From puberty to menopause, women experience approximately 450 menstrual cycles in their lifetime, a biological process that lasts nearly half of their lives. Menstruation is not just a symbol of fertility, it is also an indicator of overall health. A regular cycle (usually every 28 days), consistent menstrual duration (5–7 days), and balanced blood flow (not too much or too little) are all essential markers of a woman’s health.

For women, menstruation is an everyday occurrence, yet studies show that over 70% of people in the USA still have negative perceptions about menstruation. These include beliefs that menstrual blood is "unclean," that women shouldn’t pray or participate in certain activities during their period, and that menstruation is a topic best avoided in conversation. With the rise of female empowerment in recent times, menstruation is no longer considered a taboo subject. Let’s explore what "period shaming" means and how we can move towards "menstrual equality."

Private Conversations: Have You Experienced “Period Shaming”?

What is Period Shaming?

"Period shaming" is a cultural phenomenon where menstruation is stigmatized, leading women to feel embarrassed or ashamed about their natural bodily functions. This includes the dismissal of menstrual pain or emotional changes, the expectation that menstruation should be hidden, and the shame associated with buying sanitary products. In some cultures, the discomfort surrounding menstruation is so severe that women are made to feel guilty about a completely natural process.

In areas with lower levels of female empowerment, this phenomenon tends to be more pronounced. For instance, in 2020, a women’s university in India imposed strict rules on students during their menstrual period, including bans on entering religious places or kitchens, mandatory segregation in classes, and even humiliating "panty checks." A total of 68 students were subjected to this degrading treatment.

Even in more empowered societies like the United States, period shaming still persists. A major survey published by The New York Post revealed that 58% of women feel embarrassed about their periods, and 42% reported experiencing period shaming. Among them, 20% cited disrespect from male friends as the cause of their embarrassment. Moreover, 51% of men also believe that women should not openly talk about their menstruation.

Moving Toward Menstrual Equality: A Friendlier Environment for Women

As women’s rights awareness grows, many countries have begun to push for menstrual equality, a movement that covers issues like menstrual poverty, menstrual inequality, and menstrual education.

Menstrual Poverty: A Serious Issue

Menstrual poverty refers to the inability of economically disadvantaged women to access the necessary sanitary products, which can lead to health problems, hinder their ability to attend school or work, and perpetuate a cycle of poverty. In China, some low-income women are forced to use only one or two sanitary pads a day, and often only change them when they are completely saturated, leading to potential health risks.

Menstrual Inequality: The Financial and Social Burdens

Menstrual inequality arises because menstruation is a biological process that women experience, unlike men. This can lead to disparities, particularly in financial terms. For example, in the U.S., the so-called "tampon tax" means that sanitary products are taxed like luxury goods in many states. Currently, nine states have exempted menstrual products from taxation, while another seven are in the process of proposing similar measures.

The Evolution of Feminine Hygiene Products in the USA

Feminine hygiene products have evolved significantly over the years, helping women maintain dignity and comfort during menstruation. These innovations have also greatly reduced the risk of infections. Today, women in the United States have access to a wide variety of menstrual products. Let’s explore how feminine hygiene products have evolved over time in the U.S.

Pre-1900s: Cloth Pads, Menstrual Belts, and the Beginning of Innovation

Before the 20th century, menstruation was a somewhat hidden and often uncomfortable experience for women in the United States. Most women used homemade cloth pads or pieces of fabric to absorb menstrual blood. These pads had to be changed frequently and washed by hand, which was not only time-consuming but also unhygienic.

Menstrual belts were also introduced during this time. These belts were a sort of girdle with a piece of cloth sewn into them to hold a sanitary pad in place. However, the pads were often bulky and uncomfortable, and the belts did little to address the issue of leaks or discomfort. Menstruation was considered an inconvenience, and menstrual blood was often viewed as "unclean." As a result, women were encouraged to hide their menstrual products and deal with the process in private.

1920s: The First Disposable Sanitary Pads and Tampons

In the early 20th century, the first commercially produced disposable sanitary pads were introduced in the U.S. In 1921, Kimberly-Clark, one of the largest manufacturers of sanitary products today, launched the first disposable sanitary pad under the brand name Kotex. These pads were made from cellulose (wood pulp) and were originally used by nurses during World War I. They were designed to be more absorbent and sanitary compared to the cloth pads used in previous years. This innovation marked a turning point for menstruation in the United States.

Around the same time, tampons began to emerge in the U.S. The first patent for a tampon applicator was filed in 1931 by Dr. Earle Haas, and by the 1940s, tampons with applicators were widely available in drugstores. Early tampons were made from cotton and often required women to learn how to use them with a bit of trial and error. However, their discreet design allowed women more freedom during menstruation, including the ability to swim, participate in sports, and engage in daily activities without feeling encumbered.

