual cycle usually continues as per schedule and one may also stand the chance of becoming pregnant.

This phase brings major changes in libido, the beginning of hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, anxiety, and depression for most women. 

2) Menopause

This is the point when there is a rapid decline in estrogen levels, and viable eggs are no longer released by the ovaries. Over the course of a year (maybe even more), the  monthly periods stop eventually, and the official label of menopause is assigned when a woman doesn’t experience a period for a period of one year. 

Hot flashes are the most frequently occurring symptom of this phase, which refers to the brief sensation of heat in the body (this could vary in  intensity, frequency and duration for every individual). Women are a lot  more prone to emotional changes like anxiety, mood swings, loss of energy, and irritability as well. The other common symptoms include insomnia, memory lapses, vaginal dryness, hair loss, urine urgency, and breast tenderness, among the others. 

3) Post- menopause

This is the phase that unfolds after menopause – while menopausal symptoms may ease up for some women, they can continue to be present for others even for a decade or longer after the transition to menopause. In the case of the latter, there is a higher vulnerability to several health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease as the estrogen levels are at an all-time low. 

Is menopause a pause on life? 

This phase can definitely be tricky to handle, but it does not signal the end of  life. If you ask us, one can surely dazzle at 40 or sizzle at 50, while being able to cope with the myriad changes brought in by the onset of menopause: 

• Eat right, stay right: Go minimalistic and nutrition-heavy with your diet. To soothe the hot flashes, make sure you skip triggers like spicy food, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.

• Consult your doctor regularly: Take advice from your doctor before introducing any supplements and/or medicines in your daily regime. Also remember to go for routine checkups, a yearly mammogram, to do sonography and pap smear tests as well. 

• Pamper your mind and body: Self-care can go a looooong way. Do not let putting on the kilos put you off too much because weight gain is a common challenge for women transitioning into the menopause stage. But believe us when we say that a portion of yoga and some ‘me-time’ coupled with good sleep, a good diet, good mindful practices and a healthy social life can help you heal and stay happier.

Read more on coping mechanisms to deal with menopause and beyond here.

• Try to be present: Menopause can hit you with loads of emotions at the same time. Most women are likely to face loneliness, anxiety and irritability – the key is to accept your emotions as they come and let them go gradually. Do what makes you happy, invest your time in meaningful relationships, and stay engaged positively. 

We’re sure you’ll be able to power on through the menopause phase! 

The post Menopause: A Pause on Periods – Not You! appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

Before we get into deconstructing that, you can learn all about the myths and facts of PCOS here.

What are the causes of PCOS?

Ah, the million dollar question. If you have PCOS or want to know the exact reasons for the occurrence of PCOS, you’ll be in line behind a long list of individuals who want to decode the very same.  

Although the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, there is evidence that genetics do play a role. There are several other factors as well, including hormonal imbalances; if you have PCOS, your ovaries produce unusually high levels of androgen, causing an imbalance in your reproductive hormones. This, in turn, can lead to erratic menstrual cycles, missed periods, or even heavy bleeding. Moreover, insulin resistance, obesity, and higher levels of inflammation act as the catalysts leading to the development of PCOS.

Importance of diet for PCOS

Even though we may not exactly know how PCOS occurs, we can always take steps to mitigate it. This is where weight regulation and a strict diet comes into play. 

It may seem like a daunting goal, but it can be attainable by simply incorporating certain small steps in your day-to-day life. Adapting to a healthier diet and changing eating patterns (along with some physical activities) is one of the most effective and safest methods to manage PCOS. 

But, that brings us to the next question: what should the diet include? It goes without saying that a pro-PCOS diet must focus on whole grains, fresh produce, and plant-based proteins while limiting sugar, processed food, and trans fat. Experts recommend that a high protein and low carbohydrate diet can do wonders for weight and insulin issues.

