SOCHAI’s Red Cycle Bracelet i.e. the Menstruation Bracelet is based on the calendar method of fertility awareness. In the bracelet, different colored beads are arranged in a way that helps learn, track and communicate an average menstrual cycle of 28 days. The bracelet is developed as a low-tech wearable education tool to better understand the monthly menstruation cycle in an easy, innovative and fun way.

• At the beginning of a menstrual cycle, blood and tissue from the inner lining of uterus is discharged through vagina.
• The Red Cycle bracelet also begins with red colored beads. The first red bead indicates the first day of menstruation followed by four more red beads in clockwise direction indicating an average of 5 days of menstrual bleeding.
• After day 5, the beads are colorless and transparent indicating an end of bleeding. In some women, the bleeding may last until 7 days. From Day 1 to Day 7, there is minimum chance of getting pregnant. This window of 7 days is marked by a flowery silver bead.
• The 8^th and 9^th day of the cycle is the pre-ovulation phase which are also indicated by colorless beads.

The body now starts preparing for a new cycle. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the ovaries to produce a matured egg. This maturing process produces estrogen, which makes the lining of the uterus thicken with nutrients and blood, so that it will be able to provide the egg with the support it needs in case of pregnancy. The estrogen also stimulates release of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum which secrets progesterone to support the early stages of pregnancy, if fertilization occurs.

• In an average 28-day cycle, the ovulation usually occurs on the 14^th day. Bloating, discomfort, or a little pain in lower belly might be felt during this time. (Note: For women who have short cycle of menstruation, the ovulation might occur earlier than the 14^th day)
• The orange bead indicates the release of mature egg by the ovary i.e. ovulation on 14^th day of the cycle.

An egg lives for about 24 hours after it’s released (ovulation), and sperm can live in the body for about 6 days after sex. So, women are usually most fertile for around 8 days of every 28 day menstrual cycle: the 4 days before you ovulate, the day you ovulate and 3 days after you ovulate.

• The window of most fertile phase is marked by a flowery silver bead on the 10^th and 17^th day in the monthly cycle.
• From the 18^th day, begins the post-ovulation phase with reduction in chances of fertility which is also indicated by colorless beads.

If the egg is not fertilized, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. The uterus does not need to maintain the nutritious lining it built up, so it starts the process to break it down.

• From day 20^th to day 28^th of the monthly cycle, women may feel rise in stress levels, acne and moodiness as the end of menstrual cycle is nearing.

Rise in stress levels, acne and moodiness, feeling easily irritated, sad and anxious, sore breasts etc. are the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome which may be observed 3 to 7 days prior to onset of the next menstrual cycle.

• After day 28^th, the blood, nutrients, and tissue flow out of the body through vagina and the cycle will restart all over again.
• The cute elephant charm at the end of your red cycle bracelet signifies the strength of a menstruating individual. The charm is like a little companion moving along with you throughout the 28 days cycle, supporting you in getting through another bleeding phase and deal the menstrual cramp with strength, ease and patience.

The Red Cycle Menstrual Bracelet by SOCHAI is primarily designed for menstruating individuals in rural and marginalized communities who are still unaware about this normal biological cycle.

We are hopeful that that the Red Cycle will give us more power to the break the culture of silence surrounding menstruation. It’s time we stop taking about menstruation in whispers. Let there be no barriers in understanding our biological phenomena, let there be no limitations in access to menstrual hygiene.

You can also be a part of this journey of innovative learning by purchasing our Redcycle bracelet. Every menstrual bracelets you buy will help us provide free bracelet and counseling to a menstruating individual in rural communities. Support us in our mission to fight the menstrual taboos through youth led education, innovation and entrepreneurship. Please visit our website, social media page or email us at sochai.yfn@gmail.com to get a bracelet for yourself.

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Disclaimer

Every menstruating individual and every cycle is unique. So, the 28 days average menstrual cycle may not be applicable for everyone.

This concept is NOT an alternative for modern contraception. It is rather an educational and interactive tool which gives a simple guideline to what menstruating individuals can expect during different phases of their menstrual cycle. 

The Red Cycle bracelet, based on the calendar method of fertility awareness can only predict what are most likely to be safe and unsafe days. It CANNOT tell you for sure exactly when you’re fertile or infertile.  It DOES NOT guarantee of protecting from any unexpected pregnancy. If you are avoiding an unplanned pregnancy it is wise to use contraceptives. 

Reference: Planned Parenthood website accessed on 20^th May, 2017 at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-calendar-method-fams