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.
That time of the month usually calls for a look only Morticia Addams would love: solid black pants to disguise any leaks and butt-length dark shirts for added protection. And don’t forget the trusty sweater to cinch around your waist if things get too much when you’re trying to live your life.
We have all had our 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 circulated on social media and increased interest in the benefits of going with the flow (sorry, we couldn’t resist!).
If you’re curious, here’s more information on the basics of free bleeding.
What is free bleeding?
Free bleeding is just what it sounds like. It’s when you have your period, but you don’t use menstrual products like tampons, menstrual cups, or sanitary pads to collect, block, or absorb the blood. You just let the blood go wherever it goes.
Some people wear underwear and normal clothing during this time. Other people wear menstrual underwear or period-resistant clothing. While these products are technically period products, you won’t do everything you can to stop the bleeding, which is why the free bleed community still considers you a free bleeder.
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Free, unrelated bleeding is not always an option. Sometimes, it can be a result of the poverty of the time or lack of access to period products due to a financial burden. Free bleeding when you can’t afford period products is not the same as intentional free bleeding for personal reasons. It is a serious social problem that has been linked to mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, and affects the health and well-being of people around the world, especially people of color.
Read: The complex crisis of period poverty >>
Why do people bleed freely?
There are a few reasons why people voluntarily give up their menstrual products.
Be natural. Menstruation is a normal bodily function and some people feel that using period products disrupts the natural flow of things.
Normalize menstruation. For some people, menstrual products send the message that menstrual cycles are embarrassing or should be hidden. No products, less shame.
To protest against the “tampon tax.” In some states, menstrual products are priced as luxury items, meaning there is an additional tax for anyone who wants to purchase them. Although some states have suspended the tax in recent years, as of today, 20 states We still have the “tampon tax.”
Raise awareness about period poverty. Too many people do not have access to menstrual products and getting rid of them can be an effort to draw attention to the problem and support people who do not have access and cannot afford them.
Read: My fight against period poverty motivated me to help other women >>
To help the planet. Every year, more than eight million metric tons of plastic waste goes into the ocean. Most disposable menstrual products are made of plastic (sanitary pads are usually 90% plastic and most tampon applicators are made from non-recyclable plastic) and contribute to environmental waste.
Is free bleeding healthy?
Free bleeding is usually safe. There is no scientific evidence that free bleeding has health benefits, but it may be beneficial for some people. For example, if you don’t buy period products, you’ll save some money (although period-resistant clothing also costs money). By giving up tampons, you will also reduce your risk of contracting toxic shock syndrome (TSS)a rare but life-threatening infection caused by bacteria that can arise from leaving tampons in for too long.
Is free bleeding sanitary?
As you can imagine, free bleeding can be complicated. And if you’re out in the world flowing freely, menstrual blood can leak onto surfaces. And menstrual blood, like any 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 transmitted when blood or fluids enter another person’s body. So while it may not be technically impossible, it is extremely rare for someone to get infected through menstrual blood on a chair.
But if you bleed profusely, it is worth thinking about people who may come into contact with your blood.
Which brings us to free bleeding in the real world. It’s your choice to go where you want and when you want, but it may be a good idea to bring extra clothing or vintage underwear to minimize the chances of leaving blood behind.
Free bleeding may not be for everyone, but we can all respect doing what each of us feels is right for our own body.
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