Breaking the cycle: men challenge menstruation stigma in new survey
Image: Vanessa Ramirez/pexels
There's a quiet revolution brewing, and it's happening in a space many might not expect - men are stepping into the conversation about menstruation.
Yes, you read that right. A groundbreaking survey by Kotex has revealed a surprising shift: Young men are not only acknowledging period stigma but are eager to help end it.
For decades, menstruation has been wrapped in silence, shame, and secrecy, treated as a 'women's issue' that men conveniently sidestepped. But times are changing.
And this change isn't just about breaking taboos, it's about building a culture of empathy, understanding, and shared responsibility.
Menstruation: not just a 'women's issue'
For the first time, this year's Kotex P-Word Survey included male respondents. Why? Because menstrual health affects everyone, directly or indirectly.
'Breaking taboos requires a collective effort,' Kutlwano Tshetlhane, head of marketing at Kotex, explained in a chat with "Independent Media Lifestyle".
"If we're serious about ending stigma, men have to be part of the conversation. Including young men in the survey helped us uncover their perceptions, knowledge gaps, and willingness to support.'
The survey results are eye-opening. Surprisingly, 89% of young men expressed a desire for more education on menstruation, and 77% said they believed they should be more involved in supporting women during their cycles. This is more than just a statistic, it's a cultural shift.
"When men actively engage in understanding menstruation, it reframes the narrative. It's no longer a one-sided struggle but a shared responsibility, paving the way for inclusive, stigma-free support."
For decades, menstruation has been wrapped in silence, shame, and secrecy, treated as a 'women's issue' that men conveniently sidestepped.
Image: Anna Shvets/pexels
Why the stigma lingers
Despite progress in menstrual education and awareness, 85% of young men still believe that period stigma is a real problem. Why does it persist?
Tshetlhane points out that cultural beliefs, shame, and secrecy remain deeply rooted in many communities.
'Education has improved, but it often focuses on biology, not the lived experience. Until conversations about menstruation are normalised at home, in schools, and across society, stigma will continue to thrive.'
This highlights a critical issue: education isn't reaching everyone. Boys are often left out of the conversation, making the topic feel awkward or alien to them.
But as Tshetlhane noted, 'When young men ask for better education, they're showing curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to learn. That's a window of opportunity we can't afford to miss.
'Rethinking education, two-thirds of male respondents in the survey believe that schools are the best place to learn about menstruation. But how can schools create an inclusive environment that doesn't make boys feel uncomfortable?"
The answer, according to Tshetlhane, lies in normalisation.
'Menstruation shouldn't be a separate or secret topic. It should be taught with the same openness and importance as any other health issue. Using inclusive language, relatable examples, and well-informed educators makes a big difference.
"When boys see trusted male figures, like teachers or coaches, engaging in the conversation, the awkwardness fades, and empathy grows.'
This isn't just about teaching facts, it's about shifting mindsets. Inclusive menstrual education helps raise a generation that sees periods as a natural part of life, not something to be ashamed of.
The survey results are eye-opening. Surprisingly 89 percent of young men expressed a desire for more education on menstruation.
Image: RDNE Stock project/pexels
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
16-07-2025
- IOL News
Meet the smart period pad: your new ally in spotting cancer, inflammation and endometriosis
By transforming menstrual blood into actionable health insights, MenstruAI represents not just a technological leap but a fundamental change in mindset. Image: instagram How menstrual blood is being transformed from 'waste' into a window on women's healthImagine if your period pad could quietly monitor your health while you go about your day, no needles, no lab visits, just a photo on your smartphone. It sounds futuristic, yet it's already becoming a reality. And it could change women's health in ways we've needed for decades. Globally, millions of women live with endometriosis, fibroids, and other reproductive health challenges, yet diagnosis often takes years. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Global Women's Health found the average time to diagnose endometriosis can stretch up to 7–10 years, a delay rooted partly in how women's pain is underestimated, and how little research has historically focused on menstrual blood itself. This is where MenstruAI, a new technology developed by ETH Zurich, could spark a quiet revolution. As reported by Yahoo, MenstruAI turns menstrual blood, once dismissed as waste, into a rich source of health data. The system uses a paper-based sensor built into a sanitary towel, working similarly to rapid Covid-19 tests. But instead of saliva, it reacts to proteins in menstrual blood, changing colour based on biomarker levels. What does that mean for real people? After wearing the pad, users simply snap a photo of the sensor with a smartphone. The MenstruAI app, powered by machine learning, analyses the photo to pick up even faint colour differences. This data translates into personalised insights about inflammation, cancer-linked markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CA-125, a biomarker often elevated in ovarian cancer and endometriosis. While MenstruAI doesn't provide definitive diagnoses, it offers an early warning system by flagging concerning biomarker levels, prompting users to seek medical advice when necessary. Image: Vanessa Ramirez/pexels Lucas Dosnon, the study's first author, calls this shift long overdue. 