Foods to include, if you are experiencing PCOS:

• Wholesome whole grains: Whole grains such as millets, oats, and buckwheat are great additions to your daily nutrition plan. 
• Go green: Leafy greens such as spinach, cabbage greens, kale, broccoli, and other green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 
• Hop over to healthy fats: Opt for unsaturated fats found in canola, olive oil, avocado, nuts, flaxseed, chia seeds, etc.
• Be friends with fruits: Opt for fruits low in the Glycemic Index (GI) such as apples, pears, and foods such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and legumes. The key is to keep it basic and minimalistic.
• Be pro-protein: Include plant-based proteins such as beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, and tofu to see the difference. 
• Drink adequate water: 8- 12 glasses of water is usually recommended for the daily intake. 

Foods to limit/avoid in PCOS diet:

It’s hard to curb these cravings entirely, but you can always try limiting and substituting foods high in refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks/drinks, and inflammatory processed foods with healthier alternatives.

• Foods high in refined carbohydrates: Cut down on refined white flour, sugary foods, starchy vegetables (white potatoes), as well as artificial sweeteners.
• Foe (unhealthy) fats: Trans fats and hydrogenated fats in cooking oil, processed foods including fried food, fast food, packaged snack foods, frozen meals and snacks should be avoided.
• Soy: Restrict soy products as it can increase estrogen levels and lead to further delays in ovulation.
• Gluten: It can cause inflammation, which in turn, can result in insulin resistance that can eventually lead to diabetes.

Other lifestyle changes to consider with PCOS:

A strict diet is great at curbing PCOS at the source, but exercise is the true way to get your PCOS in check.

• Be active: Try to get at least moderate exercise each week. Start small and work up to longer times as your body adjusts. Your workout doesn’t necessarily need to be limited to jogging and heavy exercises; it  can be pursued in your own way and can include sports, dance, yoga, cycling, zumba, swimming, and much more. 
• Be happy: Calm your mind and connect with your body. Stress mitigation can work wonders. 
• Seek professional help: See a doctor if symptoms continue to persist, and carve a healthy way forward for your body! 

In most cases, PCOS can be a lifetime condition. But the good news is, there are ways to mitigate it. With PCOS, weight loss has been proven to be consistently successful in reducing insulin resistance (a strong byproduct of PCOS). Many experts suggest that a combination of dietary modification, exercise, mindful practices, modifying lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption/smoking can be the collective key towards the long-term treatment of PCOS. 

Try this out for yourself and tell us what you think!

The post PCOS and Nutrition: All You Need To Know appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

So much has been written about this topic, and YET, it still remains a mystery. 

Just like how it mysteriously (and almost always) shows up right before an important meeting or a girl’s night out. 

Coincidence? We think not. 

So, what can we possibly say that hasn’t been said before by countless articles, self-care pages, home remedy listicles, and to-do tips to cure acne? 

While we can always tell you how you could try to take care of your acne, we can also address the other side of the equation – by helping you predict/preempt these breakouts at the different stages of your menstrual cycle (and hopefully, reducing them as well!)

Ready? Let’s get right into it!

Wait, why are we talking about menstrual cycles? Isn’t this about acne?

Let’s put it this way – you can’t begin to understand acne, flare-ups, pimples, pustules, and breakouts without thoroughly understanding the role of our periods in this process. More often than not, our menstrual cycles dictate the type of relationship we might have with our acne, right from pre-puberty times all the way into adulthood. As you may have guessed, every menstruator has a period cycle that is truly unique to them; similarly, hormone levels differ from person to person as well as the prevalence (or lack thereof) of acne. 

Here’s a quick acne 101 before we move on:

Acne, in a nutshell, is a condition that affects the skin’s hair follicles and oil glands. Our pores are connected to glands that produce an oily secretion called ‘sebum’. The canal connections between these glands and pores (known as follicles) have thin hairs that grow out to the skin’s surface. When these follicles get clogged thanks to a not-so-nice combination of sebum and dead skin cells, they become breeding grounds for bacteria. 

