There's a brand new trend that's supposedly liberating countless members of the Gen Z community - free bleeding.
But apparently, it's not what many skeptics think it is.
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As we say, women and people who menstruate all over the world are taking the plunge, despite some considering the rather controversial act - which has seemingly gone viral on social media - 'taboo'.
Firstly, let's get into what this online trend actually means.
What do some people wrongly assume free bleeding is?
Many of those unfamiliar with the concept seem to be under the impression that the trend sees part-takers ditching internal health products - like tampons and Mooncups - and choosing pads and sanitary towels instead.
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Interestingly, however, they'd be wrong.
In fact, free bleeding describes the act of freely menstruating without the use of a any sanitary protection at all.
Basically, say goodbye to tampons, sanitary pads, menstrual cups or anything else designed to soak up your flow.
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Before you ask, period panties are considered to be part of the free bleeding category by many women's health organisations, due to the sense of personal freedom they provide wearers.
Why do people free bleed?
There are several different reasons why free bleeders have made the decision to bid adieu to period products.
The first being the price.
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According to a study previously conducted by Channel 4, one in ten teenage girls have, at some point, been unable to afford sanitary products.
The same study found that one in seven have been forced to borrow tampons or sanitary towels from another.
And with the surge in cost of living products, it's no wonder that period poverty is still high.
Other free bleeders have used their decision and their platforms to emphasise the importance in resisting patriarchal expectations.
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Back in 2015, for example, Kiran Gandhi chose to free bleed while running the London Marathon in an effort to tackle period secrecy and taboos.
When asked of her reasoning, she explained: "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. And if you can’t see it, it’s probably 'not a big deal'.
"And so I started bleeding freely."
Are there any benefits of free bleeding?
Aside from feeling more powerful and comfortable with your period if this is the choice you want to make, there are also studies which suggest there are traces of lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals in tampons.
It will help you save money, and some people have claimed that they've felt less cramps, too.
Topics: Gen Z, Health, Periods, Social Media, Women's Health
Rhianna Benson