Many women will probably hear at least once in their lifetime hurtful comments made about their periods. Whether that be that they are “dirty” or “weird,” it is extremely important to discuss the stigmas surrounding menstrual health, and how they can affect females.
Stigmas, which are defined as a mark of disgrace or devaluation that’s associated with a person or quality, has always been a topic of discussion when it comes to the menstrual cycle. Periods can be seen as taboo because it may be shameful in a culture or in a public setting, leading to feelings of embarrassment or lack of discussions surrounding what is happening with their body.
For example, teenage girls in middle school and early high school tend to not be open about their menstrual health because they feel as though they will get bullied for it. Some will also feel scared to go to the bathroom and open up a sanitary pad for a fear of being judged despite the majority of the other girls going through the same thing as them.
Although this is an unfortunate reality that continues to have many false claims perpetuated by non-credible people, the internet and others have taken charge to fight against these stigmas.
Organizations like Promote Her, Period help educate those about menstrual health and the toll that it can take on the body. Schools and workplaces have started to hang up posters in the women’s bathroom or in public spaces to inform the public about periods. Even online, TikTokers have made pages educating the public about their first encounters with their period, experiences with it, and how they have evolved over time to take care of themselves while on it.
Promoting awareness about menstrual health will continue to take down these stigmas and nurture a considerate environment where people will feel comfortable enough to talk about it with others. Plus, with cultures or families that may have negative views about periods, they can have a more open view about what goes on in the body and why periods do not make women “unclean” but rather that their body is doing well.
This support also boosts women’s mental health because they have the resources to learn more about themselves and will not feel down because of something that they go through monthly. Destigmatizing periods one day at a time will continue to help females all over the world and will let others know that what they think about periods, doesn’t equate nor affect females that are educated about what is happening to them.
About The Author: Hi everyone! My name is Eri, and I am a part of my school’s newspaper. I love writing service stories, and I hope that I can help educate at least one person with the stories that I write. I love to read, and I hope to become a pediatrician one day!