Understanding and Surviving Menstrual Cycles: For Men and Women

This is one blog entry men will likely want to pass on reading. But not too fast men. Read on as this menstrual cycle blog may help you survive.

Couples can actually capitalize, survive, and grow closer during the menstrual cycle phenomenon. In understanding, communication, and intimacy. Now men, while these three benefits may sound more about what women want – you know when the communication lines are open and clear there’s less strife. And that’s what both men and women really want – peace.

The truth is while a women’s menstrual cycle, ranging from mild to severe, affects many levels. From physical to emotional to spiritual and beyond. This is an opportunity to grow closer.

Men will no doubt confirm they also experience some monthly pains as well. Some male reports of this female phenomenon include increased moodiness, abrupt conversations, and amplified urges to engage in unhealthy coping behaviors such as excessive eating. And know these behaviors lead to strife – not peace - our ultimate goal.   

So how can menstrual cramps help your relationship?

The truth is, as with any life challenge, you can make the decision to understand what’s happening and talk about it or ignore it and hope it goes away. For those of you who tend toward the latter – this just simply doesn’t work. If your goal is to have peace and a happy and healthy relationship, you need to understand what’s going on from each other’s perspective.

So how do women and men grow in understanding and survive the menstrual cycle together?

• Women- let your man know when you’re starting your menstrual cycle so they can be more sensitive to your discomfort. Men are not mind readers, unfortunately.
• Men- step back a little, exude compassion, and just pick up and put your stuff away, please. Women just need a little space, really. It does end.
• Women- did you know taking a warm bubble bath can help menstrual cramps?  Give it try. It’s so soothing. An Infrared Sauna therapy session or heating pad can help too.
• Men- listen closely to what women say they need at this time. Cramps are uncomfortable. About the same as having a tooth pulled out without any pain medication. Yes, cramps hurt.
• Women & Men – most importantly discuss during a non-menstrual cramp period each person’s experience, needs, and plan for interacting during this physically and emotionally charged period of time. Talking when you’re both in the midst of discomfort and stress rarely ever is optimal or very effective.

So there you have it. While menstrual cramps are not likely the hot topic of many conversations, discussing this natural process can help your relationships. And that’s something we all want.

Comments

[mani kanna]

On the same discussion,men need to understand that during premenstrual some smells like alcohol breath,masculine sweat can be repulsive,you hear?!
......................
mani kanna
Drug Rehab Center
drugrehab-center.com

[Marcus Boras]

Just as a comment to the above, So that means that women are repulsed by testosterone or male hormones too? Does that mean that they don't like the smell of alcohol on even their breath? I like to listen to my wife when we have time. That is not always the case. Making time is not always an option either. Taking a shower together maybe a way to spend a bit more quality time. I'll try that first and go from there.

[MillerMan]

My wife really isn't cranky during her "cycle. She is actually "normal". She does complain about cramps from time to time, but for the most part all is well. I do agree about the sauna and warm bath thing though. We have both, whirlpool tub and a sauna. She mainly prefers the whirlpool over the sauna, but thats because she can kill two birds with one stone, relax and get clean.

[McGuinn]

Lucky, I'm glad my girl tells me about whats about to happen before it does. I thought it was weird at first but have since learned it's for my benefit. She tells me she's feelin kinda grumpy or something along that line. I avoid these situations now like the plague. I'm happier and she understands what it's like, she grew up with five sisters. I'm glad I wasnt her little brother. Poor fella!