In recent years, there’s been a rise in discussions surrounding an unconventional practice that is challenging traditional period norms: free bleeding. This practice involves menstruating without using traditional period products such as tampons, pads, or menstrual cups. While some individuals view it as empowering and liberating, others find it controversial and impractical. Let’s dive into what free bleeding really is and explore the reasons why some people are choosing this path.
What Is Free Bleeding?
Free bleeding is exactly as it sounds: allowing your menstrual flow to occur naturally without the aid of absorbent products. For many, this is not merely a personal choice but a statement, one that challenges societal norms and raises awareness of environmental and health concerns. It’s a practice that encourages people to embrace their bodies as they are, without shame or the need to hide their natural processes.
Why Are People Choosing to Free Bleed?
While free bleeding may sound unusual to some, it is rooted in various motivations that go beyond just rejecting menstrual products. Here are some of the key reasons why people choose to free bleed:
Challenging Period Taboos
For centuries, menstruation has been surrounded by secrecy and shame. People who menstruate are often expected to hide their period and avoid discussing it openly. Free bleeding is an act of defiance against this longstanding stigma. By shedding the use of period products, individuals hope to normalize menstruation and encourage open dialogue about it. For many, free bleeding represents a stand against the idea that periods are something to be embarrassed about.
Environmental Concerns: A Sustainable Alternative
Disposable period products like tampons and pads contribute a staggering amount of waste each year, much of which ends up in landfills or the ocean. This environmental impact has led many to question the sustainability of single-use products. Free bleeding eliminates the need for these products, offering a more eco-friendly alternative. By embracing this practice, individuals hope to reduce waste and encourage a more sustainable way of managing menstruation.
Cost of Menstrual Products: A Financial Barrier
For many, the cost of menstrual products can be prohibitive. The “pink tax,” which refers to the higher prices for products marketed toward women, exacerbates the financial burden. Free bleeding offers a way to bypass these costs entirely, making it an appealing option for those struggling with financial access to sanitary products. By opting out of these expenses, individuals can take control over both their bodies and their wallets.
Health Risks: Concerns Over Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but potentially dangerous condition linked to the use of tampons and menstrual cups. The syndrome is caused by bacterial toxins entering the bloodstream, and while the risk is low, the consequences can be severe. In some cases, the infection has led to organ failure or even amputation. For individuals concerned about the risks associated with conventional menstrual products, free bleeding offers an alternative that eliminates the risk of TSS altogether.
The Viral Moment: Kiran Gandhi’s Marathon Statement
One of the most significant moments in the free bleeding movement came in 2015, when musician and activist Kiran Gandhi ran the London Marathon while free bleeding. Gandhi’s decision to let her menstrual flow occur naturally during the 26.2-mile race was a powerful statement, challenging societal views on menstruation. The act garnered widespread attention, and Gandhi explained that it was deeply personal to her. She wanted to highlight the struggles of those without access to period products, particularly in countries where these necessities are hard to come by.
Gandhi’s marathon run was more than just a physical challenge—it was a symbolic act of defiance against a culture that often tells menstruating individuals to hide their natural bodily functions. In her op-ed for The Independent, she wrote, “Our culture tells [menstruating individuals] to hide their monthly flow. Because it’s all kept quiet, we are made to think that we shouldn’t complain or talk about our own bodily functions.” By free bleeding in a public, visible way, Gandhi aimed to spark conversations about period taboos and inspire others to reclaim their bodily autonomy.
Backlash: Criticism and Misunderstanding
Despite the strong advocacy for free bleeding, the practice has also faced considerable backlash. Critics argue that it is unhygienic, impractical, or unnecessary. Some even dismiss it as attention-seeking behavior. One notable criticism came from journalist James Delingpole, who accused Gandhi of being part of a satirical internet campaign called “Operation Free Bleeding.” However, Gandhi clarified that her decision was personal and not motivated by online trolls.
The backlash often highlights the discomfort and stigma surrounding menstruation in many societies. Many detractors, particularly those without firsthand experience of menstruation, fail to understand the motivations behind the free bleeding movement. This division reflects a larger societal discomfort with open conversations about periods.
Health Concerns: Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
TSS has long been a health concern for those who use tampons or menstrual cups. This rare condition, caused by bacterial toxins, has led to some severe cases, including the loss of limbs, as in the case of model Lauren Wasser. For individuals who are particularly worried about the risks associated with traditional menstrual products, free bleeding provides a way to completely avoid TSS and its potential dangers.
The fear of TSS, combined with a growing awareness of its risks, has contributed to the rise of free bleeding as a viable option for some menstruating individuals. By avoiding the use of tampons or menstrual cups, these individuals feel empowered to prioritize their health while rejecting the need for conventional products.
Environmental and Financial Motivations
Both environmental and financial factors have contributed significantly to the rise of free bleeding. Disposable menstrual products create a massive environmental burden, while the cost of these products can add up over a lifetime, creating financial barriers for many. Free bleeding allows individuals to take control of their menstrual management while addressing these challenges. It’s a practice that can make a positive impact on both personal finances and the planet.
The Cultural Shift Toward Menstrual Empowerment
The free bleeding movement is part of a larger cultural shift that aims to normalize menstruation and challenge the stigma surrounding it. From period-positive advertising campaigns to initiatives that raise awareness about period poverty, attitudes toward menstruation are slowly changing. Advocates for free bleeding argue that the practice is about more than just rejecting traditional period products—it’s about creating a world where menstruatin
Is Free Bleeding for Everyone?
Free bleeding may not be for everyone, and that’s okay. Many people prefer the convenience, security, and practicality of traditional period products. What the free bleeding movement emphasizes is the importance of choice. Whether someone chooses to use tampons, pads, menstrual cups, or nothing at all, the key is to feel empowered and supported in that decision. Everyone’s menstruation experience is unique, and there should be no shame in how it’s managed.
Conclusion: Breaking the Taboo Around Periods
The free bleeding movement has brought important conversations to the forefront about menstruation, challenging outdated norms and encouraging greater openness. While the practice itself may not appeal to everyone, its underlying message resonates universally: menstruation is a natural, normal process that should not be hidden or shamed.
At its core, free bleeding is about choice—the choice to reject societal expectations, to embrace comfort and sustainability, or simply to listen to one’s body. Whether you find free bleeding empowering, impractical, or somewhere in between, it has undeniably sparked a shift in how we view menstruation. One thing is clear: this movement is here to stay.