And voila, you see the final result when you glance at the mirror – a red pimple sprouting up at that exact point. 

But where is the hormonal connection?

So, just to refresh your mind, we spoke about sebum and its sticky tendencies just a few seconds back. Before your period, during and even after your period, your body will be undergoing several hormonal fluctuations – these twists and turns in hormonal activity can trigger your sebum-producing glands (the sebaceous ones) to secrete more sebum, leading to more clogging, more pimples, more red skin, and as a final result, more aggravation (both skin and annoyance-wise). 

However, if we are able to predict how our hormones behave before/during our period (at least to a certain extent), we can try to minimise the damage that acne could wreak on our bodies. Scroll on to know more.

1. Pre-Period

Hormone status: Oestrogen and progesterone levels drop

Consequences: Overactive sebaceous gland behaviour

Result: High chances of clogged pores, skin inflammation, breakouts, etc

What can you do?

• Try to reduce your stress especially during this PMS time (increased stress usually worsens acne)
• Reduce or remove dairy during your PMS period (as milk comes with artificial hormones that may alter the body’s hormonal balance)
• Cut out caffeine and alcohol (these directly affect your body’s reaction to stress)
• Maintain your blood sugar levels as much as possible

2. During Your Period (and towards its end)

Hormone status: Testosterone is still going strong 

Consequences: Sebaceous gland sensitivity can be seen again 

Result: More sebum generation and clogged pores 

What can you do?

• Eating blueberries help (which help balance blood sugar and restore progesterone levels) 
• A diet of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc) aid in liver optimization and detoxification 
• Continuing to avoid dairy, caffeine and alcohol 
• Drinking lemon and water in the morning for further liver detoxification  
• Taking probiotics (yoghurt, etc) for your gut to fight the inflammation that worsens acne 

3. After Your Period (before the next one pops up)

Hormone status: Oestrogen and testosterone start to rise again

Consequences: This change throws your sebaceous glands for a toss again, although you might not develop any new acne; old pimples start to fade (don’t pick at them!)

Result: Dry skin, due to rising oestrogen levels 

What can you do?

• Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains
• Taking Vitamin E supplements to boost skin elasticity 
• Continuing to watch your salt, sugar, dairy and caffeine intake 

So, what’s the final verdict?

Even after trying all of the above and having a proper skincare routine, acne can still persist for some individuals. In that case, it’s always best to see a dermatologist and a dietician for further instructions. If you have minimal breakouts and just want to know how to get rid of those pesky pimples that pop up before and during your cycle, start monitoring your body, follow your hormone trajectory, and let us know if these tips work out for you!

The post Acne: What’s The Missing Link? appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

It’s one word, but it has so many connotations. 

While sexual pleasure, on the whole, is an absolutely normal phenomenon to explore and experience, the taboos that surround it make it a complicated one to navigate. 

Especially the stigma that envelopes personally pleasuring oneself, also known as masturbation. 

But why is masturbation this closeted a topic?

Why does an air of utmost secrecy surround it? 

And why do people usually feel the urge to lie when faced with a direct question regarding masturbation?

We’ll answer all of this and more, keep reading on!

Since masturbation is a hush-hush topic, many people typically fall into the misinformation trap – they don’t know what to believe, and usually end up listening to the rumours that emerge. 

“It makes hair grow in strange places.”

“It’s the leading cause of infertility.”

“Your genitals will grow smaller.”

“I feel guilty about this.”

“You’ll get addicted to it and it’ll ruin your life!”

While the first few have no scientific basis, the last two points must be tackled from the perspective of moderation and understanding. So, let’s get started on decoding this practice!

First things first, what is masturbation?

Masturbation (or the act of touching yourself for sexual pleasure) is an absolutely normal process, whether you may be sexually active with partners or not. Contrary to popular belief, masturbation is neither unhealthy nor bad for you. Believe it or not, it can be extremely beneficial health-wise! The orgasm that builds up and eventually takes over releases feel-good endorphins that make you feel on-top-of-the-world fantastic. 

