‘Free bleeding’ sparks major debate from Millennials as Gen Z embraces controversial trend
'Free bleeding' is the latest way women and people who menstruate are trying to liberate themselves and make their periods that little bit more comfortable - but not everyone's a fan.
We all know periods can be rough, and having to change a pad or tampon every few hours, while trying to go about your normal routine is a huge annoyance.
So, some of Gen Z have decided to simply ditch period products altogether, including more rarely-used options like menstrual cups and other products designed to absorb the flow of blood.
Instead, 'free bleeding' is a form of menstrual activism where you go through your period without these products, and there a whole slew of reasons why people are doing it.
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For one, you save a huge amount of money as you're not forking out on pads or tampons, and it's also a way to normalise menstruation and challenge period shame.
Some people want to do their bit for the environment, so they turn to free bleeding to avoid polluting the Earth further with disposable products.
Hygiene, health, and even just avoiding the pain or discomfort caused by the likes of tampons, are other reasons this trend is growing in popularity - and we're here for it.
Period underwear is a popular free bleeding option, and it counts as you're still bleeding freely into your environment, the underwear just helps prevent leakage.
Others who aren't too fussed about the blood showing simply go about their days as normal without any period products.
Meanwhile, some people take other measures like placing towels on furniture to avoid any unwanted stains.
The free bleeding movement actually first gained momentum in the 1970s as a response to the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
And now, four decades later, and the political act appears it’s having somewhat of a resurgence thanks to TikTok and other social media sites.
But, like any new trend, some people aren't quite on board, and millennials in one Reddit thread have expressed their concerns around free bleeding.
One user wrote: "Each their own, but I'm not gonna do it. I don't like blood everywhere."
While, of course we know periods shouldn't be labelled as 'gross' or 'embarrassing', a second added: "Hello I am a woman and that sounds like the most annoying thing ever. Like what the f**k. Not only gross and embarrassing but more laundry and mess in your home? Don’t wanna even think about how that would effect other people. Like what’s wrong with pads?"
Someone else brutally penned: "Most women are not doing this. I cannot even imagine the extra work I would be creating for myself cleaning furniture, clothes, and etc.
"If a woman does this, I would seriously question the type of person she is. As in how is it considerate to be living with other people while you’re freely bleeding all over stuff? It’s unsanitary. Not to mention the eventual smell of blood in that quantity."
However, others have made sure to defend free bleeding, explaining how they do it and answering people's questions.
One person quipped: "I wear period panties (the Period. Brand at Walmart is my favourite) or I wear a desk but as soon as my period is light I stop caring and will free bleed to my hearts content."
While a second and third added: "When I am home I like to free bleed. I also like to use period undies" and "I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this, do what you want to make your periods less miserable."
A fourth agreed: "I actually thought free bleeding was common lol. I’m a tampon user most of the time so when my period is towards the end I just free bleed. I never do it when its heavy and of course only at home."
And someone else explained: "I'm an older millennial and I've done this for years. I just go to the toilet when I feel it coming out. I stay home on my period. I don't think it would work otherwise as you may not be able to access a public toilet quickly."
One person shared their own experience, adding: "I don’t really freebleed per se (I work full time) but I will avoid wearing anything as often as I can when I’m at home.
"I just hate feeling I have stuff stuck down there (which inevitably ends up dirty for a period of time, no pun intended) so I’d rather wear nothing, it feels more hygienic."
Adding: "Also, and this is just a perception, it feels like everything can come out quicker and therefore end sooner."
If you need more reassurance, the limited studies on the subject have proven there are no apparent health risks if you do choose to free-bleed.
However, Healthline reported 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 avoiding ‘through-the-skin exposure,' you're all good.
So, to conclude, everyone is different and people should simply do what works for them, without shaming others for their choices!
Madison Burgess