In ancient times, period blood was considered magical and sacred. Menstrual blood was often captured for spiritual rituals or for watering crops with the highest nitrogen-rich fertiliser known to man. Women would gather in tents and free bleed together under a new moon, planting seeds of intention, sharing wisdom, dancing, singing, and holding each other. It was a time of slowing down, regenerating our bodies and receiving support. Nowadays, we have tons of options for menstrual products thanks to Earl Haas who invented the tampon in 1931 (big up E man), which rendered free bleeding a thing of the past. But why are so many modern women embracing free bleeding?

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Q: How can you tell LJ wrote a blog?

A: When there’s a needless definition section ofc!

So, WTF even is free bleeding?

Free Bleeding:

def. the practice of menstruating without blocking or collecting the period flow.

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For some women and people who menstruate, free bleeding or choosing not to use period products is a personal choice. It’s a powerful way of protesting against period-shaming and costly menstrual products that millions of people across the world still don’t have access to. For other people, it’s a more environmentally sustainable way to manage their period. From the time that we were little girls in school to now, staining our clothes during periods is a big ol’ fear. Half the population in the world menstruates, so staining bedsheets every once in a while and not being stocked with menstrual products at the exact moment it hits is bound to happen to some of us. So what’s the deal with free bleeding? Why are so many women choosing to free bleed? And is it all good? Let’s get into it.

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An anti-feminist prank called 'Operation Freebleeding' was launched via the 4chan website in 2014. The misogynistic stunt was quickly outed as a hoax, but ironically it introduced the idea of free bleeding to a larger community. When it comes to stigma, the whole Instagram situation with Rupi Kaur (all my tumblr girls definitely know who she is) really picked up the convo that it was about fucking time the world stopped perceiving menstrual blood as dirty or something to hide. Her posts showing period blood were taken off the gram a couple of times for ‘not meeting the community guidelines’. Rupi pointed to the fact that the platform’s standards were absolutely sound with objectifying women, but showing the realities of a woman’s body was apparently unthinkable. The same year as this debacle, Charlie Edge and Ruth Howard protested against the 5% Luxury Items tax that is added onto the price of tampons by ‘forgoing tampons and pads outside the houses of parliament to show how "luxury" tampons really are.’ The pair bled into their white trousers to highlight that menstrual products are a necessary item. From these two events (and lots of independent lived experiences) the contemporary free bleeding movement was born.

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Periods should be seen for what they are: normal and healthy. They shouldn’t make people uncomfortable, disrupt daily activities or represent shame. People with periods have more important issues to face than additional fucking biological maintenance. There’s loads of really good reasons to try free bleeding: free bleeding keeps your usual vaginal fluid and healthy bacteria where they should be — in your vagina, it’s better for the planet, free bleed undies are surprisingly dry and comfy, it’ll save you money in the long run, and you won’t have to worry about getting toxic shock syndrome or chemicals in your tampons.

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One in five low-income women report missing school, work, or similar necessary activities due to a lack of access to period products. If you’re wondering what this has to do with our topic of the day; as a form of protest, free bleeding is to period poverty what van living is to homelessness - it’s gentrification. I know, mad one, right? Women who choose to free bleed without using any kind of specialised undergarment are making a conscious decision to bleed into their clothing, and that’s a decision that a lot of women don’t get to make - they’re forced to bleed into their clothes. That doesn’t mean that free bleeding is universally a moot point, it certainly highlights how necessary menstrual products are, and for some women it’s simply more comfortable. But I think it’s always important that we take a moment to consider the wider world when we take on an act of protest.

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The colour, texture, scent and consistency of your period blood can tell you a lot about your reproductive, hormonal and overall health and for this reason some reproductive health advisors believe it’s important to see your own blood as it sheds from your body. This can totally be achieved through menstrual cups, or even regular old pads, but if insertion or single use straight to landfill products aren’t for you, DAME and Flux Undies have really good solutions: DAMEDRY Reusable pads, and Flux Period Pants. Both of these products allow you all the comfort of a classic free bleeding experience, but without any of the mess. Earthwise Girls also have  great schemes where you can donate reusable period products, or buy three donate one to period-sufferers all around the UK. Doing your research on brands fighting to end period poverty has way more impact than choosing to bleed into your clothes. There’s tonnes of really good options out there for you to explore, but we’ve compiled the best really good ones right over here just for you.

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Go crazy, girlie.

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