Still not buying it? Science has a lot to say on this topic as well. Masturbating can lead to:

• Reduced sexual tension 
• Reduced stress levels 
• Improved quality of sleep 
• Better self-image 
• Lesser menstrual cramps 

Plus, it’s the safest way to surefire pleasure without the risk of pregnancies or unwanted STDs!

Why else is this practice important?

Not only does masturbation have a host of health benefits, but it is also extremely beneficial in the purview of you getting to know your own body. It helps you figure out your ‘spots’  – where you want to be touched, how you want to be touched, how much pressure is good, what techniques you like, do you like it fast or slow, etc. The moment you orgasm by yourself and experience the sexual pleasure your body is capable of producing, you will be in a more confident place personally as well as in a sexual relationship. 

Think about it this way – you’d use a map to get to a certain destination before you’d learn the route yourself, right? It’s the same thing when you’re guiding your sexual partner about your body – the more you know the map of your own body and what it could feel like, the faster your partner will understand what makes you feel good!

This sounds positive, but why are there so many negative feelings about it?

Masturbation is more common than you might think, but it’s still a delicate topic for most people to discuss. A lot of people feel self-conscious discussing it as they feel it’s a topic that must be under wraps. Some individuals learn right from a young age that pleasure, and especially self-pleasure is ‘wrong’ – so they, in turn, feel extremely guilty when doing it. 

On the other hand, other people like masturbating so much that they proceed to do it in copious amounts (which can get in the way of them living their lives). The trick is to find the sweet spot (literally and figuratively) – do what makes you feel good, but do it in moderation!

The post Masturbation & The Million Dollar Question appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

Today, we’re going to crack open (and crack into) some of the leading myths, debunk them, and shed some light on this series of mistaken beliefs.

But before we go all guns blazing, you can read more about PCOS, its symptoms, causes, and occurrence right here. Once you’ve refreshed your memory, let’s get started: 

Myth 1:

Only if you have polycystic ovaries, will you have PCOS.

Fact:

A lot of people make this assumption (given that the condition’s name is polycystic ovary syndrome), but there are two important points to keep in mind: 

1. Many women who have PCOS do not have cysts on their ovaries 
2. Having cysts on your ovaries does not mean you have PCOS 

The PCOS problem arises when a person has metabolic and reproductive abnormalities. To be diagnosed as having PCOS, an individual needs to have two of the three below symptoms: 

1. An excess of androgen in the body (which leads to hair loss, acne, etc) 
2. Irregular menstrual cycles / menstruation periods 
3. Multiple follicles or cysts in the ovaries 

Myth 2:

If you have PCOS, you can’t get pregnant. 

Fact:

PCOS is a hormonal condition that impairs the ovary’s ability to release an egg for fertilisation. However, by NO means, it puts a full stop to pregnancy forever. Many menstruators today are given the “can’t get pregnant” ultimatum when they receive their PCOS diagnosis – however, pregnancies can still occur, either naturally or through the help of fertility treatments. PCOS may definitely hamper the process, but it doesn’t put a stop to couples trying to get pregnant. The key is to find the right diet, exercise, stress-relieving methods, treatment (if necessary) and above all, the right fertility specialist to help you through the entire process. 

Myth 3:

If you have irregular periods, you have PCOS for sure. 

Fact: 

Not true. It’s common for many people to jump the gun and assume that the reason for their irregular cycles is related to PCOS, but the reality is that there could be many reasons for periods playing truant. 

Reasons for delay could include stress, breastfeeding infants, over-exercise, intense dieting, pelvic inflammatory diseases, your thyroid going out of control…the list of reasons go on. A great way to get to the root cause of your cycle going haywire is to do methodical checkups with your doctor or OBGYN, and embark upon a process of syndrome elimination through blood tests, scans, etc to determine the ‘real’ culprit.

Myth 4:

Everyone who has PCOS is either chubby, overweight or obese.

