I know what you’re thinking. How do vibrators have anything to do with endometriosis? Although vibes may conjure images of the sex industry and that oh-too-awkward encounter you had with the bottom of your parents' sock drawer when you were a kid, they’re so much more than that. The health benefits of using vibes extend much further than an orgasm. And there’s some pretty cool science to prove it. But let’s start at the beginning.
From traumatising and distressing depictions of characters’ first periods, to the use of menstruation as a derogatory punchline, it’s safe to say to that periods aren’t exactly well-represented in mainstream media. The power of these negative portrayals of menstruation can’t be underestimated – society’s understanding and perception of the world is increasingly shaped by the TV, film and other media we consume. Let’s take a closer look at the ways in which menstruation is portrayed on screen – and the impact of this OFF screen.
We all know that having our period can be painful, and it can alter our mood and mental state. Some of us might even know exactly when our periods will be at their peaks and what to do to manage them. Knowing this can be really useful for improving your health, especially if you’re an athlete.
A Tik Tok video went viral recently showing a soon-to-be father's disappointment at the prospect of having another daughter. His wife shared the video of their gender reveal showing the soon-to-be-Dad-of-three storming off swearing as pink confetti rained around them. The man can be heard repeatedly yelling, "F***" as he walks out of the video frame. The video was captioned by the mother, "I swear he's happy".
Menopause is one of the facts of life. It happens to everyone with a uterus, and is a transitional phase that women will spend approximately a third of their life in. So why is it still considered so taboo?
While some progress has been made to break down period stigma (by organisations like TABOO!), menopause often slips under the radar. There are a number of reasons for this, with many of which being rooted in the intersection of sexism and ageism.
Periods are often an unpleasant or an inconvenient time of the month for anyone who menstruates – let alone people experiencing homelessness. Many women experiencing homelessness are unable to purchase essential items during their cycle – from pads, to tampons and other period products.