Class is in session.

stigma.

Ever been told that your period is gross? That’s pretty much the only conversation topic we hear about periods growing up. Believe it or not, this deeply ingrained societal stigma goes way back, way back to the Victorian Era. During the boom of the Industrial Revolution, advertising took off in nearly every industry, including period products. Advertisements from the time period would read “Spare you daughter” and other unnecessary things. They were also grossly misinformed about what periods were, thinking that they were some disease that needed to be cured or else you would go mad. Stemming from their never ending need to be clean, the Victorians’ labeling of period products as sanitary have led us to believe today that periods are unclean, unless you use certain products of course (sarcasm).

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Not just women.

While the majority of menstruating people are cisgender (gender identity corresponds with their sex at birth) women, there are actually many other people who go through periods too. In addition to cis women, transgender men, non binary people, and many other people also have periods every 28 days or so. Realistically, the only major difference is that these minority groups are not included in period discussions, and are excluded from period product marketing and products themselves. This exclusivity can often lead to frustration and isolation, and more seriously, gender dysphoria. For folks who don’t identify as women, periods can be a very stressful time as they are going through something that is traditionally a woman-only thing and not having proper care can add to this stress. We believe that if periods are talked about as if they are just a natural thing that many different people experience, then it could lessen this stress.

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poverty.

All the wonderful products we have cost money. When someone is experiencing financial instability, or even homelessness, the last thing they can spend money on is period products. Homeless people who have periods are left to use newspaper, rags, socks, leaves, and even plastic bags to absorb the blood. Period products are kept behind a capitalist paywall while condoms are readily available in some bathrooms, from colleges, and from clinics. There has been progress in some institutions that have eliminated the need for $.25 to buy a single tampon in the restroom, but that’s not enough. Everyone should have access to period products and this will not only help cope with the flow, but will bring back some dignity to those who need it most. 

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myths.

Inadequate education has resulted in the fabrication of numerous myths surrounding menstruation.

Let us debunk some for you:

  • Using tampons will not take away your virginity. Similarly, you can use tampons if you are still a virgin

  • You can swim during your period. And no, sharks will not attack you

  • Periods are not dirty. YOU are not dirty

  • You can still get pregnant during your period. While the chances are slim, semen can live for up to 7 days in the uterus

Fact is, if something seems ridiculous, it probably is.

Products.

There are many different available products all over the market, here are a few popular ones:

  • Pads – great for all people experiencing periods, but especially good for people’s first time bleeding

  • Tampons – an internal period product. Tampons with applicators can be easier to insert

  • Menstrual Cup – zero waste solution that can hold up to 30 mL of blood. No risk of toxic shock and full reusable

  • Cloth pads – Reusable pads made of cotton, better for more sensitive vaginas, just wash in laundry or by hand

  • Period Underwear – wears just like normal underwear but with more layers of thicker fabric to absorb the blood. Can be used alone or with a tampon or cup

As of now, Blot only offers tampons. More products to come.

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