Even if you’ve not personally experienced it, you will surely know someone in your life who menstruates. There’s so much negative talk surrounding PMS and it’s a real disservice to menstruators.
Related: Doctor Decodes Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
If you’re spending time with your partner and her period decides to play a third wheel, there are a few things like you can make her do period pain relief exercises or give a massage to make her feel a little better.
(These tips may help in most instances. However, if someone chooses to be alone, undisturbed or are reluctant to physical contact during their period, please respect their boundaries!)
To start off, consider downloading their period tracking app on your phone so you can keep a tab on their period dates. This helps a lot of heterosexual couples to plan or prevent pregnancy or is a good step to just be mindful of the menstruating partner’s needs during this ‘period’!
Keep up inventory: On this front, menstrual cup users are sorted for a few years, at least. If your partner isn’t a menstrual cup user, make sure that their period product of choice is stocked up with pads or tampons! If they haven’t already purchased it online, offer to head to the grocery to buy them their feminine hygiene products.
Related: Busting Myths About Menstrual Cups
There’s ABSOLUTELY no shame or taboo associated with buying a pack of pads or tampons.
Which one do I buy, though? For the uninitiated and those whose partners aren’t picking up the call when you’re at the grocery, here’s a tip from a long-time menstruator. Just buy the Extra-Large Pads with Wings! It’s a safe bet for most people and works perfectly for catching menstrual fluid through the night!
Here are the top 5 ways to help a partner cope with period pain!
Period care by boyfriend or husband is an important part of when a woman is on her period. But do you know how to help your wife with period cramps? From period pain relief exercises to cooking her comforting meals, these five tips help you keep your loved one comfortable through their period.
#1: Period Pain Relief
While not everyone has distinct period pains, those who do are always on the lookout for new ways to bring relief. My recommendations that offer considerable period pain relief to make your partner feel a little better during their period are:
Period Patches
For those who can’t avoid heading out while on their period, these patches are truly revolutionary.
Get your partner the Period Pain Relief patches here! The powerful herbal formulation of period patches available ensures that these nifty abdominal stickers remain effective for up to 8 hours.
Hot Water Bag
A trick that has been tested over time, the heat from an electric hot water bag held to the abdomen helps stimulate blood flow easing cramps. Here’s a tip- wrap the hot water bag in a towel to avoid mishaps.
Warm Water Bath
Working on a concept similar to the hot water bag, run your partner a warm water bath to soak up in during their period (and no, don’t worry, they won’t be floating in a pool of their menstrual blood by the end of it). A bath or a shower in warm water can help improve circulation, ease cramps and boost their mood.
#2: Massage to distract from Period Pain
If your partner’s love language is physical touch but she doesn’t want to do any period pain relief exercise, a massage works as the perfect way to distract them from the pain, make them feel good and put them at ease.
Foot or Back massage
Even if you both are just in bed and watching Netflix, ask your partner to prop their leg up on your lap and give them a long foot massage. Use cream or an oil as you press their legs. Alternatively, if they complain of lower back pain during their cycle, consider giving them a back massage. Major brownie points for doing both!
Acupressure points
This may not be something everyone believes in, but there’s no harm in trying this period pain relief exercise by yourself. I don’t know if it’s the Placebo Effect, but I do feel extensive relief from the pain when massaging the acupressure points for period pains.
The one most effective, according to me, is one at the base of the thumb. While self-massaging this point works just as great, having someone else do it for you always feels better.
#3: Period Cravings? Fulfill them!
Cravings are another feature of periods which get considerably hyped-up. If your partner shares that they have a craving for something, do what you can to fulfil it. If they want to keep healthy and still indulge, consider whipping up a chia seed pudding or a dark chocolate avocado mousse!
#4: Be Mindful!
Being supportive during this time of month is paramount. If you do get into an argument with them, don’t be insensitive and blame it on their period. Be as you usually would and take their feelings into consideration.
#5: Period Sex
Related: Period Sex: What, Why and How!
So lastly, apart from period pain relief exercises, and comforting meals, period sex is another exciting way to help your partner. If your partner is in the mood (you can thank the hormones), don’t be afraid to indulge in a little period sex. Of course, consider your comfort level with partaking in sexual activity. If you do, then lay a towel down to minimise the post-coital mess.
This list doesn’t include points like helping out with chores or cooking or lending a listening ear. This is only because I hope you do your due diligence, playing a role in these tasks every other day too.
Do you have any tips on how to help your wife with period cramps apart from period pain relief exercise, self-care etc. ? If you’re a menstruator, what’s something you wish your partner did for you on your period?
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the best ways to physically support your partner during her period include doing household work, cooking comforting meals, giving her massage or heat therapy, and getting her menstrual products or medication on time.
The best way you can provide emotional support during her period is by listening and talking to her whenever she feels like it. If you understand her emotions and feelings at this time, she will definitely feel better.
You can communicate with your partner effectively during her period only when you let her speak her heart out. After she speaks her heart out, your job is to understand her and be non-judgemental about it. Also, ask and discuss with her about the needs and concerns she may have.
Some practical ways to support your partner during her period are by stocking up necessary menstrual products, and medicines, making any appointments if needed and reminding her to eat healthy.
Self-care is the best care during periods. You can ask her to take time for herself, make her engage in activities that make her feel good and practise self-care together.
If your partner is experiencing severe cramps, it is important to give her emotional and physical support. From giving her body and head massages to helping her with household chores, these things will help your partner fight those severe cramps.
You can make your partner feel comfortable during her period by creating a safe and warm environment for her to express her feelings by being understanding and supportive of her needs. All these small gestures of love and care can make your partner feel comfortable.
You should try to avoid making negative comments about her period, avoid physical touch without her consent and don’t do the things that make her uncomfortable. So be considerate of all her needs during this time.
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