The subject of menstruation doesn’t typically get very much attention. Yes, there is the mass marketing of tampons and sanitary napkins but, come on, those commercials don’t resemble anything close to an accurate idea of what menstruation is, how it feels or how to handle it. But that’s generally the only public acknowledgment of the fact that most women menstruate (and will about 170 times in her lifetime).
Many of us were not socialized to talk about our bodies in an open, accepting, scientific way, which leads to so much confusion and, sometimes, shame. Even as adult women, we go around whispering to others of our kind, “Do you have a tampon?.”
Join us today as we discuss periods. We talk about everything from getting your first period to society’s outdated idea of a woman’s abilities related to her menstrual cycle. We share some truly great new inventions that aim to set women free of body shame and health risks associated with menstruation.
Welcome to the it’s-about-darned-time-we-talk-our-periods show about… periods.
Links mentioned in this episode:
- America’s Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines by Gail Collins
- Sanitary Napkin Machine – India
- Period Tracker Apps
- Thinx
Listen To The Full Episode:
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In the Comments:
How do you feel about menstruation being openly talked about? Do you think you would feel less shameful (if you currently do feel shame) regarding your body? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Kara says
Hello!
I follow your podcasts and listen each week. I feel so encouraged that there is this platform for you two wonderful women to speak out on important topics.
This week’s talk on menstruation is actually quite apropos for me, as I have a) recently gotten married and feel continually thankful for my husband, who is not grossed out by my body’s functioning (I have friends whose significant others are very disgusted by even the topic of periods). He also would never undermine the legitimacy of my emotions, even when I am on my period, which I love him for.
OH! b) I have recently discovered this wonderful non-profit that seeks to bring sustainable feminine hygiene products to those who need them. The lack of access to proper care during menstruation opens women up to violence in various parts of the world. Please check it out and share the news if you feel so inclined. It’s AWESOME. So empowering. http://www.daysforgirls.org/ is their website.
Thank you both for being amazing. You’re the best!
xo,
Kara
Angela Stoner says
Kara,
Toni and I are so glad you enjoyed this episode! Thank goodness for having a partner who honors your whole self… It’s so important to have that support in your home, your safe space. Thank you for the link to Days for Girls. What a marvelous organization.
Love and gratitude!
Kara Schoen says
I wanted to share that I am 40 and lived in a home where we talked about these things. My father was a little outnumbered in the hormone dept. with a wife, 2 daughters and a female dog. He was wonderful and ran for products any and every single time we needed him. So thankful I had him in my life and that he was somewhat progressive for his time.
This episode brought up a couple instances for me. As I heard you guys share your stories about bleeding through, I remembered that happening to me with gray sweatpants on in 7th grade. I was mortified. Thank goodness jean jackets were hugely popular at the time and that gave me something to tie around me until I could go home to change.
The one that came to mind first though was one Saturday afternoon my family was spending at the mall. I was a total Tom boy and that’s really never changed. I hate to shop with a passion, but my mother and sister lived for it. That generally put my dad and I on a bench in the center of the mall people watching. I enjoyed this time with him so much. We would talk about all kinds of things in those hours collected over seemingly endless shopping trips. This particular afternoon we were both scanning our surroundings and my dad turned to me and said, “I need you to do something. It might be a little embarrassing, but it will help someone and I can’t do it because I’m afraid it will make it worse for her.” I listened as he pointed out a woman in line at the food court across from us & described how she had bled through and wasn’t aware and that he couldn’t let her continue to walk around not knowing. He asked me to go over and politely and quietly let her know.
I couldn’t have been more than 9, but because of my older sister and mom, I knew what he was talking about. When I think back to that moment now I realize that most fathers wouldn’t have done what he did. His kindness and compassion are the things I will always hold close to my heart.
Angela Stoner says
Kara,
Thank you for sharing your story with us! Wow…How great to have a father who openly shared his kindness and compassion with his children! I can imagine that growing up with such an open-hearted, open-minded father had a wonderful impact on you as his daughter and as a woman. I hope conversations like these help open up more men like your dad to the world!
With love and gratitude,
Angela