What is Free Bleeding and Is it safe?
Ever felt like not wearing a pad while on your period? Whether there is even the possibility that you could just bleed without wearing any menstrual product? Well, welcome to the movement called free bleeding.
What is free bleeding?
Free bleeding is a movement wherein you menstruate without wearing a pad, tampon or any other menstrual product to manage your flow. For some free bleeding is a way to normalise menstruation and enforce the idea that menstruating is a natural bodily function that a woman doesn’t have to hide. While for others, free bleeding is a necessity due to financial restrictions or lack of access to menstrual products.
When did free bleeding begin?
Technically, the practice of free bleeding has been around since ages. Menstrual products weren’t available till the late 19th to early 20th century. So, many women before that have been free bleeding or using rags and other makeshift options to manage their bleeding. Many cultures have been practising it for centuries, with some considering period blood to be ‘magical’.
Although menstrual activism gained footing in the 1970s, but in the modern world, free bleeding as a movement began as recent as early 2000. The movement gained prominence when, in 2015, a runner ran the London marathon and chose to free bleed. Women began expressing the view that bleeding freely is the right of any menstruating person who chooses to do so.
Free bleeding: The motive behind it
Not everyone is comfortable with free bleeding and every woman who menstruates is entitled to choosing how she wants to manage her period flow. Be it the option of using a pad or tampon, or even whether she wants to use a menstrual product at all.
And just as we have that choice, it is also important to respect other choices. And maybe understand the reason why some women choose to have a free flow period and appreciate them for taking a stand and speaking out.
Some of the common and very prominent reasons why most women are joining the movement are:
1. Taxes on menstrual products
Many countries apply taxes on menstrual products and some even categorise it as a luxury item. Those who live in poverty and cannot afford it, it could mean they get excluded from daily activities such as absence from school or work simply because they can’t afford or don’t have access to menstrual products.
2. Equal opportunity
Those who support the free bleeding movement assert that accessible and affordable menstrual care is a human right. When women don’t have access to affordable menstrual care, their prospects in terms of education and employment are drastically affected.
3. Environmental concerns
We’re aware that certain period products contribute to the pollution of the Earth. The aim of the free bleeding movement is to raise awareness about the same.
If the sole reason you want to choose free bleeding is because you find period products uncomfortable, then you must consider using the Always Soft pads. These pads are flexible, well-fitting, and are designed with a soft cover that is gentle on your skin. Its flexi channels ensure that you don't feel any discomfort when you're on the move.
Free Bleeding: Health risks
No doubt that the free bleeding movement calls out valid and predominant issues such as period stigma, biases, basic human rights, and environmental concerns but one cannot brush the health hazards associated with it under the carpet. Apart from the fact that some women may not be comfortable with free flow menstruation, or even free bleeding at home, there are a few health risks associated with it. They are:
1. Spread of diseases
It is possible that period blood could be a carrier of diseases such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B. These viruses can survive outside the body, in blood for several days or even weeks. When you free bleed, the chances of you spreading blood-borne diseases are high. Hence, don’t allow anyone else to clean up your blood, or come in contact with it directly.
2. Hygiene
Maintaining hygiene becomes of utmost importance if you decide to try free bleeding. You need to make sure that you change your clothes regularly. Period blood is very likely to become a breeding ground for bacteria and you may end up with an unpleasant odour. This could lead to various infections.
3. Staining of clothes and surfaces
The biggest issue with free bleeding is having bloodstains on your clothes, furniture, and other surfaces. The whole cleaning process can become extremely tedious, inconvenient, and time-consuming. You could be ending up spending most of your time cleaning than going about your daily activities. With bloodstains, it is possible to effectively remove them from your clothes by soaking them in cold water immediately, followed by washing them with detergent. However, it isn’t as simple with furniture.
We’re sure we all believe in equality and not marginalising menstruating women or make period health a taboo. The free bleeding movement is surely a noble cause, and we believe every woman should have the right to have a free bleeding period, if they choose to. However, one must also tread this rope conscientiously and not cause harm by spreading biohazardous waste in the process.
Periods are as normal as any other human function such as sweating or breathing. And thankfully, today, we have the means and technology to help us manage it comfortably by using menstrual products of supreme quality. Consider the Always Ultra Thin pads which have ultra thin superior fit so you can perform your daily activities with ultimate ease and control. It is designed to have supreme quality material and design offering maximum safety.
At Always, we believe that every girl has the right to be free from period stigma by empowering girls through education and strengthening them. Which is why we’ve launched the #LikeAGirl campaign. You can learn more about our campaign here.
Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator
FAQs
1. What is considered free bleeding?
Free bleeding is the practice of menstruating without the use of any menstrual product to block or collect the period flow. Although menstrual activism gained footing in the 1970s, but in the modern world, free bleeding as a movement began as recent as early 2000.
2. Is it okay to free bleed on your period?
Free bleeding is an extremely personal choice. And while it is okay to free bleed, the catch is that it comes with certain health risks. These include infections caused due to poor hygiene and spread of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B from blood left behind on surfaces.
3. Why do some people free bleed?
Free bleeding is a movement pioneered to call out a cause. For some, it is a way to normalise menstruation and enforce the idea that menstruating is a natural bodily function that a woman doesn’t have to hide. While for others, free bleeding is a necessity due to financial restrictions or lack of access to menstrual products.
Disclaimer:
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.
