Menstruation is often shrouded in mystery, discomfort, and stigma. Despite being a natural and essential part of women’s health, many men remain uneasy about periods — a discomfort fueled by misinformation, lack of education, and deeply ingrained societal taboos.
A 2021 survey by period product brand INTIMINA revealed just how widespread these misconceptions are. Among 1,091 American men polled, 25% believed tampons must be removed to urinate, 11% thought women cannot get pregnant while on their period, and 4% feared tampons could get “lost” inside the body. Even more surprising, 8% believed that menstruation attracts sharks in the ocean.
These myths highlight not only a knowledge gap, but also the stigma that shapes how men view menstruation. Many interviewees admitted they saw no difference between menstrual blood and other types of blood, yet when confronted with it in real life, they reacted with disgust — often associating periods with waste or dirtiness.
Women, unfortunately, bear the brunt of these reactions. One reader recalled: “I was at the mall wearing my favorite white jeans, unaware that my period had started. A man noticed the stain and muttered, ‘That’s nasty; women should just stay home during their periods.’ I was humiliated, but his ignorance only strengthened my resolve not to let shame define me.”
Another shared her heartbreak as a mother: “My teenage daughter came home in tears after her period began unexpectedly during class. Some boys mocked her, and one even said, ‘Women’s blood is terrible, and girls are dangerous.’ It crushed her confidence.”
Yet, there is hope. Encouragingly, 78% of men in the survey agreed that boys should be educated about menstruation from a young age. Research backs this: when men are included in conversations about periods, stigma decreases, empathy grows, and society takes a step closer to normalizing something that should never be taboo.
Menstruation is not shameful. It is a sign of health, strength, and the incredible biological processes that sustain life. By breaking the silence and teaching both boys and girls the truth about periods, we can dismantle harmful myths, replace discomfort with understanding, and ensure that no one ever feels humiliated for something so natural.