The time of the month: why we never talk about it

+ a whole lot of other facts

Every woman experiences it sooner or later in her life: menstruation. But we hardly talk about it. Are we really that prudish?

We can definitely answer ‘yes’ to that. Research from Libresse shows that 33% finds it a taboo to talk about the little bloodbath down under. And if we do talk about it, we prefer to do so with our mothers. But of course, we’d rather discuss a whole bunch of other things with our moms than those awkward moments in the bathroom. In the Netherlands, 52% of people first talk about menstruation with their mother (yes, even boys secretly want to know about this). After mothers, we first hear about our ’M-thing‘ from teachers. And while 50% of women would appreciate it if fathers knew a bit more about this phenomenon.

And when we want to know more about what happens in our bodies when we have to start using pads or tampons, we prefer to ask our mothers for advice (35%), then our friends (18%), and finally, we like to look it up somewhere in a book (16%).

But when it comes to love and that time of the month, we are really shy. Because we can easily ask our moms for tips and tricks. But we all prefer to meet the parents of our flings rather than discuss pads, panty liners, and tampons with him. Just. Imagine. Relatable?

Another topic, please

Also notable: from the large-scale research conducted in several countries, it appears that women who already have a daughter are more likely to talk about sex with their child than they are to discuss the menstrual cycle. And while you know nothing about either topic when you're younger. Many girls think that you can't get pregnant when you're menstruating. Or that you don't bleed anymore when you're pregnant. This is all not true, so it's quite handy to get some explanations here and there.

Interestingly, girls over 13 are more likely to want to talk to their parents about the birds and the bees than they are to share anything about being on their period. And even stranger: they would rather be teased at school than discuss menstruation with their parents. And for girls over 18, researchers say they would rather ask their boss for a raise than tell a colleague that they have to go to the bathroom with a pad or tampon multiple times today. Say what?! Isn’t that also a super exciting nerve-wracking conversation?

In short: we find it quite difficult to talk about it WITH ANYONE and that is actually unnecessary. After all: half of the world's population deals with it. Just remember that the next time you feel embarrassed because you have a pad lying around in your bag. Admit it: you do it too. Because yes, as many as 57% of women hide all the hygiene products they carry in their bag for their time of the month, for example in their sleeve or pocket. That way, no one sees what they take with them when they go to the bathroom. Only 19% say they have never hidden that they are menstruating.

And, girls, here’s a boost for you: you are just as lovely when you are menstruating as on the days when you are not. We sometimes feel insecure during the days of menstrual fun: 31% feel less confident than they normally would.

If you still feel like I-want-to-stay-in-bed-with-Netflix on the heaviest days of your period, you might as well inform your outside world. Only 1 in 4 girls tells someone else that they are not feeling well because you-know-what. That can be a bit less prudish, right, girls? Nothing to be ashamed of. So let’s go with that pad in your hand. Or as Libresse says: #Bloodnormal.

FACTS

– 63% of women check if they have left any stains after sitting.

– 31% of men think that women crave chocolate during their menstruation.

– According to this research, we find it less awkward to buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore than to pick up pads and tampons.

Written by: Tessa Heinhuis

Source: Libresse