Menstruation is a natural part of life, and it’s time we stop treating it as a taboo subject.
I remember when my eldest child was around five years old, and we had a candid discussion about human reproduction. I can’t recall the exact trigger—perhaps it was a mention of a pregnant friend or something intriguing about animal mating rituals on a nature show. Regardless, I laid it all out for him. We’ve always been a curious family, so the conversation took some unexpected turns. I explained the differences between male and female anatomy, touched on how some animals have dual reproductive organs, and described the human menstrual cycle. I explained that the uterus builds up a special lining in preparation for pregnancy, and when that doesn’t happen, it sheds—resulting in a woman’s period.
However, discussing menstruation was nowhere near as captivating as the facts about snakes having two penises.
So, when my children barged into the bathroom one day and found me using a menstrual cup, I simply stated, “I’m on my period. This is a menstrual cup that collects my endometrium. It doesn’t require an audience, so please leave.”
Regrettably, while my now seven-year-old seems to understand menstruation better than many adults, societal attitudes toward periods remain stuck in the dark ages. A 2002 study in Women in Psychology Quarterly revealed that women who dropped a tampon were perceived as less capable and less likable than those who dropped a hair clip. The mere suggestion of menstruation led to increased objectification of women, and the actual event tends to cause even more extreme reactions.
The Case of Sarah Mitchell
Take the situation involving a woman named Sarah Mitchell. She faced severe perimenopausal symptoms, which resulted in unexpectedly heavy menstrual flow. After an incident where she stained her chair and subsequently her pants, she was fired from her job due to what her employer deemed unprofessional behavior. An appeal for justice was denied, and now the ACLU is stepping in, highlighting that discrimination based on menstruation is a blatant form of sexism.
Some may think this is just a story from a rural area, but it’s a widespread issue across the United States. Discussions on platforms like Reddit reveal the stigma surrounding menstrual products. One user described the “walk of shame” to the checkout line when purchasing pads, as if it’s something to be embarrassed about. Many men still cling to a middle school mentality, regarding menstruation as something “icky” and shameful.
While some men claim they’d buy menstrual products for their partners without hesitation, a sex survey indicated that only 41.5% would be comfortable being intimate with a woman on her period, with 18% outright saying it’s “gross.”
Challenging Outdated Views
Thankfully, there are individuals working to challenge these outdated views. Kiran Gandhi made headlines when she ran the 2015 London Marathon while “free bleeding,” allowing her menstrual blood to stain her clothes as a statement against the shame surrounding menstruation. She sought to highlight the plight of those who lack access to menstrual products. Similarly, Rupi Kaur faced censorship on Instagram for sharing a photo of her period, but her efforts ultimately brought attention to the stigma.
Everyday activists, often referred to as free bleeders, are striving to normalize menstruation and encourage society to accept that it’s a natural process. But to truly effect change, we must start conversations in our homes. It’s vital to educate our children—especially sons—about menstruation in a way that is non-shaming and straightforward.
By fostering open discussions, we can cultivate understanding and support. When boys learn that menstruation is simply a part of life, they will be less likely to join in on ridicule or shame when they encounter someone experiencing a period mishap. Instead, they could become allies who offer assistance rather than mockery.
A Cultural Shift
This cultural shift begins with us. We can create a future where buying menstrual products is as normal as purchasing any other necessity.
We need to challenge the narrative that menstruation is something to be ashamed of. As one character in Twin Peaks responds to an ignorant comment about her period, “What the heck if I am?!”
Ultimately, it’s about breaking the cycle of shame. Let’s embrace menstruation and normalize it as part of life. For more insights and resources, check out Progyny’s blog on pregnancy and home insemination or learn more about home insemination kits at Make A Mom.
In summary, open conversations about menstruation can dismantle long-standing stigmas and promote understanding, making it easier for future generations to accept this natural process without shame.