Why women free bleed

Katherine Murad, a gynecology physician assistant, tells the Cleveland Clinic that there are several reasons women are embracing free bleeding.

• Financial relief: According to the Consumer Healthcare Products (CHP), women in the U.S. “spend a collective $3 billion per year on menstrual products.” Skipping tampons and pads saves money, and it’s part of a broader protest against the so-called “pink tax” – unfair pricing on women’s products.
• Environmental concerns: Many view free bleeding as a sustainable alternative to disposable pads and tampons that end up in landfills.
• Body empowerment: Supporters say free bleeding helps normalize periods and remove shame.
• Physical comfort: For some, pads cause skin irritation or dermatitis, while tampons can lead to vaginal dryness.
• Accessibility: Inserting tampons, positioning menstrual cups, and even opening pad wrappers can require flexibility and physical effort – all while necessitating regular changes throughout the day.

Medically speaking, free bleeding is generally safe – as long as you’re practicing proper hygiene.