Whoever said you can’t wear white after Labor Day didn’t have a period. For some of us, you can’t wear white — ever. At least not comfortably without feeling like Carrie at the prom.
This time of the month usually calls for a look that only Morticia Addams could love: tight black pants to cover up any leaks and long, dark shirts over the butt for added protection. And don’t forget your trusty sweater to cinch around your waist if things get too heavy when you’re out just trying to live your life.
We’ve all had clothes mutilated in the name of menstruation. But, for some people, flow through clothing is intentional. It’s called free bleeding — and it’s been around forever. In ancient times, menstrual blood was considered powerful and magical. (And really, depending on your definition of magic, who’s to say it isn’t?)
More recently, the “free bleeding” trend has been making the rounds on social media and raising interest in the benefits of going with the flow (sorry, we couldn’t resist!).
If you’re curious, see more about the basics behind free bleeding.
What is free bleeding?
Free bleeding is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when you have your period but don’t use period products such as tampons, menstrual cups or pads to collect, block or absorb the blood. You just let the blood go where it goes.
Some people wear normal underwear and clothes during this time. Other people wear period underwear or non-period clothes. Even though these products are technically period products, you are not going out of your way to stop the bleeding, so you are still considered free bleeding by the free bleeding community.
Read: 5 Women’s Health and Beauty Products from women >>
Unrelated, free bleeding is not always an option. Sometimes, it can be a result of period poverty or lack of access to period products due to financial burden. Free bleeding when you can’t buy period products is not the same as intentionally free bleeding for personal reasons. It is a serious social problem that has been linked to mental health conditions, including depression and worry, and affects the health and well-being of people around the world—especially colored people.
Read: The Complex Crisis of Period Poverty >>
Why do people bleed freely?
There are a few reasons why people voluntarily give up their period products.
Be natural. Periods are a normal bodily function, and some people believe that using period products disrupts the natural flow of things.
To normalize menstruation. For some people, period products send a message that menstrual cycles are shameful or should be hidden. No products, less shame.
To protest the “tampon tax”. In some states, menstrual products are billed as luxury goods, meaning there is an additional tax on anyone who wants to buy them. Although some states have stopped the tax in recent years, as of today, 20 states they still have the “tampon tax”.
For period poverty awareness. Too many people don’t have access to period goods and disposing of them can be an attempt to draw attention to the issue and support people who don’t have access and can’t afford them.
Read: My struggle with period poverty motivated me to help other women >>
To help the planet. More than eight million metric tons of plastic waste go into the ocean every year. Most disposable period products are made with plastic (pads are usually 90% plastic and most tampon applicators are made from non-recyclable plastic) and add to environmental waste.
Is free bleeding healthy?
Free bleeding is generally safe. There is no scientific evidence for the health benefits of free bleeding, but it may be beneficial for some people. For example, if you don’t buy seasonal products, you’ll save money (although out-of-season clothes also cost money). If you give up tampons, you also reduce your risk of getting it toxic shock syndrome (TSS)a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection that can come from leaving tampons in for too long.
Is free bleeding healthy?
As you can imagine, free bleeding can be messy. And if you’re out in the free-flowing world, period blood can seep onto surfaces. And menstrual blood, like all other blood, has the ability to carry blood-borne viruses. These may include:
Read: What you need to know about viral hepatitis A, B and C >>
Bloodborne viruses are spread when blood or fluids enter another person’s body. So, while it may not be technically impossible, it is excellent it is rare for anyone to become infected through period blood on a chair.
But if you’re bleeding freely, it’s worth thinking about the people who might come in contact with your blood.
Which leads us to free-bleed into the real world. It’s your choice to go where you want, when you want, but it might be a good idea to pack extra period clothing or underwear to minimize the chances of leaving blood behind.
Free bleeding may not be for everyone, but we can all respect doing what we each feel is right for our bodies.
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