Published : December 7, 2022 9:58 AM IST
Free bleeding is the practice of menstruating without menstrual products such as sanitary napkins, tampons, cups or other similar products. The practice has existed for centuries but while some view it as a movement, others saw it as a financial necessity. As a movement, it was a revolt against the use of menstrual products.
While many women free-bled when there were no menstrual products available but the unintentional practice became a movement in the 1970s. The ideology behind the movement was that menstruation is a natural process and women must not be ashamed of it. The movement also considered the financial aspect of the biological process where a million women have no access to safe menstrual products to date.
Though there have been anecdotal good experiences associated with free bleeding such as people reporting reduced menstrual cramps or less abdominal discomfort. However, no benefits of the practice have been medically documented. Although there are some obvious health benefits are a reduced risk of toxic shock syndrome which is a life-threatening condition associated with tampon misuse or overuse.
Women who opt for free bleeding don’t wear any menstrual products but might use certain fabrics like period panties and other clothing to keep the blood from spilling here and there.
As per some health experts, free bleeding is not the best way of handling menstruation. The blood can carry many viruses. Hepatitis can live on dried surfaces for up to 4 days. Period blood if infected can lead to transmission of certain diseases if not managed properly. It is also essential for women to practice free bleeding protectively. Since the practice is not universally acceptable to all, it can be socially challenging for women who opt for it.