‘Free bleeding’ explained after taboo trend sparks major divide among women

When it comes to periods in this day and age, there are a number of options available to women, from menstrual cups to period underwear and the classic sanitary pads and tampons.

However, another more taboo method of dealing with that time of the month is on the rise around the world - but it seems that not everyone is on board.

We’re talking about ‘free bleeding’ - a term that was coined within 1970s feminist menstrual activism due to fears around toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and to hit back at societal taboos.

But it’s not just a thing of the past, with Gen Z embracing the movement and putting it into practice themselves, as it’s grown in popularity in the past few years.

Recently, the topic has been in the spotlight again thanks to American musician Ashnikko, who revealed she was about to start ‘free bleeding’ on stage during a live concert over the weekend.

The 30-year-old performer declared: "Just so everyone knows, I feel like I'm right about to start my period, so if I'm free bleeding at any point on this stage, respect and love.”

'Free bleeding' is the act of ditching sanitary towels and tampons while menstruating (Getty Stock Image)

What is ‘free bleeding’ and why do people do it?

‘Free bleeding’ is a form of menstrual activism where someone menstruates without blocking or collecting the period flow with period products.

It sees women and people who menstruate choose to discard products like tampons and pads and instead bleed freely.

People choose to do this for a variety of reasons, such as the high prices of sanitary products, the pain or discomfort that can be caused by tampons and pads, or concerns for hygiene and health.

Others want to challenge the taboo, and the idea that periods are something no one should be able to see, with the movement also being tied to the idea of not wanting to pollute the Earth with disposable products.

There’s also no specific way to practice free bleeding - for some people, it looks like sitting on a towel at home during a heavier day, so as not to stain any clothing. For others, it can mean bleeding directly into clothing.

As per Clue, using period underwear is also considered free bleeding because you’re still bleeding into your environment, without using disposable products.

The movement originated in the 1970s and has recently seen a resurgence (Getty Stock Image)

Why is ‘free bleeding’ controversial?

While the idea is becoming more mainstream, it still causes division, and not everyone is a fan of the ‘free bleeding’ movement.

One X user reasoned: “I wish free bleeding wasn’t so gross, I would do it,” while a second wrote: “HOW are ya'll comfortable free bleeding?"

Others brutally wrote: “That’s just nasty. What’s wrong people” and “Okay, enough is enough seriously. This is disgusting.”

However, others firmly argue for the cause, writing online: “Free bleeding on your period is so important don’t let anyone tell you it’s not important” and “Shifting to period underwear or free-bleeding at home completely changed my relationship with my cycle. Why are people so terrified of blood?”

Someone else agreed: “Do people think we didn’t get periods before pads and tampons? This is how it was! It’s natural!”

Musician Ashnikko candidly declared they were about to start 'free bleeding' during a festival over the weekend (Katja Ogrin/Getty Images)

What does research say about ‘free bleeding’?

The limited studies on the subject have proven that there are no apparent health risks if you do choose to free-bleed.

However, Healthline reports that period blood has the ability to carry bloodborne viruses like Hepatitis C, which is able to live outside of the body for up to three weeks, while Hepatitis B can remain viable for at least seven days.

But as long as you're being sanitary and avoiding ‘through-the-skin exposure,' you'll be fine. It also goes without saying that it’s important to be respectful of those around you by not allowing blood to leak onto public services.

Clue advises that you make sure that your period products and towels are kept clean, to reduce the risk of infection.

Dr Susanna Unsworth, women’s health expert at Intimina told Tyla: “From a medical perspective, there is no particular health benefit to free bleeding. Menstrual blood leaving the body is the same whether it is absorbed by a sanitary pad or allowed to soak into underwear or clothing.

“Equally, there is generally no significant health risk to the individual from choosing to free-bleed, provided normal personal hygiene is maintained.”

So there you have it, maybe give it a go during your next period!