When my eldest was about five years old, we found ourselves discussing human reproduction. I can’t quite recall what sparked the conversation—perhaps a family member was expecting or he saw something unexpected on a nature documentary. Regardless, I dove right into the topic. At home, we’re all about biology, so things took a curious turn. I explained, “Boys have a penis, while girls have a vagina. It’s a simple fact.” Then I proceeded to share some fascinating tidbits, like how snakes have two penises called hemipenes and that many mammals experience estrus, a period when they can conceive. In humans, females can be fertile at any time, which leads to the buildup of a special lining in the uterus. Once a month, this lining must exit the body, and that’s what we call a period.
Let’s be honest—this explanation was far less captivating than the snake penises.
So, when my children barged into the bathroom, as children often do, and witnessed me, legs apart, using a menstrual cup to manage my period, I simply said, “I’m on my period. This is a menstrual cup that collects the remnants of my endometrium, but it doesn’t require an audience, so please leave.”
Regrettably, my now seven-year-old is more informed about menstruation than many adults in America. We have a significant issue regarding periods in our society, and it’s not just a matter of blood.
A 2002 study published in Women in Psychology Quarterly revealed that women who accidentally dropped a tampon were perceived as less capable and less likable than those who dropped a hair clip. Participants expressed a slight reluctance to sit next to these women, illustrating how the mere hint of menstruation leads to increased objectification.
When actual blood is involved, the reactions are often extreme. Consider the case of Emma Johnson, who struggled with severe perimenopausal symptoms, leading to unexpectedly heavy periods. After experiencing a couple of incidents that left stains on her chair and pants, she faced termination from her job. Currently, the ACLU is advocating for her, as this form of discrimination is blatant sexism.
While some might think Emma’s experience is isolated to a particular part of the country, the reality is that such instances occur everywhere across the United States. On Reddit, a user lamented the “walk of shame to the checkout line” when buying menstrual products for their partner, suggesting a stigma surrounding these items. Other comments echoed sentiments of embarrassment, perpetuating the childish notion that menstruation is something “icky” that should be hidden away.
Despite this, many men in the thread claimed they would buy menstrual products, asserting that those who wouldn’t are merely conforming to archaic stereotypes. Yet, a sex survey conducted by Straight indicated that only 41.5% of men would consider being intimate with a woman on her period, while a shocking 18% deemed it “gross.”
Fortunately, some women are taking bold steps to change this narrative. For instance, Tara Lee ran the 2015 London Marathon while “free bleeding,” allowing her menstrual flow to stain her clothes as a statement against the stigma surrounding menstruation. She stated, “On the marathon course, I had the choice to conform to societal norms of shame. Instead, I wanted to shine a light on women who lack access to menstrual products and who feel compelled to hide their natural bodily functions.” Similarly, Mia Roberts, a university student, faced social media backlash when her graphic photo depicting menstruation was removed from Instagram—an act she used to highlight the shame surrounding periods.
The movement continues with everyday individuals who are advocating for the normalization of menstruation. As reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, these free bleeders aim to make society more comfortable with the reality that women’s bodies do bleed.
Nevertheless, change must begin at home. It’s essential to engage in open conversations about menstruation with our children—especially sons—so they can grow up understanding that periods are a natural part of life, devoid of shame. Teaching them about menstruation in a straightforward, nonjudgmental manner will foster empathy and respect.
When boys understand that periods are simply a bodily function, they won’t join in ridicule or shame when they see a female peer with a tampon. Instead of pointing fingers at an accidental leak, they might even offer assistance.
By discussing menstruation openly, we can create a culture where buying menstrual products is as normal as purchasing any other necessity. We need to shift the narrative from one of embarrassment to one of acceptance.
So, next time you hear someone belittle menstruation, think of how we can change that dialogue. It’s high time we normalize this natural process.
For more information on topics related to pregnancy and reproductive health, you can check out resources like this informative article on intrauterine insemination from the Mayo Clinic or explore alternative family-building options with an at-home insemination kit.
Summary
Menstruation is a natural and normal process, yet societal stigma surrounding it persists. This blog discusses the need to address and normalize menstruation through open conversations, particularly with young boys. Emphasizing that periods are a part of life can dismantle shame and foster understanding, ultimately leading to a more accepting society.