Fact: 

This may be the biggest misconception of all. Excess weight is immediately associated with the prevalence of PCOS. While most individuals that have PCOS do fall into the larger side of the weight spectrum, this belief discounts the remaining number of PCOS patients that have the ‘lean’ form of it. Therefore, it becomes a double-edged sword. An obese person with irregular periods might be wrongly diagnosed as having PCOS while a thin person might get written off, with medical professionals wrongly diagnosing their inherent PCOS as stress, anxiety, some other medical condition that causes their erratic menstrual cycles, etc.

And finally, last but not the least… 

Myth 5:

Once you get PCOS, you’re doomed 🙁

Fact: 

Even though PCOS is a lifelong condition with no proven cure per se, the key to living in harmony with this syndrome lies in one small hack – your mindset in life. You might never be able to say you’ve cured your body, but you can embrace the healing process that brings your body into harmony every single day. 

The power to ensure PCOS does not go out of hand lies solely in our hands!

The post Breaking 5 Myths About PCOS appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

But what happens after her bundle of joy is born? 

“When will my period come again?”

“When will my periods start to go back to normal?”

“Should I expect pain? Or excessive bleeding?” 

These are common questions posed by new mothers when faced with a situation they have never experienced before – their first period after childbirth. Read on to know more!

The first period post-pregnancy: When can I expect it?

Known as the postpartum period, the first period can occur at different points in time based on the mother and her decision to breastfeed her baby or not. Typically, mothers who breastfeed all the time usually don’t get their period until they stop nursing. Or if they stop nursing partially (especially in the nights), they do stand a chance of getting their period sooner. 

However, mothers who opt for a combination method (i.e., a combination of breastfeeding and bottle feeding) can potentially get their menstrual cycle sooner, as soon as 5-6 weeks after giving birth to their baby. 

But, what is this correlation between breastfeeding and getting your period?

When a mother chooses to nurse her baby entirely through the method of breastfeeding, her body, as a result, produces more prolactin (the hormone in charge of producing the necessary quantities of milk for the baby). Incidentally, it is also prolactin that puts a halt to your monthly menstrual cycle, because it suppresses the reproductive hormones, and the process of ovulation. Therefore, it is unlikely for you to have your period if you choose to (only) breastfeed your baby. 

Many studies have stated that breastfeeding mothers usually get their period 1-2 months after they make the decision to stop nursing their baby / reduce their nursing time. 

This brings us to the next question most new mothers have:

“But my 4-6 weeks aren’t up, I’m breastfeeding, AND I’m already bleeding!?”

Post-birth bleeding:

Whether you had a C-section or you opted for a conventional vaginal delivery, your reproductive areas will take time to heal, and it is typical for new mothers to experience vaginal discharge and bleeding for 6-8 weeks after giving birth. This usually gets interpreted as menstruation, but it is not – it is a phenomenon called lochia. 

Since the body is still housing the blood and tissue that lined the uterus for those 9 months of pregnancy, lochia is the body’s way of releasing all that accumulated  material. From heavy bleeding and clots, lochia is typically a bodily fluid that may appear clear to creamy white to even red in colour for some people. 

But how can I tell the difference between lochia and my period?

For starters, lochia or the vaginal discharge can continue for about 6 weeks (if you aren’t entirely breastfeeding), stop, and then you might see bleeding return. This is most likely your postpartum period. 

There are other ways of differentiating them:

Note 1: It is essential for mothers to take into account that their menstrual cycles might be a bit chaotic for the first postpartum year; some periods might come sooner than expected, some might get skipped, and the process could take time to regulate (from the time between the cycles, to the frequency/intensity of bleeding).

Note 2: In addition, it is advisable for mothers to wear maternity or menstrual pads because doctors state that nothing should enter the vagina within 6 weeks of giving birth.

And the final question: How different will my postpartum period be?

