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My Journey with IBS: Navigating Life's Ups and Downs Through Gut Health
It all started when I was 10, although I never quite thought anything of it because it was all I knew. To feel uncomfortable in my stomach as if there was constantly a hard rock inside for days to weeks of stool build up… gross? I know. The consequence? Brain fog and laziness. Let’s break down the common types of IBS; IBS C- constipation & IBS D- diarrhea. In my case, IBS-C was not detected for a long time until years of uncomfortable experiences passed by. When you’re a kid, you don’t care that you haven’t been to the bathroom for a week because all you want to do is play and hangout with your friends. The earliest I remember having trouble with my gut was at age 10. Having to constantly sit on the toilet for 20 minutes waiting for stool to pass, however it never really did… not comfortably anyway. Going into highschool, I cared about what I looked like- who didn’t? My reality is that I looked puffy. Not fat, but a bit puffy or slightly chubby. I now know that this was all water-weight and bloating. When you’re constipated, your body holds onto water to balance out the effects of a slow digestive system. I held onto water consistently for up to 10 years. I started to realise that perhaps going to the bathroom 1-2 times a week was not normal. I started to hate exercise from the sheer fact that I felt like I was carrying the weight of the world in my stomach, constantly making me feel heavy and lazy. Dramatic… I know. But when you’re supposed to be at the peak of your athletic age at 17 and instead, you’re feeling like you're carrying a shit baby in your stomach, it’s extremely uncomfortable. This led to the experimentation of all different types of diets: keto, vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, veganism, low FODMAP. None of which worked.At this point, I had tried running and HIIT workouts, which I hated. If anything, it stressed me out because: My situation didn’t improve. Because it wasn’t improving, it stressed me out. And if there’s one thing I've learned, it’s that stress is a massive culprit. To this day, it’s not “solved”. But I can say that it has gotten a lot better. Take what you need, but what I've learnt is that increasing fiber more than needed to was not my answer, drinking a gallon of water was not my answer, and going vegan wasn’t my answer either. What did help was eating wholefood diets that focused on high protein, eating meals instead of snacking, 3-4 liters a day, weightlifting 3-5 times a week, walking 30 minutes a day and keeping stress to minimum, and giving myself grace when there’s no bowel movements for a few days. Although having IBS-C is not ideal, it’s not all bad. It taught me to take extra care of my health and taught me a lot about nutrition. Desperate times call for desperate measures and in my case, I despised exercise, however I found myself at the gym, lifting weights trying to reduce my IBS-C symptoms. Along the way, I found a love for weight lifting, which I wouldn't have eluded to hadn’t I tried to tackle IBS-C.My water-weight is gone, my bloating is a lot less frequent, and I’ve gained great muscle mass. What more could a girl want? My IBS no longer controls me, but I control it. - Ti’ama K.
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Jet-set and flow: period travel trips (with examples)
Traveling is one of life’s greatest joys—exploring new places, trying exotic foods, and immersing yourself in different cultures. But, if you’re someone who menstruates, the thought of dealing with your period while traveling can add a layer of stress to your plans. Fear not! With a bit of preparation and the right menstrual product, you can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. The Challenge of Finding Tampons in Asia Imagine this: you’re backpacking through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or exploring the ancient temples of Kyoto. Suddenly, you realize you need a tampon. In many parts of Asia, finding tampons can be quite the challenge. Unlike in Western countries, tampons are not as widely available, and when they are, the selection can be limited. A menstrual cup can be a lifesaver when traveling through regions where tampons are hard to come by. Not only does it save you from the frantic search for menstrual products, but it also frees up space in your luggage for more souvenirs!Ah, the rumoured squatting toilets. If you've ever seen a "no squatting on toilet bowl" sign, and wondered where it originated from, Asia might be it. Whilst I personally liked it (okay, I kinda loved it - when you're hiking through Laos, and dreading using a public toilet in the forest, then find out the 'seat' is pretty much on the ground and all you gotta do is squat and your butt doesn't touch the bowl, you feel relieved), any chance to not have to change out a pad/tampon is great. Navigating Bathrooms in Europe Europe is a dream destination for many, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. However, one thing to keep in mind is that in some European countries, like France, you may need to pay to use public bathrooms. While it’s usually a small fee, it can be inconvenient, especially if you’re on your period and need to change your tampon or pad 3,4,5+ times a day. This is where a menstrual cup shines. A period cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, meaning fewer bathroom trips. Whether you’re wandering through the charming streets of Paris or lounging on the sun-soaked beaches of the Mediterranean, a period cup allows you to focus on enjoying your Euro summer without the constant worry of finding a restroom. Tips for Using a Period Cup While Traveling Practice Before You Go: If you’re new to using a menstrual cup, it’s a good idea to practice at home before your trip. This way, you’ll be comfortable with inserting, removing, and cleaning it. Pack a Small Kit: Bring a small travel pouch with essentials like your sterilising case, mild soap, and wet wipes. These items will help you keep your cup clean and ready to use. Know Your Bathroom Options: Do a bit of research on the bathroom situation in your travel destinations. Knowing whether public restrooms are readily available or if you’ll need to pay can help you plan better - some places take cash only. Stay Hydrated and Healthy: Traveling can sometimes throw off your regular routine, so make sure to drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet. Staying healthy can help keep your menstrual cycle on track. Embrace the Freedom Traveling with your period doesn’t have to be a hassle. With a menstrual cup, you gain the freedom to explore the world without the constant worry of finding menstrual products or making frequent bathroom stops. Plus, you’re making an eco-friendly choice that benefits the planet. So, whether you’re trekking through the lush landscapes of Asia or savoring the sights and sounds of a Euro Summer, let your period cup be your trusty travel companion. Bon voyage, mon ami!
