Is Free Bleeding Healthy? My Personal experience with Heavy Bleeding & Fibroids
When it comes to menstrual health, more women are exploring alternative ways to manage their periods, and free bleeding is one of the practices gaining attention. Free bleeding, or choosing not to use traditional menstrual products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, is a personal choice rooted in comfort, sustainability, and advocacy. But is free bleeding healthy? Let’s dive into the benefits, potential concerns, and some of my personal tips as a woman with endometriosis and fibroids.
What Is Free Bleeding?
Free bleeding is the practice of allowing menstrual flow to occur naturally without using any menstrual products to absorb or collect the blood. This practice has gained popularity as part of movements focused on menstrual health awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting sustainability.
Is Free Bleeding Healthy?
Free bleeding is generally considered safe for most individuals when done mindfully and with proper hygiene. Here’s what to consider:
Benefits of Free Bleeding
- Promotes Body Awareness: Free bleeding encourages individuals to tune into their body’s natural rhythms, fostering a deeper connection with their menstrual cycle.
- Reduces Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS): Unlike tampons, free bleeding eliminates the risk of TSS, a rare but serious condition caused by bacteria .
- Eco-Friendly Option : By avoiding disposable menstrual products, free bleeding reduces waste and environmental impact.
- Cost-Effective: Over time, this practice can save money spent on menstrual products.
- Stigma Reduction: Advocates of free bleeding aim to normalize menstruation and reduce societal shame surrounding periods.
Potential Concerns with Free Bleeding
While free bleeding can be healthy, there are factors to consider to ensure safety and comfort:
- Hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial to prevent infections, especially when menstruating in public or for extended periods.
- Staining: Without absorbent products, menstrual blood can stain clothing, which may require planning or adjustments.
- Activity Levels: For those with active lifestyles, free bleeding may require additional preparation, such as wearing specific clothing like period-proof underwear.
- Social Stigma: Free bleeding in public may lead to uncomfortable social situations due to persistent stigma around menstruation.
Who Might Benefit Most from Free Bleeding?
- Individuals with sensitivities to traditional menstrual products, such as allergic reactions to tampons or pads.
- Those looking for an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to manage their periods.
- Advocates seeking to challenge societal norms surrounding menstruation.
Issues with Free Bleeding
The biggest social issue with free bleeding is every individual having the access to time and lifestyle that allows a woman to freely experience it without societal restraints. As a black woman with a full-time job I personally felt a little guilty to take on a free bleeding lifestyle. This means that I would need to be at home and not actively participating in life for 3-5 days. I knew trying this lifestyle out would change my menstrual flow, and it took some real scheduling to make it happen as a mom.
I believe every individual with a menstrual cycle should experience free-bleeding at least once in their life without constraints. And, here are a few tips that I believe will allow everyone to experience a “free-bleeding” like experience that works for you.
My Personal Experience with Free Bleeding
I decided to adopt a free bleeding lifestyle on my endometriosis journey with the goal of limiting the amount of chemicals and plastics I subjected my body to on my health journey. And in the beginning, because my flow was so heavy, I didn’t feel comfortable with no level of protection down there. So, I opted to using period underwear. And I loved the experience!
There are so many cute options now that have high absorption. And, I have found that the liner in the panties have fuller coverage than just a “night pad”. Within 3 months, I saw a major difference in the smell and flow of my cycle. And after 8 months, my flow is extremely low with some clotting that only seems to come while using the restroom.
I personally live by period underwear now, and I have gotten friends and family members on the same bandwagon who had doubts due to heavy bleeding because of fibroids.
How to Practice Free Bleeding Safely
If you’re considering free bleeding, here are tips to make the experience safe and comfortable:
- Start Small: Begin at home or in a safe, comfortable environment to get used to the practice.
- Wear Period-Proof Clothing: Invest in period-proof underwear or other absorbent materials to manage flow discreetly.
- Prioritize Hygiene: Wash regularly and change clothing as needed to prevent irritation or infection.
- Plan Ahead: If bleeding heavily, consider carrying extra clothes or super absorbent period underwear for security.
- Communicate Needs: If free bleeding in shared spaces, inform others to avoid misunderstandings and normalize the practice.
- Start with a Bath: At the start of menstrual, consider taking a long yoni bath with magnesium and sea salt to help you and your body ease into the new flow of things. And, if you have a complete day, take 3 baths a day for soothing experience.
What Does Science Say About Free Bleeding?
Is Free Bleeding Healthy?
While there is limited research specifically on free bleeding, studies on menstrual health emphasize the importance of personal comfort and hygiene. However, with so many menstrual products being found to contain harmful chemicals that cause heavy bleeding and menstrual issue, free bleeding to me is an opportunity for your body to natural flow.
Alternatives to Free Bleeding
If you’re not ready to fully embrace free bleeding, there are other sustainable and body-friendly menstrual options:
- Period-Proof Underwear: Offers absorbency and protection while allowing a sense of freedom.
- Reusable Cloth Pads: An eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads.
- Menstrual Cups: A sustainable option for collecting menstrual blood without chemicals.
Is Free Bleeding Right for You?
Choosing whether to practice free bleeding is deeply personal. It depends on your lifestyle, comfort level, and menstrual flow. While it may not be suitable for everyone, free bleeding can be empowering and liberating for those who embrace it.
Final Thoughts: Redefining Menstrual Health
Free bleeding is more than just a practice—it’s a statement about body autonomy, sustainability, and challenging societal norms. Whether you choose to free bleed or stick with traditional products, the key is finding what works best for your body and lifestyle.
Have you tried free bleeding? Share your experiences in the comments or tag me @kylacanzater on Instagram with #PinkProverbWellness. Let’s continue the conversation about menstrual health and empowerment.
More Health and Wellness
- Best Wearable Tech for Tracking Hormones
- How to Choose the Best Period Products for Your Body
- Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps
- Sustainable Menstrual Options: A Complete Guide
hello!
It’s Kyla
Hi Healthy Fam!
Living healthy my way is my thing, and Pink Proverb is my place for health and wellness. Focusing on being proactive about health, and living and creating a self-care lifestyle that allows me to be my best self!
I am taking you a long for the ride, and I hope it inspires you to do the same.
I am a Stage IV Endometriosis mom, working hard to stay pain-free. This is my sacred place of inspiration, journaling the things that have helped me along the way.
For more, check out Healthy Kyla on Youtube!