Having a baby is a life-altering experience for your body. There are high chances that your period and your menstrual cycle will alter their course, to adapt to the changes in your body. You may or may not experience some of these: 

• Cramping might change; it could either ease up or attack with more intensity  
• Smaller blood clots 
• Some individuals might face heavier flow 
• Intermittent flow 
• Increased (or decreased pain) 
• Irregular cycles 

The first period after you give birth (postpartum period) may be heavier and stronger in intensity. It could also bring about a lot of intense cramping. It can change up as well; women who have had endometriosis often report that their periods have become lighter. Others have a different complaint – they say that their periods have gotten heavier (this is because the uterus has stretched out and ergo, needs to shed more lining). However, both changes are usually temporary, and it gets back to the typical pre-pregnancy state in a few months.  

Breastfeeding milk, babies and the postpartum period

When you have your postpartum period, you might observe extra fussiness when your child wants to nurse. This is because your menstrual cycle may affect your breast milk’s taste, as the hormones that cause your body to have your period can also influence your breast milk. Of course, your baby will know the difference between the old taste and the new one!

Postpartum periods are always challenging, but they bring about a wonderful, new chapter in your life, along with a brand new baby to begin it with!

The post The period post-childbirth: What changes are in store for me? appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

Wings. Ultra-long. Extra durable. Extra-wide. Extra protection. Pure cotton. Leak lockage technology. But there’s one universal attribute across all sanitary napkins that appeals to most customers – its disposable quality.  

A whopping number of sanitary napkins are modelled on the ‘one-time use’ philosophy – you open the wrapping, wear the pad, wrap it up when it’s soiled, and discard it. No questions asked. 

But where did this practice come from?

Why did one-time-use pads become the norm?

To trace the origins of today’s disposable sanitary napkins, we need to go back in time to explore the trajectory of menstruation, the taboo nature of menstrual blood, and how society has perceived this phenomenon over the years. 

The Unbecoming Nature of Blood

For centuries, menstruators have received the same message over and over again; You are considered ‘dirty’ when you are menstruating. For generations, people have perceived period blood as “unclean” or “bad” blood, which led them to treat the menstruation process (as well as menstruating individuals) with equal disdain.

Many girls and women were subject to these restrictions in their daily lives. They were not able to enter the place of worship or the kitchen, they were restricted from touching holy scriptures, they were not allowed to touch sour foods, they were isolated from their family for the few days they were menstruating…all of this stemmed from the belief that menstruation was ‘impure’. 

Similarly, everything associated with menstruating individuals – their clothes, their items, and even their menstrual cloths (which they used to stem the blood flow) was considered ‘untouchable’. Therefore, even when menstruators would hang their washed period clothes out to dry, they faced flak for that act. It was considered embarrassing that a menstruating individual was residing in that house (and having their period at that time). 

While such rigid measures aren’t all that common today (with the exception of some extremely religious households), the thought of washing and drying menstrual cloths still has ‘unclean’ connotations. This belief kickstarted the rise of disposable menstrual products.

Disposable became D-word of the hour

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The first “sanitary napkins” came into existence due to the ingenious minds of wartime nurses, who needed quick methods to stop the excessive bleeding of soldiers on the battlefield, and quicker ways to dispose of the bloodied items. Thus, the first attempts were made from wood pulp, a cheap and absorbent material.  

Over the years, many manufacturers borrowed this idea and made their own attempts – 1888’s Southball pad, 1896’s Lister’s Towel: Sanitary Towels for Ladies (by Johnson & Johnson), its eventual rebranding to Nupak in 1920, so on and so forth. 

But one commonality remained across these products – the disposable nature (which seemed to solve a lot of the societal problems menstruators were facing).  

The Advent of Advertising

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Unsurprisingly, this was also the feature that advertisers latched on to. Marketing campaigns tapped into the uneasy mindset of menstruators, their discomfort with reusing menstrual hygiene management products, and positioned disposable products as the “ultimate route to freedom”. They sold tales of liberation and led menstruators to believe that they were being hassle-free, modern, and efficient by stocking up on disposable menstrual products.   

