NPR

'Why Is A Red Stain A Disaster?' Tips On Fighting Period Stigma (Plus A Zine!)

That's the question that researcher Inga Winkler of Columbia University asks. She shares advice on how to overcome feelings of shame and embarrassment about menstruation.

It's been a couple of years, but I can't get this viral tweet out of my mind. It was from 2019, and it asked: "Women, what is the dumbest thing a man ever said to you about ... menstruation, etc.?"

I remember laughing so hard at the thousands of replies:

"My husband thought I had to take a tampon out to pee."

"Someone I was dating asked me if I could reschedule my period so it didn't coincide with his birthday."

And I remember feeling angry, too.

"A dude in college [told] me only nasty women have accidents [stains] on their period."

, co-editor of the , published in July 2020, would very much like for people to know — in case these views on Twitter didn't bring the point

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR1 min read
Caitlin Clark And Angel Reese Are Selected In The First Round Of The WNBA Draft
Caitlin Clark became the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history during her time as a student, while Angel Reese led the SEC division in points and rebounds for two seasons.
NPR3 min readCrime & Violence
Supreme Court Temporarily Revives Idaho Law Banning Gender Affirming Care For Minors
The law makes it a felony for doctors to medically treat gender dysphoria in minors. It will now go into effect except in the case of two anonymous plaintiffs who may continue to receive treatment.
NPR6 min read
NPR Suspends Veteran Editor As It Grapples With His Public Criticism
NPR has suspended Senior Editor Uri Berliner after he wrote an essay accusing the public radio network of becoming too progressive in its news coverage and losing the public's trust.

Related Books & Audiobooks