Free bleeding - the practice of intentionally menstruating without using period products to absorb blood flow - is a form of activism not without its controversy, and it's ramping up in popularity.
According to leading period and ovulation tracker Clue, the main purpose of free bleeding is usually to destigmatise menstruation.
Some practice the method to raise awareness of the devastating and lasting impact of period poverty, while others believe sanitary towels and tampons disrupt the body’s natural flow.
Advert
Many who free bleed are also aware of the environmental impacts caused by using disposable products, and are more likely to reach for period underwear or reusable towels instead.
While free bleeding has been a movement for decades, the subject appears to always be under scrutiny... but why?
When did people start free bleeding?
Of course, free bleeding isn’t a new phenomenon and it has been practiced in all corners of the world for centuries.
In 2015, activist Kiran Gandhi chose to free bleed while running the prestigious London Marathon. She ran the race in order to tackle menstrual stigma and taboos that women and transgender people have faced across the globe for decades.
Advert
“Because it's all kept quiet, women are made to think that they shouldn't complain or talk about their own bodily functions, since no-one can see it happening,” Gandhi wrote after completing the marathon.
“And if you can’t see it, it’s probably 'not a big deal'. And so I started bleeding freely.”
However, the practice reportedly dates back to the 1970s as a reaction to toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
What is toxic shock syndrome?
TSS is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by infection of certain types of bacteria, the NHS says.
Advert
The syndrome can come on quickly and can affect anyone including women and children.
Risk factors for TSS include the use of tampons and menstrual cups, as well as skin wounds.
Symptoms include a high temperature, muscle aches, skin changes and feeling nauseous as well as confusion and potential seizures.
Gen Z and the controversial rise of free bleeding
Despite the act of free bleeding allegedly being around for years, the practice has recently become the subject of discourse again.
Advert
A quick search on social media sites such as X, formerly known as Twitter, and TikTok will highlight a myriad of free-bleeding fans and naysayers.
“Making the executive decision to end my period a day early,” recently typed someone. “I’ll be free bleeding everywhere tomorrow if my body doesn’t respect my wishes.”
A second user commented: “It’s rlly weird watching society regress in real time. I thought we liked free bleeding I thought it was ok to leave the house while menstruating.”
“New tights. Friends bday so getting drunk in my basement w them all. Free bleeding. All is well,” commented another.
Advert
“Absolutely disgusting and I hope no self-respecting woman goes out and free-bleeds,” penned a fourth user.
A fifth echoed: “Free bleeding is disgusting and a health hazard to everyone around.”
Criticisms of free bleeding
Following Kiran Gandhi’s marathon, journalist James Delingpole declared she’d fallen victim to a joke originating on imageboard website, 4chan.
"Poor Kiran, and the liberal outlets which had applauded her gesture, were the victims of a cruel hoax", he wrote for The Spectator.
As one user learned last year, websites such as Quora and Reddit are also littered with negative opinions of free bleeding.
A woman, known as @Plastic-A-5568, received abuse from fellow Redditors after she admitted to free bleeding at her mother-in-law’s house.
The anonymous user informed readers that she was allergic to sanitary pads and had decided to sit and sleep on her own towels while staying at her husband’s mum’s house.
“My MIL is p****d off to say the least,” the woman confessed. “She's disgusted by my lack of decorum and carrying my bloody towel around everywhere.
“She also hates that I'm washing them in her machines and is now saying we need to pay to have them professionally cleaned (which we will do).”
“YTA. What in the hell did I just read? You can’t just bleed all over someone’s house,” replied one user, while a second said: “It is disgusting to do it in someone else’s home. It is rude and inconsiderate of you.”
Benefits of free bleeding
Free bleeding allows you to feel comfortable in your own skin, is better for the planet and can help you save money in the long run.
Moreover, your TSS fears will be subdued and you won’t be subjected to lead and arsenic traces that some studies have found in disposable period products.
Scientists are still researching whether there are any direct health benefits linked to free bleeding, but as long as it makes you feel comfortable, right?
Ella Scott