Niharika Magre – Cyclist, Runner and Swimmer in the making
Maya Basrur – Likes to Swim and Gym. Runs Marathons
I am a home maker, mother to two daughters and a fitness enthusiast. I am a Marathoner with varied interests like Swimming and Gyming. I was introduced to the concept of a Menstrual cup by a relative and have been using it happily and proudly for over a year. I must say that it is a boon to womanhood and has been one of the best decisions of my life to switch over to a menstrual cup from sanitary pads.
Being a water baby, I try to swim at least thrice a week. Earlier, it used to be very annoying to miss swimming on the days of my cycle. But with the cup it has been a life altering experience.
When I entered the pool for the first time with the cup I was very apprehensive, with radical thoughts in my mind like what if the cup would come out due to the vigorous leg movements, whether I would be able to dive, swim under water and so on and so forth.
All my fears vanished within a few minutes and I could swim as usual, even dive as I used to during the normal days with the cup intact and facing no discomfort at all. It has really been a blessing as I don’t have to miss swimming and enjoy it as much as I do during the other days. Moreover, its safe, hygienic, and environment friendly. I strongly believe that we need to change with time and am proud to be a part of this change and in due course look forward to doing so for my daughters as well.
Nupur Dharia – Runner, Swimmer
Shilpi Gemawat – Licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor, Marathoner, Avid Gymmer
I am a mother to a 3 year old and a Fitness Enthusiast, a passionate Marathon runner and a licensed Zumba Fitness Instructor. I love animals and being in nature and am also a certified Dog trainer from Canines Can Care
I first started gymming when I was 15 during the vacations after my SSC boards. I ran my first half Marathon in 2014.
Throughout this journey, the time when I got my periods used to be very frustrating. It was a task to either gym or run with sanitary pads. The pads would not stay in place. Chaffing was common and there was always the fear of leaks. The embarassing outline of the pads showing through the active wear had to be avoided somehow by wearing extra long tshirts. Also on the days with a heavy flow, it was most annoying to keep on changing the pads.
Come 2017, a year after I had my baby, I started levelling up on my gym training as well as running sessions. The periods seemed even more of a hindrance then. After reading the reviews on the menstrual cup in a Moms Facebook group in 2018, I decided to give them a try. Inserting and removing the cup the first time was a learning process for sure. But once I got the hang of it, there was nothing else to worry about. I have never been more comfortable in my periods. Infact I can almost forget that I am on my periods. From not having a care about wearing active wear which is usually form fitting to doing squats, lunges, deadlifts, bending down without any fear of leakage or chaffing, menstrual cups are really a blessing. Add to this, they are low maintenance, easy on the pocket and most of all environment friendly. I am a happy Menstrual Cup user since a year and there is no question of ever switching back to sanitary pads or tampons.
Priyanka Pugalia – Barefoot Runner
About 1.5 years back, Shital Gala, my friend and fellow runner, introduced us to MCup during one of the Pinkathon sessions at Juhu Beach. Reluctant at first, I thought of giving it a try since I love running during rains. I placed the order for the cup immediately and convinced few of my runner friends to do so as well.
My first two days of period are usually tough. I get stomach cramps and the flow is heavy. When I started using the cup, the first two- three months were a bit difficult. For safety, I continued with sanitary pad as well. But after that, the ride has been smooth.
Being a passionate runner you do not want to miss your running schedule and once on MCup, I did not have to worry about rains or heavy flow. Both were taken care of. I have done many long run practice and even half marathons using the MCup. Infact, I have also done the tough Satara Hill run and Vasai Virar Half Marathon with improved timing using MCup. The days with MCup are as carefree as any other regular days.
I no longer have to worry about disposing of the sanitary pad or about running out of stock at the wrong time, odour or encountering harsh rashes. In my own little way, I am happy to be contributing to the society by practicing environment friendly life style. One cup, if maintained properly can last for upto 10 years. They are made of silicon and hence 100% safe.
I wish many more follow suit and start using the MCup and encourage others to use it as well. Be the changemaker and inspire many more to follow a healthy, environment friendly lifestyle. Let nothing come between you and your passion!
