When we talk about menstruation, the conversation often starts and stops at awareness, taboos, and breaking the silence. And yes, these are undeniably important foundational steps. They dismantle centuries of shame and secrecy, paving the way for open dialogue. But what we don't talk about enough is the intimate journey of navigating menstrual products-the confusion, discomfort, daily decisions, and evolving choices we make as menstruators. This often-overlooked aspect of menstrual health is crucial, for it directly impacts our comfort, dignity, and has lasting implications for our health and the environment.

I was a curious 13-year-old when I first got my period. Yet, I remember seeing a sanitary pad ad on TV before that. I asked my uncle, "What is this?" He smiled gently and said, "You'll understand when the time comes." That moment, filled with mystery and anticipation, stayed with me. When the day finally arrived, a quiet gesture-a sanitary pad handed to me without fuss-made everything click. At the time, pads were the only readily available option. I accepted them as the norm, unaware of alternatives or their implications.

As I grew older, my relationship with menstrual products shifted, mostly out of necessity. When pads weren't available, I had to use cloth or cotton. These were uncomfortable, prone to leaks, and emotionally taxing. I worried constantly about odor, stains, or the bulkiness showing. When pads became more accessible, they felt like a blessing-disposable, quick, and simple. They became part of my routine for years, unquestioned and dependable.

It wasn't until I began working in the development sector, engaging with Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH), that I started to examine this routine more critically. I learned about the potential health risks of some commercial pads, chemicals like dioxins and fragrances and the shocking environmental impact: 600–800 years for a pad to decompose. This knowledge unsettled me. The pads I used every month every menstruator used were contributing to long-term environmental harm.

Yet, despite knowing all this, I kept using them. Why? Because they worked for my busy life. They were fast, easy to dispose of, and didn't require extra effort. I was aware, but not ready to change. The gap between awareness and action felt enormous.

I heard about tampons but found the idea of internal insertion intimidating and culturally uncomfortable. I never tried them. Then came menstrual cups. My sister, ever the enthusiast, urged me to try one. I read articles, watched tutorials, and finally gathered the courage to try it. To my surprise, once in place, it was incredibly comfortable. Sometimes, I forgot I was on my period. But the removal terrified me. The "what if I can't get it out?" panic never left. After a few tries, I gave up and returned to pads, feeling like I had failed some sustainability test.

Then, another gift from my sister: period panties. They looked and felt like regular underwear but promised full protection. At first, I was skeptical. Washing blood? Reusing it? Would I feel clean enough? Still, my curiosity and continued exposure to stories of women using sustainable products pushed me to try.

So last summer, I made a change. I started using washable cloth pads and period panties at home, commercial pads when traveling or too busy to wash. To my surprise, washing wasn't as unpleasant or time-consuming as I had feared. I didn't feel gross. Instead, I felt... proud. Like I was making a small but meaningful contribution-to the environment, to my health, and to conscious living.

Now, I embrace an approach of informed flexibility. I mix and match: period panties on light days, cloth pads at home, disposables when necessary. Each product has its place, and I no longer feel guilty about switching between them. Instead, I feel empowered-more aware, more in control, and more connected to my body.

This year's Menstrual Hygiene Day theme, "Together for a Period-Friendly World," resonates deeply with me. Our journeys with menstruation are personal, but our collective experiences shape the path forward. Many menstruators are still navigating their choices with limited information, resources, or support.

A truly period-friendly world means equitable access to safe, affordable, and diverse menstrual products. It means educating girls-and all menstruators-not just about periods, but about the variety of products available, their health impacts, and their environmental costs. It also means respecting cultural norms and personal comfort, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.

That's why I believe menstrual product education must be a core part of our broader menstrual health agenda. Governments, schools, and health systems must provide practical, unbiased information-before the first period, not after. Because the earlier we understand our options, the more empowered we are to make the choices that feel right for us.

We must shift from a one-size-fits-all approach to one that respects personal comfort, cultural context, health concerns, and environmental impact. Because only then can we build a period-friendly world for all.

To all who menstruate: your journey is valid. Your choices are valid. And every step you take toward conscious, informed practice is a step forward-for all of us.

Mittal is the Senior Policy, Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator at WaterAid Nepal