1960s: The Introduction of Adhesive Pads and the Rise of Comfort

In the 1960s, the next big leap in feminine hygiene came with the introduction of adhesive-backed sanitary pads. Prior to this, women had to use pins or belts to keep their pads in place, which were often uncomfortable and unreliable. The introduction of adhesives made pads much easier to use and more comfortable.

During this decade, the development of thinner and more discreet pads also became a priority for manufacturers. This gave rise to "ultra-thin" pads, which were marketed as being more comfortable and less bulky than earlier versions. Women no longer had to choose between comfort and protection. With this new generation of sanitary pads, menstruation became more manageable for many women in the U.S., and the period product industry began to expand.

1970s: The Era of Period Innovation – Tampons and the Beginning of Menstrual Cups

By the 1970s, tampons gained even more popularity as they became available in various sizes and absorbencies. Their ease of use and freedom to engage in active lifestyles made them the go-to choice for many women. As attitudes toward menstruation began to shift, tampons became a symbol of freedom and choice.

In the late 1970s, menstrual cups also started gaining attention, though they weren’t as widely accepted initially. The menstrual cup was first patented in 1937 by Leona Chalmers, but it wasn’t until decades later that they began to see a resurgence in popularity. Despite early resistance due to societal taboos around menstruation, menstrual cups were marketed as a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to disposable products, paving the way for more sustainable menstrual solutions in the years to come.

1990s to Early 2000s: The Rise of Period Panties and Eco-Friendly Alternatives

By the 1990s, women’s choices in menstrual products expanded further with the introduction of "period panties" – specially designed underwear meant to absorb menstrual blood without the need for additional products like pads or tampons. These were initially marketed as a more convenient option for women during light flow days, and the concept would continue to evolve with newer, more absorbent materials.

In the early 2000s, menstrual cups slowly gained more mainstream attention due to their eco-friendly benefits. Brands like DivaCup began making their products widely available, and by the mid-2000s, reusable menstrual products like cloth pads and menstrual cups became more common, especially among environmentally conscious women looking to reduce their waste.

2010s and Beyond: The Modern Menstrual Revolution

In the 2010s, the landscape of feminine hygiene products in the U.S. shifted even further, as environmental concerns, feminism, and social movements combined to bring menstrual products into the mainstream as a topic of open discussion. Menstrual cups, period panties, and reusable pads began gaining substantial market share, and women were becoming more aware of the environmental impact of single-use sanitary products. Disposable sanitary pads and tampons are now recognized as the fifth-largest waste item in landfills and oceans, taking hundreds of years to decompose.

This awareness has led to a movement for more eco-friendly products, and brands like Thinx, BezBezz, and Lunette continue to grow in popularity. Additionally, the affordability and accessibility of period products have been hot topics of conversation, with campaigns like #EndPeriodPoverty focusing on the lack of access to menstrual products for low-income women.

3 Tips for a Comfortable Period

Despite the wide variety of sanitary products available today, menstruation often still brings to mind discomfort and inconvenience. Many women experience private discomfort during their period, such as itching, bad odors, or infections.

To promote "menstrual equality," society must work to break the stigma, but we also need to focus on improving women’s physical comfort during their periods. Here are three essential tips to make your period more comfortable:

1. Change Your Sanitary Products Regularly

The constant wear of sanitary pads for 24 hours can create a damp, uncomfortable environment, leading to infections or irritation. It is recommended to change your pad or tampon every 3–4 hours, and for menstrual cups, it’s best to change them every 4–8 hours, with a complete cleaning at least once every 12 hours.

2. Wash Your Private Area Properly

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for keeping your private area clean and healthy. It’s crucial to use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser designed for the intimate area. Avoid using regular body soap, as it may disrupt the natural pH balance. During menstruation, allow the foam to sit for 30 seconds before rinsing to maintain a fresh and comfortable feeling.

3. Strengthen the Protective Barrier of Your Skin

Apart from the discomfort of dampness, many women experience strong odors due to the interaction between menstrual blood and bacteria. Using intimate sprays with antibacterial properties can help neutralize odors and protect your sensitive areas. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress can also help maintain your skin’s health.

Ultimately, embracing your period and finding comfort during your cycle requires self-love and respect for your body. Only by understanding your body and needs can you feel empowered and positive about your menstrual health.

Conclusion

Menstruation is a natural and important part of every woman’s life, but it’s still often associated with shame and discomfort. By breaking the stigma around menstruation, pushing for menstrual equality, and improving menstrual hygiene, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all women. Understanding that menstruation is not a burden but a natural process is key to building a more empathetic world for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is menstrual equality?

   • Menstrual equality is the idea that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men, particularly when it comes to access to menstrual products, education, and a supportive environment.

2. Why is period shaming still common today?

   • Period shaming persists due to outdated cultural beliefs, lack of education, and societal taboos that wrongly associate menstruation with shame and impurity.

3. How can we support women in menstrual poverty?

   • Providing free access to sanitary products, supporting policies that reduce taxes on these products, and creating awareness about