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Pretty's Journey with Endometriosis
Curled up on the floor of my bedroom, I was frozen. I’d never felt this kind of pain before. Every little movement was excruciating, I couldn’t move. It was paralyzing. It was the first time I had felt that kind of pain and it wasn’t going to be the last. Nearly four years ago I underwent a laparoscopy for my endometriosis. And it was around 9-10 years ago when I first felt that something wasn’t right with my body. Growing up, I always had heavy periods and menstrual pains. My mum told me that it was normal for women to have pelvic pain while they were on their period and so whenever that time of the month came around, I just sucked it up and endured the pain until it went away. As the years went by, the pain got more intense and would go on for longer; from the time coming up to my period, during my period, and up until about a week after my period was finished. I would start to feel the pain in other areas of my body, particularly my rectum area. Besides pelvic pain, going to the toilet (number two’s) and passing gas were also really painful- to the point where I would clench so as to not let out a fart because it hurt too much. The rectum pains got worse and this was what initially drove me to see a doctor. Expressing my concerns to the GP, she did an internal pelvic examination. At the end of the appointment, she told me that I could have endometriosis but that it was unlikely because I was still young and that endometriosis usually affects women in their 30s. I was 18 at the time and she said that if it was endometriosis, there wasn’t much she could do because the recommended form of treatment she would give me was the birth control pill and I was already on it (I had been on the pill for less than a year). She didn’t refer me to a specialist and sent me on my way. Fast forward five years later, the pain only kept getting worse and I found myself in agony on my bedroom floor. I was driven to A&E that night looking like the hunchback of Notre Dame trying to make my way into the emergency room, cowering in pain, unable to straighten up my body. After examinations and painkillers, the nurse told me she suspected the pain to be either appendicitis or endometriosis. I told her about the encounter with my GP 5 years earlier but I was quickly dismissed. A month later, I felt the same pain and was yet again driven to A&E. This time, a different nurse had referred me to get an ultrasound. “Finally!” I thought. An external and transvaginal ultrasound was done the following day and they showed that my ovaries were severely inflamed (9cm and 11cm). It was explained to me that on the two occasions where I felt immense pain, these were most likely due to the rupture of endometriotic cysts. An MRI scan showed that I had stage four endometriosis and my gynecologist helped fast-track my laparoscopy due to its urgency. She informed me that due to the severity of my endometriosis, there was a possibility that one or both of my ovaries could be extracted during surgery, as they won’t know how bad it would be until they went inside. Whether I was being pessimistic or logical, hearing this information made me jump to the decision to freeze my eggs, just in case things take a negative turn during surgery, and in which case I would feel utter regret for not thinking through these extra steps. Fortunately, the surgery went well and my pain was almost instantly alleviated following the laparoscopy. My personal experience with endometriosis drove me to research about the disease, as I didn’t know nor had I heard anything about it until my diagnosis. I ended up assessing the effectiveness of yoga as pain management for endometriosis for my thesis. During my research, I met some brave women who participated in my research and shared their stories to me. Hearing their experiences, no two stories were the same. Endometriosis is such a subjective disease as the symptoms affect each individual differently and thus effectiveness of medication and other forms of treatment vary greatly across women. The severity of endometriosis is categorized into stages one to four (stage one is least severe, stage four is most severe), classifying patients into stages depending on the spread and depth of endometriotic-tissue infiltration, development of cysts and extent of adhesions. However, the stage of endometriosis does not necessarily correspond with the level of pain that is experienced (e.g., a woman with stage four endometriosis may not feel any pain or is asymptomatic, while a woman with stage one endometriosis may feel a lot of pain). This then becomes extremely difficult for doctors to distinguish and diagnose endometriosis. Women presenting with endometriosis symptoms tend to get directed to hormonal