Let’s talk about periods. From blood stains to unspeakable cramps, I’ve got plenty of horror stories to tell.
Periods can be a pain. How many times have you asked a friend to check for stains on the back of your dress? Or heard your sanitary pad crinkle while doing downward dog in a quiet yoga class? I’ve experienced lots of awkward and painful period situations. Visiting a friend’s home and accidentally staining their bathroom floor with a massive blood clot that slid out of nowhere. Forgetting I had a tampon overnight and putting another one in. Let’s not forget the constant struggles of trying to smoosh a used pad into public toilet bins (they’re always overflowing and never “automatic” as they claim to be).
Been there, done that! However, I’ve learned to embrace it all. What helped me in these situations was being frank and laughing things off as best I could.
Sharing period stories can be a bloody good laugh
I used to be embarrassed to talk about my period. But why should we feel ashamed about an issue that affects people all over the world who menstruate? Sure, it may be an awkward and stigmatised topic in many cultures where periods are considered “dirty”. But this doesn’t mean we should keep mum and bleed in silence.
Over the years, I’ve found that most women are open to sharing their period problems once asked. The topic is difficult to bring up, but approaching it with a touch of humour always works to bring someone’s barriers down and get the conversation flowing. When used respectfully, humour can minimise any tension or embarrassment surrounding the topic while appreciating the seriousness of the issue and encouraging a sense of connection and trust. Most of the time, after having a good giggle, most people will respond with, “You know, I’ve got a funny story too.”
This is why we should talk about our periods
1. It’s an education on surviving “Shark Week”
I’ve heard stories from friends wishing they had more information on periods while growing up. What’s normal? What isn’t normal? What to do about blood clots? How to cope with bloating and mood swings?
As an adolescent, getting your period for the first time can be a confusing and scary experience. Having someone to turn to for advice can bring much comfort (yes, almost everyone ends up staining their school uniform at least once!). Plus, it empowers others to cope better with the pain and messiness – and emboldens them to raise potential health issues. Breaking the stigma of speaking up about your period amongst youths will also help encourage openness about it in society.
2. Suffering PMS together is a bonding experience
Periods are difficult to deal with even as an adult. I can sit in my room listening to “Bleeding Out” by Imagine Dragons while I cry for absolutely no reason. Or I can get the support of my friends who are all too familiar with the feeling of waking up and finding a pool of blood on their bedsheets (or worse, the sheets of a hotel!).
Talking it out with a group of friends always makes me feel better and strengthens our bond. Hearing each other’s stories also enables us to learn about the different problems each person faces. That way, we can give or receive helpful tips to cope better.
3. You’ll stop asking why I’m grumpy every month
For some of us, periods cause physical pain. How many times have you curled up at your work desk in agony? Or worse, felt a blood clot slowly slide its way out while giving a presentation? Yet you were too ashamed to ask your boss for a day off. Unfortunately, not everyone understands how painful periods can be. Still, you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Yes, it can be difficult to bring this up at work, which is why encouraging women to talk more openly about period issues is so crucial.
4. Periods can be unkind to Mother Earth
I admit: the environmental impact of sanitary pads and tampons never crossed my mind until a few years ago. These products were the norm. There was never a reason to question them. But they contain a large number of plastics, and an estimated 5,000 to 15,000 pads and tampons are used by each menstruating individual in their lifetime. That’s an overwhelming number.
In 2020, Singapore generated 860,000 tonnes of plastic waste and only 4% was recycled. Non-recyclable wastes are disposed of by incineration. The remaining ash and solid waste are sent to our only landfill, Semakau Landfill, which was intended to meet Singapore’s waste disposal needs till 2045. However, with Singapore’s current rate of non-recyclable product usage, it’s estimated to reach its maximum capacity by 2035.
The significant environmental impact (greenhouse gases) and the resources utilised for waste disposal (land, water and energy use) is an essential conversation in the face of global warming. So, what can we do to help? One way is to make the switch to sustainable period products such as reusable period underwear, sanitary pads and menstrual cups. Or if you use tampons, opt for those that don’t include plastic applicators.
There’s still so much room for the conversation on reusable period products, so do your bit and get talking today! Every step counts. If you find a reusable period product you enjoy, be sure to share the love.
Bloody good times ahead
As the founder of Mooncheeks Period Underwear, I’ve shared and heard many period stories. Some of them made me laugh till I cried. Some made me gasp. But most of all, they made me respect women that much more. Many of us suffer from serious period issues we don’t talk about. Yet we go about our daily lives (staining the MRT seat, getting judged and still showing up to work – you go girl!) juggling work, family and home.
Don’t be afraid to talk about your period. Every opinion in the conversation matters. The next time someone around you is having a bad period day, turn to them and say, “Did I ever tell you about the time my tampon fell out while I was running?” Be open to candid conversations and we’ll get through this together.
