As my oldest child approached age five, we stumbled into a conversation about reproduction. Perhaps it was sparked by a family friend announcing a pregnancy or a documentary about animal behaviors. I decided to give a full rundown on the subject. We’re a science-loving household, so it got a bit detailed. “Boys have a penis, and girls have a vagina,” I explained, and then we veered off into the world of snakes, which have two penises called hemipenes. Most mammals experience estrus, a period when they can conceive, while human females can be fertile at any time. This means they build up a special lining in their uterus, which must shed once a month. That’s what we call a period.
However, my kids found the snake penises far more fascinating.
So when my little ones barged into the bathroom and saw me, legs apart, extracting a menstrual cup filled with blood, I simply said, “I’m on my period. This cup collects the leftover endometrium, but I’d prefer some privacy, thank you.”
Sadly, when it comes to menstruation, my now seven-year-old is ahead of many adults in understanding. There’s a significant issue surrounding menstruation that goes beyond the physical act—it’s the stigma attached to it.
A study from 2002 published in Women in Psychology Quarterly revealed that women who dropped a tampon were perceived as less competent and less likable compared to those who dropped a hair clip. People even showed a tendency to objectify women more when they were reminded of menstruation. The reaction is even more intense when blood is involved. Just ask Sarah Jenkins, who faced intense backlash when her perimenopausal symptoms led to unexpectedly heavy periods. After a particularly unfortunate incident at work, she was fired, with one of her appeals already denied. The ACLU is now stepping in to support her case. Discrimination based on menstruation is truly a form of sexism that needs addressing.
You might think this kind of incident is isolated—perhaps just a product of a conservative area like Georgia. But no, these attitudes are pervasive across the United States. On a Reddit thread about buying menstrual products for a partner, one man described the “walk of shame” to the checkout line, as if purchasing tampons is something to be embarrassed about. Another chimed in with the notion that “girls are gross because they bleed from their ‘down there.’” It’s clear that many never quite outgrow that adolescent mentality.
While most men on the thread claimed they would buy menstrual products and criticized those who wouldn’t, a sex survey conducted by “Straight” revealed that only 41.5% of men would consider being intimate with a woman who is on her period, with 18% labeling it as “gross.”
On the flip side, some women are challenging these outdated views head-on. Kiran Patel made headlines in 2015 by running the London Marathon “free bleeding,” allowing her menstruation to be visible to all. She stated, “I wanted to challenge the stigma and raise awareness about the lack of access to menstrual products for many women.” Rupi Kaur also made waves when her Instagram post depicting menstruation was removed, only to be restored after public outcry. These actions are part of a broader movement where women aim to normalize menstruation, striving to make society more comfortable with the reality that women do, in fact, bleed.
However, real change won’t happen until we start having open conversations about periods, particularly with our children. We need to educate our sons—who will have the privilege to challenge the status quo—about periods in a way that is straightforward and devoid of shame. Periods are a natural part of life—there’s nothing to hide.
When boys understand that menstruation is simply a biological process, they’ll approach situations with empathy. They won’t join in the ridicule when a girl needs a tampon, and they may even offer help if someone faces an accident. By fostering open dialogue about menstruation, we can raise boys who buy pads without hesitation and stand up against the stigma.
We need to shift the narrative from shame to acceptance. Instead of “Are you on your period?” being a snide remark, it should be met with understanding and respect.
If you’re looking for more information on at-home insemination options, check out this comprehensive guide on the home insemination kit, which is an excellent resource for those exploring parenthood. For a deeper understanding of fertility methods, visit this Wikipedia page on in vitro fertilization, which offers valuable insights.
In summary, it’s high time we normalize menstruation. By fostering open and honest conversations about periods, we can create a culture where menstruation is seen as a natural part of life, free from shame and stigma.
Keyphrase: menstruation acceptance
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]