medication as frontline treatment though controversially, they only mask some of the symptoms and don’t actually treat the endometriosis itself. A laparoscopy is considered to be a useful and recommended form of treatment as it involves surgically removing endometriomas and adhesions. It can also be used as a method to confirm diagnosis, as adhesions and cysts don’t always show in ultrasounds and MRI scans, but a laparoscopy purely for diagnosis is usually advised against. This is problematic though because if laparoscopy is the recommended procedure to get a definitive diagnosis yet it is advised against to be performed purely for diagnosis, it seems that for a woman to be referred for a laparoscopy, previous examinations and scans would need to show presence of endometrial-like lesions in order to do the surgery. It is unsurprising then that there is diagnostic delay for endometriosis. On another note, a laparoscopy is also not a permanent cure for endometriosis, as 40-50% of women who undergo a laparoscopy experience recurring symptoms. Despite affecting 10-15% of women worldwide, it’s surprising and very disappointing that there is still no definitive treatment for endometriosis. More research certainly needs to be done to find a permanent cure for endometriosis or at least effective pain management methods. At the end of my thesis, I found that yoga had improved various aspects in the participants’ lives such as their mental and emotional wellbeing, social support, and their self-image. However, the yoga did not show a significant impact in improving the participants’ overall pain, though sometimes they would experience temporary pain relief when practicing yoga. Reflecting on my personal experience and hearing other women’s diagnostic and treatment journeys, I’ve found that it can be really helpful to reach out and find support from other women with endometriosis. It can feel isolating not having anyone in your circle to be able to relate to or feel like others judge and don’t believe your symptoms. Doing things such as surrounding ourselves with supportive people and practicing self-compassion can enhance mental wellbeing; which even though may not make the pain go away, it can make you feel that you are not alone, that you are heard and help you to see your body in a more positive light and exercise more self-acceptance. - Pretty Jackson
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Your Guide to Menstrual Cups: A Sustainable and Comfortable Period Solution
Periods are a natural part of life, but discomfort and inconvenience it causes can be helped. Menstrual cups offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and healthier alternative to traditional menstrual products. If you're considering switching to a menstrual cup, or simply curious about how they work, this guide is for you. What is a Menstrual Cup? A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, reusable cup usually made from medical-grade silicone. The medical grade silicone is used for its biocompatibility. As a cup, it catches flow as opposed to absorbing it like pads or tampons. Benefits of Using a Menstrual Cup Eco-friendly: menstrual cups can be used for 4-8 years, mitigating over 2,000 pads or tampons going into landfills during this time Cost-effective: A one-time purchase can save hundreds of dollars over time Healthier choice: No harmful chemicals, bleaches, or fragrances. Reduces the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) Long-lasting protection: Can be worn for up to 12 hours, providing all-day or all-night protection More comfortable: When inserted correctly, you shouldn't feel the cup at all How to Use a Menstrual Cup Sterilize: Boil in water for 5-10 minutes before first use and after each cycle Wash hands: Clean hands prevent infections Fold: Use a C-fold or punch-down fold Insert: Gently insert the folded cup into the vagina canal, sitting, squatting, or standing Remove: Pinch the base, break the seal, and slowly pull out. Empty, rinse, and reinsert Clean and store: Sterilize after your period and store in a breathable pouch Choosing the Right Menstrual Cup Consider your cervix height, flow, and desired firmness when selecting a cup. Our Halo Cups are designed for the average cervix height. Overcoming Common Challenges Leakage: Ensure the cup is fully opened and sealed. Try a different size if needed Discomfort: Check the positioning. Use water-based lubricant if needed Inserting and removing: Practice makes perfect! Why Choose Clenergise Menstrual Cups? At Clenergise, we believe in empowering women with safe, sustainable, and effective period solutions. Our menstrual cups are designed for comfort and long-lasting protection, allowing you to go about your day with confidence Buy now!
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