'To date, menstrual blood has been regarded as waste. We are showing that it is a valuable source of information,' he explains. And it's not just about the data. It's about rethinking what menstrual health can mean for millions of people. A powerful, pocket-sized lab At its core, MenstruAI is designed to be as easy as taking a Covid-19 self-test. A tiny silicone chamber inside the pad houses the test strip, which changes colour depending on protein concentration. The darker the strip, the higher the biomarker levels. The app then reads and interprets the result, turning a complex lab test into something you could do in your bedroom. This technology matters because menstrual blood contains hundreds of proteins that mirror what's found in venous blood, yet until now, these biomarkers were largely ignored by researchers. By making this data accessible, MenstruAI could empower people to spot early signs of disease or inflammation and track changes month to month. And importantly, it isn't limited to big cities or expensive clinics. 'The aim was to develop a solution that can also be used in regions with poor healthcare provision and would be as cost-effective as possible,' says Inge Herrmann, a professor at the University of Zurich leading the project. It's an approach that could help reduce health inequalities and bring screening closer to underserved communities. Beyond diagnosis: toward awareness While MenstruAI doesn't offer a definitive diagnosis, it flags concerning biomarker levels, nudging users to seek medical advice. This could cut years off diagnostic delays and offer peace of mind or early intervention. Beyond the medical side, there's also a social challenge: making this feel normal, not awkward. Herrmann's team is working with designers from Zurich University of the Arts to ensure the product feels as everyday as a regular pad because breaking taboos around menstruation is just as crucial as the science itself. A bigger conversation about period health All of this innovation fits into a wider shift in how we view menstrual and reproductive health. From menstrual cups to reusable pads designed to ease period poverty, we're finally starting to see menstruation as something to understand and support, not just manage. Dosnon adds, the 'systemic lack of interest in women's health' has left generations without the tools to know their own bodies. Turning menstrual blood into health data isn't just about new technology; it's about changing that mindset. That's the quiet promise inside MenstruAI. And it might be the beginning of a much-needed revolution, turning what we throw away each month into something priceless: knowledge about our own health.
IOL News
30-06-2025
- IOL News
Curves to contours: why the BBL reversal trend is shaping new beauty standards
Why are so many individuals opting to reverse one of the past decade's most sought-after cosmetic surgeries? There's increasing curiosity and urgency surrounding this phenomenon. Image: Vidal Balielo Jr/ Pexels If you spend any time on social media, you've probably noticed a shift. The same platforms that once glorified the 'BBL body', those dramatic, hourglass curves, are now buzzing with a different narrative: the 'BBL reversal'. From TikTok confessions about 'BBL smell' to celebrities and influencers dissolving their fillers and slimming down, there's a growing curiosity (and urgency) around why so many are choosing to reverse one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries of the last decade. As Professor Chrysis Sofianos, a consultant plastic surgeon, shared with "Independent Media Lifestyle", This isn't just a fleeting trend, it's a cultural moment that invites us all to rethink what body confidence really means. 'The exaggerated curves made famous by celebrities in the late 2010s are giving way to a more athletic, natural silhouette. Beauty standards are shifting, and so is what we value in our bodies.' From BBL boom to BBL regret: What changed? Let's rewind. The Brazilian Butt Lift, or BBL, became a household name in the late 2010s, thanks to celebrities and influencers making the 'snatched waist, big booty' look aspirational. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, BBLs increased by over 90% between 2015 and 2020. But what felt empowering for some has, for others, evolved into regret. Why? 'The answer is layered. Beauty standards are always shifting. Right now, the pendulum is swinging toward a more athletic, natural shape. But more importantly, we're now seeing the long-term consequences of rushed or poorly performed BBLs. "Many people feel physically uncomfortable, experience pain, or simply no longer recognise themselves in the mirror. Others feel stigmatised or out of step with changing social norms.' Sofianos says, 'Some reversals are driven by regret. Others have realised the procedure didn't age well, or it's causing functional problems like chronic pain or trouble finding clothes that fit.' What exactly is a BBL reversal? To be clear, a BBL reversal isn't as simple as just 'removing fat'. As Sofianos explains, 'While liposuction can reduce the volume of transferred fat, it's much more complex. The fat has integrated into your body's tissues, so removal must be precise, safe, and strategic.' The process often involves dealing with stretched skin, uneven contours, or over-projection. Sometimes, skin tightening, fat redistribution, or even reconstructive contouring is needed. It's a bespoke procedure, tailored to each person. So why are people reversing or removing their BBLs? 'Patients' reasons are as unique as their bodies. Many say they feel disproportionate or physically uncomfortable, think pain when sitting or sleeping. Others mention changing lifestyles or fashion choices that make a BBL feel impractical or even embarrassing. "And then there's the emotional side: feeling self-conscious, struggling at work, or just not recognising yourself in the mirror anymore.' What are the risks of removing one's BBL? It's worth knowing that a reversal comes with its own set of challenges, warns Sofianos. While it doesn't carry the same risk of fat embolism as the original BBL (which can be life-threatening if fat is injected incorrectly), complications still exist: contour irregularities, dimpling, fluid pockets, and asymmetry are all possible. Plus, since the surgery often involves revising tissue that's already been operated on, healing can be unpredictable. 