With menstruators now being firmly convinced that disposable menstrual products were the way to go, the amount of plastic being used also increased over time; tampons got plastic applicators, wraparound sticky wings were invented for better grip, individual wrappers started making the rounds to add to the ‘discreteness’ of pad disposal, etc. 

However, due to the amount of disposable plastic menstruating individuals have generated so far and continue to generate, we’re now facing another unprecedented problem. – we are on the brink of an enormous plastic pollution crisis. All because sustainable menstruation practices were regarded as ‘dirty’ at one point in time. 

So, what’s next? 

Only when we do away with the stigma about menstruation, can we open the 

dialogue about greener, safer, and more sustainable period practices, such as natural pads, menstrual cups, and washable sanitary napkins.

The post Shame, Slander, and Scandal: The Rise of (Disposable) Period Products appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

Gotten there to experience excruciating pain while passing (almost little to non-existent) amounts of urine? 

As well as hurrying back there in a few moments because of that same sensation (even though your bladder feels almost empty)?

These telltale troubling signs, as you may already suspect, are evidence that an unwelcome infection is starting to make itself comfortable in your body – the infamous urinary tract infection (UTI). 

Intruder 101: What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

An infection in any part of your urinary system (we’re talking about your kidneys, ureters, bladders, and urethra) can fall under the bracket of a urinary tract infection. Most UTIs, however, typically are present in the lower urinary tract (the bladder and urethra). 

These infections occur in the urinary tract when bacteria enter through it, push past the natural defences of the body, and multiply in the bladder. When this happens, the bacteria take on a stronger hold and develop into a full-blown urinary tract infection. 

While most of these infections disappear on their own and without medical intervention, some persistent bacterial strains might stick around and, in the worst-case scenarios, might have the tendency to spread to your kidneys with severe consequences. 

Therefore, it is important to keep your eyes peeled for any symptoms that might give you the feeling that a UTI has joined the party downstairs. 

Here’s how you can tell: 

Modus Operandi: UTI Symptoms To Look Out For

Some UTIs are skilled in deception; they sneak up on you silently and then wreak havoc. Others announce their presence in a range of ways:  

• A strong and unrelenting urge to urinate 
• A burning sensation while urinating 
• Passing small amounts of urine in frequent intervals 
• Cloudy-looking urine 
• The presence of blood in the urine 
• Strong-smelling urine 
• Occasional pelvic pain 

Even if you feel you may not have a UTI or you think it could be a mild case, it’s always better to keep your medical practitioner updated with your developments.

While these microscopic menaces might be the prime suspect behind your uneasiness, what else can enable them?   

Known Accomplices: Who/what spurs UTIs along?

Sexual intercourse 

Individuals with vaginas who are more sexually active tend to have more UTIs than those who aren’t sexually active. In addition, having new sexual partners may also increase your risk of getting a UTI infection. 

Birth control 

Some types of birth control may lower the pH value of the vagina/urethra, giving bacteria a stronger hold. Those individuals who use diaphragms or spermicidal agents are also at higher risk. 

Menopause  

A drop in oestrogen that circulates causes changes in the urinary tract – this can make you more susceptible towards infections. 

Human anatomy 

Individuals with vaginas are at a greater risk of developing UTIs (as the distance between the anus and the urethra is shorter for bacteria to travel). 

Urinary Tract Abnormalities / Blockages in the UT 

Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can keep urine contained and increase the UTI risk. 

Suppressed Immune System 

Conditions like diabetes and other diseases may bring about a compromised immune system and lower the body’s defence against germs. 

Now, since you’ve realised that it is, in fact, a UTI that is plaguing your body, how can you prevent it from creating further trouble? 

Agents Enlisted To Capture/Eliminate: UTI Prevention Methods 

Even though antibiotics are one way to curb this infection (if it gets out of hand), other measures can also do the trick for milder UTIs.  

