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Is it time to end the shame and secrecy surrounding periods?

23 May 2019

Given that around half the population will experience periods during their lifetimes, it may seem a little odd that menstruation remains a taboo subject. Chella Quint, founder of , firmly believes there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Speaking on Mornings, Chella suggested that women have been shamed into silence and secrecy by the advertising industry.

Do we need to think positively about periods?

Chella Quint blames advertisers for the embarrassment surrounding menstruation.

“About a hundred years ago, there were adverts first using the phrase ‘sanitary product’ rather than ‘menstrual product’, to try and make us feel unsanitary,” said Chella.

“And then the adverts said things like ‘end accident panic’ to make you think that leaking on your period was the worse thing ever, and that their product would help.

They really encouraged people to be secretive

Chella Quint on the advertising industry

“Then they designed products that were almost invisible; they’d be in special plain wrapping so you wouldn’t know what they were. And they really encouraged people to be secretive about them.

“That has an impact on health and on well-being because we embody and internalise that shame.”

Chella believes that the secrecy surrounding periods can impact on men too, as they may not fully understand what’s involved.

Her aim is to remove power from the corporations who peddle messages of shame – “I call them Big Tampon” laughed Chella – and return it to parents, teachers and young people who can provide a more positive education about periods.