The following menstrual infobite appeared on a TV program called IN SEARCH OF HISTORY: WITCHCRAFT, which aired recently on the History Channel [television in the U.S.A.]:
"As late as 1878, the British Medical Journal was debating whether hams could be turned rancid by the touch of a menstruating woman." [Click on the link to discover that the question has been raised even more recently than that! And at least the Indian religion Zoroastrianism still believes it to be true.]
The item has no direct bearing on the subject of the program covered, except that it exemplifies still another myth about women.
This is in response to the question about dragging Instead over your cervix.
I used Instead for about six periods earlier this year, and was initially delighted with it. Removing it caused some discomfort, but I thought this would go away once I got used to it. Unfortunately it didn't, and I discovered that it was scratching up my cervix, making it sort of raw where the back of the Instead dragged against it.
My girlfriend, however, has had no such problem (she is considerably roomier inside, though) and would be a devoted fan if not for the environmental problem. We've found that Instead can be reused two or three times, but after that the rim can lose its spring and cause leaking, and hot water can make the bag brittle.
While I enjoyed the drastic reduction in price [for Instead], I was also shocked and dismayed to see it. I knew that the clearance pricing of the Instead cups meant bad news. I have bought out every last cup available in my town (seriously!!!), and have been looking for more. I have two years' worth, but want more. I CANNOT, WILL NOT go without my Insteads!!!!!!!
I, too, was hesitant to use Instead at first. I am about as "prude" as they come and the thought of how to insert and remove Instead REALLY bothered me. (silly, but true!) Out of desperation, I finally gave in and tried Instead. I have NEVER used anything else, since.
As another person stated, I, too, had horrible cramping when I used tampons, which I seldom have now with Instead.(I am not sure WHY this happened, or HOW cramping is affected, but it was for me.) The first few times I used Instead, it was a little tricky. The messy part, for me (I am a HEAVY bleeder) was not an issue as I had bigger messes with tampons, and especially pads.
Also, the first few times I used Instead I was paranoid and constantly checking it. I didn't have that dry, raw feeling I got from tampons. I had natural moisture and no leakage. I had thought about reusing Instead, but was paranoid about it. Since so many others have had success with it, I may try it, as well.
As a footnote, yesterday (Saturday, October 24, 1998) I did try the 1-800 number for Ultra Fem. I got a recording saying to call during normal business hours. I am hoping this is a good sign.
Perhaps the Ultra Fem [it's now another company, Akcess] people could consider making another infomercial and using some of the people who have written in here. I think it would be good to have a very frank discussion about concerns, experiences, etc. That may help alleviate some fears and hesitation about using the product. They could address the insertion/removal topic, experiences with getting used to the product, etc. They should do a totally honest (showing pros and cons USERS of the product have had) infomercial and maybe that would help keep the product around.
I LOVE Instead, and have several friends CONVINCED to try it. They have the same insertion/removal hesitation I had, but after seeing the difference it has made in my life, they are ready to take the plunge and try it. Now they cannot find it, and I just can't part with the ones I have!!!!!!
We need to have a SAVE INSTEAD campaign!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Harry,
I wrote to you and the MUM three months ago to say that I was looking forward to my next period so I could try my newly purchased Keeper.
Well, I love it! I had some trouble inserted it at first but with a little practice, it was no problem. The Keeper seems like a more natural way to handle menstrual flow and I like the fact that I'm not contributing to any landfills. To the women of the world - try the wonderful Keeper!
Also, I recently used washable flannel pads (from GladRags) for the first time and found them to be comfortable and absorbent.
Great work with the Web site, Harry. I visit often and always find something new and amusing. I hope to see the museum in person next year.
Dear Mr. Finley, (although after visiting MUM's page, I feel as if I should say "Hey Harry!") [You just did!]
I am about to leave this session of my daily romp through the Internet, but I could not do so without letting you know how much fun I had exploring this Web site. I've even bookmarked it for future reference, not to mention grossing out my husband. It was very informative, of course, and humorous, but it was also well organized and thorough. I learned a lot of stuff I hope I never have to repeat to anyone . . . ha ha. I am sure your actual museum is just as great.
Good luck with both the museum and the Web page; I wish you the best.
Does your museum have a large following and do a great number of people visit it? [I don't know the answer to the first question and "no" is the answer to the second.]
I can't see anyone wanting to learn about menstruation through a museum full of artifacts. I hope your artifacts are not what first comes to mind because that would be really gross. [Hah! They are what first comes to mind, plus other things! Take a short tour of MUM! (and on Web video!)]
Maybe I'm just a closed-minded female, but don't you think radical feminists have gone a little too far in their crusade to save the world from mankind? [Nope.] You don't see men with a museum of the history of ejaculation or wet dreams or anything like that.
Get off your female high horses and realize that the world doesn't need to know about your feelings on blood and hormones.
What a info-loaded site you have here.
I'm doing research for my girlfriend, and being a male, I'm not too knowledgeable on the many variants and history of feminine hygiene. I have spent the last hour and a half learning much.
Thanks.
Harry,
What a shame that Roseanne [see about a quarter of the way down this page] canceled the show. I thought she had more courage!
An interesting sight you should check out: www.duncanguyband.com
It is a band in Nashville that has a CD called the Menstral Album. I just received it today and it is great! A mix of honoring menstruation and making fun of the myths and attitudes. Country-western style music.
Irregular menses identify women at high risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which exists in 6-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is a major cause of infertility and is linked to diabetes.