Running a marathon without a tampon. Does it 'break the stigma of periods'?

[ArmySal]

www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/kiran-gandhi-ran-the-london-marathon-without-a-tampon-in-a-bid-to-break-the-stigma-surrounding-womens-periods/story-fni0cx12-1227475480183?

When I first read the story I was open mouthed through revulsion, to be honest, but after reading the story I understand (to a degree) the point she was making.

AIBU to think 'fair play' to her? As said in the article, it highlights the fact some women don't have access to sanitary products, something I hadn't really thought about before.

I did this also. I ran a half marathon without realising my period was due and it started during the race. Uncomfortable yes and it was not my choice. Disgusting & revolting? No

Cannot believe in 2015 that people are using the words "disgusting" and "revolting" to describe menstrual blood

I couldn't walk down the street with a tampon in , never mind run a bleeding marathon , due to traumatic birth of first DS . Woman passes menstrual products from her vagina should not be news in 2015 .

I think we've firmly established there's work to be done. I guess one of the things we can all do is challenge these "disgusting/revolting" comments whenever possible.

Love the comparison with urine and faeces , forgive me , but most able bodied people I know have a modicum of control over when they pass those waste products . Hands up all those who have mastered the art of closing your Os at will to stop your menstrual products leaking out ?

I think I might enter the next marathon and shit myself while running. You know, to raise awareness about pooping and why poop shouldn't be stigmatised.

Pooping is after all, a completely normal, natural bodily function just like periods.

I haven't read the entire thread, did someone beat me to it?

"Hands up all those who have mastered the art of closing your Os at will to stop your menstrual products leaking out ?"

That's why tampons were invented.

Surprisingly I've had support and sympathy from colleagues in my virtually all male job. One older guy had a long discussion with me about how a hysterectomy was the best option past child bearing age to stop bleeding and lower cancer risk! So from personal experience I'd say most men are aware nowadays. My DP buys sanpro for the food bank and I didn't tell him to. He says well women get periods so probably need them I don't think her being a free bleeder is a big deal, just don't think most men are that dense about it.....

This is now being discussed on Jeremy Vine. The woman is on.

I accidentally did this once... came on my period half way round the Brighton Marathon. Didn't have any goods with me so just had to power on through. I looked a state by the end but I don't think anyone else really noticed. Wasn't on purpose though.

One older guy had a long discussion with me about how a hysterectomy was the best option past child bearing age to stop bleeding and lower cancer risk!

No, I wouldn't have done it. I would have worn a tampon and got on with it. I can see the point of not wearing a pad, maybe - but not a tampon.

I gave up competitive swimming at puberty purely and simply because of periods and being embarassed at how to deal with it.

It got me thinking.I now do watersports and do get bothered by when I might get a change to change my tampon,and how I can discreetly keep a spare one dry,and how I would know if I've leaked if I'm damp.I would be horrified if I'd leaked.
But why? If I was alone I wouldn't care.Its because I would be embarassed.

Fair play to this woman.She has brought the issue of period shame into discussion.And for some of us who enjoy sport its been a long time coming.

Yes Llw true. I was but he's gone through lots with his Mrs apparently so was knowledgeable and sympathetic so I was

Just discussed this thread with my husband. He thinks nothing wrong with her running and having blood showing as he enjoys seeing women being competitve in sports and thiks they should be supoorted and encouraged, also doesn't think they should be embarrassed or penalised for having a period and bleeding. Wonder how much of this thread was about her daring to bleed to the public eye or what has been seen as her being attention seeking.

Do female athletes generally step to the side, whip out a tampon, insert another and keep going, or is there social pressure against that? What normally happens for female marathon runners? Wee and poo are clearly fair game, so surely (logically) menstrual blood should be also.

I've heard that the extreme training and low body weight sometimes affects athletes periods. I'd also imagine the top athletes might ensure they wont have a period during a big race and do something to stop them. Pee and poo is something elsevi suppose.

lady and bamba
This article might be of interest
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/athletics/30927245

It seems a complete non issue to me. If someone starts a period while in the middle of a competition no one is going to be bothered (probably won't even notice). Deliberately ignoring it from the start is just silly- can't even really understand the point being made because it is just a normal bodily function. Can't see why we bring the Old Testament into it as if how people dealt with it thousands of years ago had relevance.

"No, I wouldn't have done it. I would have worn a tampon and got on with it. I can see the point of not wearing a pad, maybe - but not a tampon."

I imagine a tampon wouldn't be enough for some women ( not me with my last period). Plus, not all women use them for confort, health, religious or cultural reasons.

bambini- what are the religious reasons for not using a tampon?

Four - actuslly your ignorant and narrow minded view on periods and stigma has pissed me off through this thread. I get that you are so liberated and relaxed about it and move in similar circles where you probably discuss the differing quslity of tampon brands over suppervparties but . meanwhile for many people it is still something that isn't talked about, is hidden away and is embarrassing. How many women would nonchalantly ask their Father, brother, male boss etc to buy them a pack of tampox when they nip into tescos. Your wide eyed increduality over this rings hollow.

I asked a simple question bambiambini. I'll repeat it if you like.

What are the religious reasons for not using a tampon?

Might be easier if you just goggle - tampons religious and cultural taboos.