Menstruation is a natural process that millions of people worldwide experience every day. Yet, there's still a taboo surrounding this topic. Many women feel ashamed, don't talk about it openly, or face misunderstandings from those around them. This has consequences: a lack of knowledge, uncertainty, and sometimes even health problems because complaints aren't taken seriously. That's why sharing stories is so important. Together, we can break the taboo!
Experiences as a powerful tool for change
The Menstruation Stories project , run by Máxima MC in collaboration with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), gives women+ a voice. On the website " Praten Over Gezondheid" (Talking About Health), 33 people share their menstrual experiences through video, audio, and text. What stands out? No two experiences are the same. While one person experiences minimal symptoms, another struggles with extreme pain, heavy bleeding, or medical conditions like endometriosis or PCOS. By collecting and visualizing these stories, it becomes clear that menstruation is not something to hide, but rather something that deserves attention.
One of the participants explains: "I never felt like my symptoms were related to my period. It wasn't until I started looking at social media, about three or four years ago, that I started reading more and seeing more articles. Then I thought: hey, but what is that endometriosis? And those symptoms sound so similar to what I have." This kind of recognition can have a huge impact. It helps women+ realize they're not alone and motivates them to advocate for themselves, for example, by talking to others or a doctor.
Breaking taboos through recognition and acknowledgement
Reading or hearing about a menstrual experience that resonates with you can be incredibly relieving. "I'm not the only one who has this!" Personal stories also contribute to broader understanding in society. Partners, colleagues, employers, and healthcare providers gain a better understanding of the impact of menstruation and can therefore show more empathy and offer support.
For example, on Menstruation Stories you can read about:
- What Getting Your Period Was Like for Women for the First Time+
- Whether women+ feel dirty and ashamed when they menstruate
- How Trans Men Experience Their Periods
- How menstruation affects daily life, such as work and study.
- The experiences of women+ with conditions like endometriosis and PMDD.
By discussing menstruation openly, we make it easier to share experiences and ask questions. Together, we ensure that menstruation is no longer a taboo topic, but a topic everyone can talk about without shame.
* the illustration was made by Rosanne Martens
An open conversation is the beginning
By talking openly about menstruation, we can contribute to change. Think of greater understanding in the workplace, better education in schools, and improved medical care. Why, for example, should you have to make an excuse to stay home when you're experiencing extreme period pain? Or feel uncomfortable buying tampons or sanitary pads at the supermarket?
It all starts with sharing stories and bringing to the forefront what has been kept secret for years. On Menstruation Stories, you can not only read experiences but also share your own. Together, we'll ensure that menstruation is no longer a topic of shame, but something we can talk about openly and honestly. Will you join us?
In this piece, we use the term woman+ to emphasize that menstruation affects not only women, but also others, such as non-binary people or transgender men.
 This article was written by health scientist and ethicist Lisa Zuidema. She has been working on her PhD research for over three years at the gynecology department of the Máxima MC in Veldhoven. There, she worked on the project "Menstruation Stories," in which she interviewed 31 women and two trans men about their experiences with menstruation. These stories can be read on the website pratenovergezondheid.nl . Lisa also conducted research into the information needs of Dutch women regarding menstruation. With her research, Lisa aims to initiate an open conversation about menstruation, thereby breaking the taboo. |
