Men in Menstruation

Menstruation is considered a taboo in India and we oft-times see there’s a lack of discussion on this issue. What is even more grisly is that there are schooled people whose credence-system nevertheless doesn’t allow them to address this subject. People not only shy away from talking about periods, but also to periods-related hygiene, healthcare and products. It is so less spoken about that people don’t know about environmentally friendly menstruation products like period-proof underwear, tampons and menstrual cups.
Periods are stigmatized to the extent that many women are deprived of their rights on grounds of menstruation. Here we are talking about women who go through this stigma, but there are other people to consider likewise– people who identify themselves as Female-to-Male or FTM. They are born biologically female, but more belatedly realize they identify as men. Umpteen trans men are diagnosed with gender dysphoria, which is a clinical term for the experience of having strong and persistent feelings of identification with a gender in contradiction to the one you were assigned at birth and dissatisfaction with the same. It is subsequently they contend with difficulties and sometimes, an identity crisis too.
There is an added layer of social shame for trans men who menstruate, as they need concealing their periods from society. During menstruation, trans men suffer from feelings of loss and detachment when their biological process doesn’t match up with their gender identity. These people risk social stigma, discrimination and harassment when they tell other people who they indubitably are and what do they have to go through.
These people frequently encounter difficulties in finding a gynaecologist who can help them get rid of the uterus and its bleeding. Moreover, a hysterectomy is expensive and there are often complications in surgery. Also, most healthcare and insurance plans don’t cover the surgery.
At a conventional level, there is another problem which is embarrassing, that is how to dispose of a pad in a men’s washroom. If we look from a historical perspective, we can see the entire community has met with vociferous opposition, and there is a lack of studies on trans men and menstruation. That’s how far behind we are in providing the fundamental needs of respect and dignity.
We need to foster an environment which is more gender-neutral. Education must start at the primary level and whether it’s physical and mental health care or the arrangement of public washrooms or the attitude of society as a whole, we should be more empathetic towards menstruation. Instead of employing the term “Menstruation for Women”, we should initiate the usage of the word, “Menstruaters- the humans who menstruate”, as it encompasses every person who bleeds. I think we should stop using menstruation as a way to draw a line for womanhood and start putting the “Men” in “Menstruation.”