Community Storytelling Series

No. 4 Story Time! The story about false advertising... and the dangerous problem of euphemisms in mestrual health.

"Around when I first got my period, I noticed that the blood on my pad wasn't completely fluid like the demonstration liquid used in period product commercials. Of course, I knew my period wouldn't be blue like the fluid, but I thought the viscosity should surely be a good example. Otherwise, how could the demonstration be an accurate depiction of the effectiveness of the product? I genuinely thought there was something wrong with me. The sad part is, I didn't even feel comfortable asking my mom about it. I waited until I was sure something was wrong with me to ask. I mean, I guess I'd rather ask than die.

When I think back, I'm disappointed. In the school system and my parents. Not because anyone did anything wrong, necessarily, but because they just didn't talk about periods openly enough to prepare a girl for this big day. A day that represents every month for decades to come. I got my period late, relative to many others, so it's not like they didn't have time.

I hope periods are a more comfortable topic of conversation today. But, I know they aren't going to be unless we make them so."