Why Girls Shouldn’t Be Ashamed Of Their Menstrual Cycle
My menstrual cycle started at a very young age. I was ten and had no idea what it was. My mum didn’t tell me what was happening to my body until it actually happened, and my school’s sex education failed to inform me of the changes that were occurring in my body. Whether you’re a kid or a young teen, starting your period can be a daunting change to your regular routine.
There’s a lot to learn and it’s important that we’re all informed about how to stay healthy. But despite that, there are so many myths and negative preconceptions surrounding periods in our society and it’s important that we talk about it. Society is doing something wrong because, to be honest, girls shouldn’t vbe ashamed of their menstrual cycle.
1. It happens to everyone
No matter what age you start, it happens to everyone, at least every woman. Yet despite that, there’s still this hesitancy to discuss it with friends. I started quite early but I never discussed my monthly visitor with any of my close friends. From the year I started until I was a teenager crossing into adulthood, for some reason we felt compelled to keep our menstrual issues inside. It wasn’t until I started university that I met more people open to talking about that time of the month, and honestly, it’s quite liberating.
2. It’s important to talk about it
Maybe we were embarrassed when we were younger, ashamed, or never had someone to talk to about these topics. But it’s important to learn that these types of discussions are healthy and it’s a great way of learning from other people, and not the internet, that you’re a normal and healthy functioning human being.
3. It’s a normal bodily function that shouldn’t be a taboo topic
In 2017, Bodyform shocked the world thanks to the first ever advert that actually showed “period blood”. The company’s #bloodnormal campaign tackled period taboos by abandoning the infamous blue liquids in its demonstrations. When I think about it, it’s amazing that it actually took that long but we can celebrate it as a step towards representation and opening up talks for menstrual topics.
Your menstrual cycle is a normal bodily function that shouldn’t be a taboo topic for us to talk about. Following the advert, Bodyform conducted a survey and found that one in five women said their confidence was damaged because periods weren’t discussed with them openly.
Period taboo is damaging for young girls who are still trying to figure themselves out. It’s a sensitive time for girls growing up, and campaigns like this are the right way to go.
4. Don’t listen to people that say otherwise
There was some negative backlash to the Bodyform advert and it’s to be expected. After all, it’s not something that’s widely discussed by people, and even if it’s fake blood that’s just a red colouring, many can still find those connotations “disgusting”. But remember this: you are not disgusting. Your period is a natural process that happens because you have the ability to give life. Your body is beautiful and anyone who says otherwise is wrong.
I remember when this advert came out, some girls I knew commented on how the use of “blood” was gross. This proves that we need to bring more attention to how girls are negatively impacted by growing up. People say periods are “gross” and this message ingrains itself into our thoughts. If we start speaking up and teaching young girls that periods are normal, we’ll be a step further towards bodily acceptance and greater understanding.
