Breaking period taboos: Why men need to be in on the convo too
We often think of menstruation as a woman’s issue, but the reality of it is, it’s a human issue that affects everyone.
Menstruation is a natural and essential part of the reproductive cycle and yet, it’s still surrounded by so much stigma, outdated and toxic narratives.
This is where men can play a crucial role in supporting women and helping to remove those negative stereotypes around menstruation. And one of the easiest ways to start that transition is to let your boyfriends and husbands in on the conversation.
Why include men in the conversation?
1. Build trust & strengthen intimacy in your relationship
When you let your partner into the ebbs and flows of your cycle, you can improve the energetic dynamics of your relationship and be in harmony with how energy is reciprocated.
As you’ll soon see, during your menstrual cycle, there are times when he can show up for you and times during the cycle you can show up for him.
2. Promote empathy and understanding
Menstruation can be a challenging time for many women and having support and space can make a big difference. Through education, non-menstruating individuals, we encourage them to be more empathetic and understanding towards how menstruation feels and the signs and symptoms associated with it.
3. Changing the narrative
The traditional narrative around menstruation is frankly really outdated, toxic and negative. Often, it’s viewed as:
It’s the woman’s problem
It’s not a man’s issue
It’s a hindrance to sex and intimacy
It’s dirty and taboo
It’s a time when she turns crazy and she should be avoided
When we include men in on the conversation, we can start breaking down some of the negative and untrue stereotypes around menstruation.
How to start the conversation?
One of the easiest ways is to associate the menstrual cycle with the energetics of the four seasons. Since it’s something most people are familiar with already. This can provide an idea of the different feelings, experiences and needs during each phase of the cycle.
Remember, these are general sentiments and feelings. Each woman will be different.
Inner Winter/Menstrual Phase
Day 1-7 of the cycle (week of bleed)
Keyword: REST
Energy associated with this phase:
Slower & quitter
Lower energy
More sensitive & tender
More introverted than extroverted
More connected with emotions & inner world
Potential needs:
Space for inner reflections & contemplations
Support in protecting personal boundaries
Inner Spring/ Follicular Phase
Day 8-17 of the cycle
Keyword: DISCOVER
Energy associated with this phase:
Energy starts to rise
More sensual, sexual & seductive
Playful, experimental & adventurous
More harmonious, agreeable & generous
Potential Needs:
Needs less & has more capacity for supporting others
Inner Summer/ Ovulatory Phase
Day 18-22
Keyword: CREATE
Energy associated with this phase:
Energy is high
Outgoing, sociable & spirited
Sexual, sensual & seductive
Harmonious, agreeable & generous
Potential Needs:
Needs less & has more capacity for supporting others
Inner Autumn/Luteal Phase
Days 23-35
Keyword: REFLECT
Energy associated with this phase:
Energy starts to slow & fade
Less resilience than inner spring & summer
Feeling more tired, critical & irritable
Shifting from extrovert energy to more introverted energy
Feeling more sensitive & emotional
Increase sense of self-awareness
Have less capacity for tasks as more attention is needed for connecting inner thoughts & emotions
Potential Needs:
Support in slowing down physically
Space to start retreating inwards
Support in protecting personal boundaries
As you see, there is a natural back-and-forth energy during the menstrual cycle. Support goes both ways, where in certain phases you have the capacity to support others more. While in other phases, you'd want and need more support yourself.
I know this topic and conversation will and can be uncomfortable, but it can also be a really positive and bonding experience with your partner.