When my eldest child was about five years old, we found ourselves discussing human reproduction. I can’t recall the exact trigger—perhaps it was an episode of a nature documentary or a curious question from him. Either way, I laid it all out. In our household, biology is a common topic, which meant things got a bit peculiar. I explained that while boys have a penis, girls have a vagina. I went on to explain that many mammals experience something called estrus, making them fertile only at certain times, whereas human females can conceive at any moment, leading to the monthly shedding of the uterine lining, known as menstruation.
Despite the educational nature of the conversation, it paled in comparison to the excitement of snake anatomy—did you know they have two penises called hemipenes?
So, when my kids barged in on me one day while I was using a menstrual cup, I simply stated, “I’m on my period, and this cup collects the remnants of my endometrium. This isn’t a show, so please leave.”
Sadly, my now seven-year-old has a better understanding of menstruation than many adults in America. We have a significant issue surrounding periods, and it’s not just the blood.
Research published in Women in Psychology Quarterly from 2002 revealed that women dropping a tampon were perceived as less competent and likable compared to those dropping a hair clip. This stigma escalates when menstruation becomes visible. Take the case of Jenna Torres, who experienced heavy periods due to perimenopause. After a couple of unfortunate incidents where she bled through her clothing at work, she faced termination—not for her performance, but because of her natural bodily functions. The ACLU is now involved, highlighting that discrimination tied to menstruation is blatant sexism.
While one might think such incidents are isolated to certain areas, like Georgia, they occur all over the United States. A Reddit discussion on the embarrassment of purchasing menstrual products revealed that many men still view it as a “walk of shame.” Comments ranged from immature jokes to outright disgust, with one stating, “Girls are icky and have bleeding in their ‘down there places.’” It’s as if we’re still trapped in a middle school mentality.
Interestingly, many men chimed in, saying they would buy menstrual products without hesitation, denouncing those who wouldn’t as outdated stereotypes. However, a survey showed that only 41.5% of men would even consider having sex with a woman during her period, with 18% saying it’s “gross.”
But there’s hope on the horizon. Activists like Mia Chen are boldly challenging these taboos. She ran the 2018 London Marathon while “free bleeding,” purposefully allowing her menstrual flow to stain her clothes to raise awareness about the stigma. “I wanted to highlight the shame that women face and bring attention to those who cannot afford menstrual products,” she explained. Similarly, artist Rina Kapoor faced censorship on Instagram for sharing an image depicting menstruation, but her work has sparked vital conversations about normalizing periods.
Everyday advocates, often referred to as “free bleeders,” are determined to make menstruation a regular topic of conversation, pushing society to accept that women bleed—it’s a fact of life.
However, real change begins at home. It’s crucial to educate our children—especially young boys—about periods in a way that is straightforward and nonjudgmental. This will help them see menstruation as a normal aspect of life. When boys understand that periods are nothing to be ashamed of, they’ll be better equipped to support their peers and stand up against ridicule.
Imagine a world where a boy sees a girl in need during a period mishap and offers her a pad instead of pointing and laughing. That’s the kind of man we want to raise!
Let’s shift the narrative. When confronted with questions like, “Are you on your period?” instead of a snarky response, let’s reply with, “What’s the big deal if I am?”
Changing the conversation about menstruation from shame to openness can have a profound impact.
For more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, you might want to check out this excellent resource. And if you’re looking into family planning, explore our guide on the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit. For further discussions on equality, visit this authority on the topic.
In summary, menstruation is a normal part of life that shouldn’t be stigmatized or shamed. Through open conversations and education, we can foster a culture that respects and normalizes this natural process.