What if men had their periods?
If men had their periods and only they did, would they have made it something different? Would the image of menstruation be different? Would society and its organization be the same? Impossible to know… But let’s try to imagine, just for the duration of an article. The idea is not to assume a real physiological change: it’s not about giving men a uterus or the ability to give birth, we are only transposing the fact of bleeding once a month. So what could it look like?
A different image of menstruation
If men had their periods, would we have spread the idea that this natural physiological phenomenon is dirty, impure, taboo? Would it have been seen as a sign of weakness? Maybe not. Obviously, we can only make guesses. But we can easily imagine that men would have made it a symbol of strength, courage, and masculinity. Blood flowing naturally from their bodies every month, that’s impressive!
They might even have associated menstrual blood with warrior rites, painting their faces with it to scare their enemies, to give themselves courage. And everyone would have applauded!
Or maybe menstrual blood would have been used in the making of more or less magical potions restoring strength and vigor to the sick and wounded. Research would have shown long ago its healing power. (And yes, menstrual blood cells regenerate extremely fast, and some American researchers think they could help treat various ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, or cancer!)
If men bled today
In our current society, would it change much?
One might think that menstrual leave would already have been established in many more countries… Hygiene products would surely be freely available in schools and workplaces, and reimbursed by social security.
There would be more public restrooms because men would need to be able to change their protection at any time. Urinals are not ideal for that!
And what about hormones? If men became irritable during their periods, would women tease them? Also, would we have invented all kinds of words to talk about menstruation without really naming it: ragnagna, things, the English, etc.?
And finally, the big question: would Smoon have made menstrual boxers?
Well, why not? If gentlemen needed to protect themselves with super comfortable, effective, and eco-friendly boxers, they wouldn’t have been left out!
Of course, this fantasy is not to be taken seriously. However, ladies, it’s not too late to experience your periods differently! For that, rest assured you don’t need to paint your face with your menstrual blood like Demetra Nyx did. Having a little feeling of pride the next time you bleed for a week without dying is already pretty good ;)
By Emilie