1. Drink plenty of water: This helps dilute your urine, ensures you urinate more frequently, and flushes the bacteria from your urinary tract.  
2. Wipe from front to back: After urinating and bowel movements, always wipe this way to prevent anus bacteria from spreading to your vagina and urethra. 
3. Pee after sex: This flushes out any remaining bacteria.  
4. Avoid irritating feminine products: Anything that is scented, requires you to spray it on, and is loaded with chemicals, is a potentially bad choice for your intimate areas. 
5. Look into your birth control (if you are using one): Changing this might just do the trick! 

UTIs are most certainly a nagging condition, but if spotted well in advance and dealt with immediately, they can disappear in no time at all. If you have UTI tips and tricks, write to us – we’d love to hear them!

The post Profiling the most prolific (micro) pest: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Symptoms and Prevention Tips appeared first on Ignite the Spark.

When we think of the winter months and the added (health) challenges that come along with it, we often touch upon the typical ailments – headaches, cold, cough, seasonal flu, stiff muscles, etc. However, it may come as a surprise to many people that menstrual cycles directly get affected too! 

The ‘Chilling’ Truth 

You’ve probably observed yourself going into hibernation mode when winters roll around aka lying down in your bed wrapped in a thick blanket with no enthusiasm to visit the outdoors (take that, grizzly bears). 

However, while your body goes into this zone, it is also amplifying the effect of your menstrual cycle further. Here are a few ways in which the coldest months of the year can alter your period’s continuity and put you in a pinch: 

1. Hormonal Havoc 

Winter months are, without a doubt, bitingly cold, but this period of time is also characterised by a distinct lack of sunshine. With the absence of this, the endocrine system and thyroid might slow down, leading to a slower metabolism. As a result, your period cycles can get longer until your body naturally course corrects. 

In addition, being continually exposed to gloomy days with no bright streak of sunlight can encourage feelings of sadness, which in turn affects mental health. Since physical and mental health are inextricably connected, this can lead to your menstrual cycle being temporarily affected. 

2. Problematic PMS

While lack of sunlight can affect hormone production, it can also have a bearing on other aspects. Limited sunshine and vitamin D leads to a lack of calcium, which can trigger the good ol’ PMS right off. Winter also means that you might have the tendency to move less and eat more. This tends to have an effect on PMS symptoms as it creates cycles that are less regular and not as manageable as the summer ones. 

3. Painful Periods 

The moment the weather turns more chilly, your blood vessels pick up on the drop in external temperatures and start to compress. This naturally leaves a narrower pathway for blood flow, which in turn, has to work hard to reach all parts of your body. The result? The blood flow can get interrupted, leading to an increase in period pain during the winter months. 

So it’s absolutely natural that we may not want to move at all and remain a frozen burrito, but it is incredibly important for us to do a few important things that can keep the period pains at bay: 

Tips To ‘Freeze’ On

• Hot Water Bottles 

Helps blood vessels relax, as well as relieves the pain caused due to cramps

• Warm Showers 

Nothing like hot showers to get the blood flowing, in addition to helping you relax! 

• Yoga 

Stretches, mindfulness, breathing techniques, and asanas all rolled into one, can help you relax and distract yourself from the pain

• Vitamin D3 

Including adequate amounts of this vitamin in your diet can make all the difference during your period – think fatty fish, orange juice, cereals, the works.

• Ginger 

Having a lot of period cramps? Mix the goodness of ginger in some hot tea! 

• Be mindful of what you munch on

Avoid cold foods, items that cause bloating and water retention because these months can make you feel super sluggish. This is also a good idea because skipping these items can ease cramps and decrease tension. 

Winter is definitely a challenging few months, but if you stick to your guns, stay on track, keep the cold away by pumping your spirits (and exercise regimen) up, you can soon belt out your rendition of ‘Let It Go’ to all your period pains and aches!

The post Menstrual Care During Winters: Challenges + Tips appeared first on Ignite the Spark.