“Anything you can do, I can do bleeding!”: Amazing things women do on their period

Sometimes the baggage that comes along with having a uterus can stop you from doing the most day-to-day activities. Going to work, school, exercising and socialising are put on the back-burner. However, some women aren't letting shark week stop them from slaying in their lane. 

To give you some menstruation inspiration, here are some amazing things to channel their own inner period superpowers. 

1. Menstruation Matters 

Once on the fringes of the art world, menstrual art is now favoured by female artists to create political protests and raise awareness about the wonders of the female body. Chilean artist, Carina Úbeda, created an exhibition entirely from her menstrual cloths, stitched with words such as ‘discard’ and ‘destroyed’. One visitor told the Daily Mail: “Male blood is celebrated for being brave while ours is a shame."

American artist Sarah Levy created the distinctive portrait of Donald Trump with her own period blood. ‘Whatever’, was named after Donald Trump passed comment about the TV presenter Megyn Kelly when she was hosting a live debate. The president stated: “You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes. Blood  coming out of her wherever.” There was an immediate backlash online, with Kelly herself commenting that the republican was insulting ‘women’s intelligence’. Artists like Ubeda & Levy, are debunking the shame surrounding menstruation and showcasing that periods don’t hinder women, but empower them.

2. Running on the blob 

Running a marathon is a great achievement in of itself, but would you run a marathon while flying the red flag? Madame Gandhi would! Kiran Gandhi or Madame Gandhi, as she is better known, is a drummer from Los Angeles, who ran the London Marathon back in 2015 while she free-bled. For 26.2 miles! Gandhi ran the marathon alongside her sisters to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. Her decision to showcase her sporting talent while menstruating sent an inspiring and powerful message: “I ran with blood dripping down my legs for sisters who don’t have access to tampons and sisters who, despite cramping and pain, hide it away and pretend like it doesn’t exist.” 

One of our very own talented ambassadors, Jo, who has endometriosis is even going to Everest Base Camp this year to raise money for Endometriosis UK. We couldn't be prouder of Jo and we are so excited for her on this amazing adventure. You can check out Jo's Base Camp Diaries here. These fabulous women let nothing stop them from achieving their sporting aspirations and there is no need to let it stop you ladies either.

3. Getting down and dirty. 

Image credit:  https://knowyoursins.com/

Periods have been given a bad rap throughout history as something uncleanly, dirty and even disgusting. When some of us think of period sex, the following response can sometimes be, ‘Hell no!’. In reality, having sex on your period can be great to relieve your aches and pains. The oxytocin and dopamine the body releases during an orgasm can actually alleviate period cramps, what’s more natural than that? 

Also, many women often find their libido is at its highest when on their period as progesterone levels are at its lowest meaning you’re more likely to feel in the mood. An added bonus to all of this is the natural lubrication! Due to you feeling aroused and of course, bleeding, you don’t have to get out any lube, so as to not ruin your flow (pun intended). Period sex is a completely normal and natural experience to share with your partner. Remember that sex is not a performance and you always should feel comfortable with your partner at whatever time of the month.

4. To Infinity and Beyond!

Up until the 1940s women weren’t allowed to train as pilots, as it was feared they would be more likely to crash the plane whilst on their period. Moreover, in the 1960s researchers from the Women in Space programme, were cautious to allow women to go to space because their hormones may affect their ability to operate the complex machinery. One question we are still yet to answer though, is what happens when you have a period in space? We did some digging and we were quite surprised by the result. 

The prospect of menstruating whilst interstellar hasn’t stopped the amazing league of female spacefarers we have today. Women like Valentina Tereshkova and Sally Reid, who were some of the first women in space, have paved the way for not only female astronauts but also have proved that women deserve a seat at the table the scientific table, bleeding or not. 

Your period should never stop you from doing anything you want to do. Whether it’s wearing that white dress, swimming in the pool or even going to Mars, menstruating is natural and normal and no one’s opinion of periods should deter you. Anything they can do, you can do bleeding!

We would love to hear some of the amazing things you do when you’re riding the crimson wave. Share this with your friends on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter to show how amazing us bleeding ladies are!