'In the hands of an experienced surgeon, it's generally safe,' Sofianos says, but it must be planned carefully with a clear understanding of your goals and expectations.' What results can you expect? The truth is that the full 'reversal' may not mean you'll look exactly like your pre-BBL self. Surgeons assess your skin's elasticity, fat distribution, and scar tissue to create a plan, which may involve staged procedures. Scarring is usually minimal if only liposuction is needed, but more extensive work can leave visible scars, especially if skin removal is necessary. The main goal is restoring balance and comfort. He adds, "Physically, most patients recover well when they have realistic expectations. But emotionally, it's a mixed bag: some feel immediate relief, while others grapple with sadness or frustration about their initial decision. "It's common to need time to adjust to your new body image, so psychological support or at least honest conversations with your surgeon are vital." A screenshot of Summer Walker's Instagram story, seemingly poking fun at Wandi Ndlovu's BBL and comparing it to chicken thighs. Image: Instagram stories If the idea of another operation is overwhelming, you're not alone. 'Start with a consultation, you're not committing to anything,' advises Sofianos. Non-invasive treatments like radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening can help with mild contouring but won't remove fat. But if discomfort or unhappiness persists, surgical intervention might be the most meaningful way forward, provided it's done safely, by a fully qualified professional. Perhaps the most important takeaway is this: BBL reversals are not failures. 'This is an opportunity to reflect on where our body decisions come from,' says Sofianos. Are we making changes for ourselves, or because we feel pressured by social trends? Cosmetic surgery can be empowering, but it should be guided by self-awareness and long-term thinking. 'Bodies change. Identities evolve. What matters most is that the choices we make, surgical or not, reflect who we are right now, not who we felt we had to be in the past.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
Author Jane Kotze reveals a compassionate approach to tapering off psychiatric medications safely
In writing her book and fostering connections with other individuals battling similar issues, Jane Kotze has shifted her self-perception from that of a 'broken' individual to an empowered person capable of advocacy. Image: Supplied The discourse surrounding psychiatric medications is often fraught with tension and differing viewpoints. While some advocate for their necessity in treating mental health disorders, others assert that these medications can be overprescribed and potentially harmful. Enter Jane Kotze, a voice emerging from personal experience, whose insightful book, 'The Tapering Journal: A Practical Guide to Safely Tapering Off Psychiatric Medications', offers a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their mental wellness without the crutch of medication. Kotze's path is not merely one of clinical understanding; it is enriched by her tumultuous journey. Having been rapidly tapered off psychiatric medication by a trusted healthcare professional, Kotze found herself grappling with severe withdrawal symptoms. Many in her situation would have faced the suggestion to return to the very medications that had previously proven ineffective. However, armed with resilience and a newfound mission, she sought to create a resource that acknowledges the often-overlooked challenges patients face during the tapering process. Since embarking on her tapering journey in November 2020, Kotze has gained profound insight into both the difficulties and triumphs associated with safely reducing medication. In writing her book and fostering connections with other individuals battling similar issues, Jane Kotze has shifted her self-perception from that of a 'broken' individual to an empowered person capable of advocacy. Image: Supplied Born and raised in Johannesburg, her early years were marked by profound grief. By the time she turned 18 years old, she had lost nine loved ones, experiences that would profoundly influence her relationship with mental health. Originally aspiring to become a psychologist, Kotze's path took an unexpected turn as she became captured in a web of psychiatric medications, diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1999 and later subjected to a myriad of additional diagnoses, including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). 'The label of bipolar, I questioned - my struggles seemed more about unresolved trauma than a biological condition,' Kotze reflected in an interview with "Independent Media Lifestyle". 'My journey was flooded with prescriptions that came without adequate warnings about withdrawal risks or side effects.' The consequences were harrowing; what seemed like relief initially turned into suffering as medications were changed abruptly, leaving her unrecognisable to herself and causing crippling mental breakdowns. In a dramatic twist of fate, a particularly traumatic experience in a mental health facility in 2016 opened her eyes to the systemic flaws within the psychiatric community. 'After my medications were quadrupled, I was left confused, overmedicated and decimated,' she recounted. This experience ignited a fire within Kotze to question and ultimately challenge the norms of psychiatric care. Her investigation led her to psychiatrist Dr Peter Breggin, whose findings confirmed her fears: the medications she had been taking were neurotoxic. Upon realising two decades of medication had worsened rather than eased her despair, she embarked on a healing journey. Attempting to taper off her medications became a harrowing experience, filled with debilitating withdrawal symptoms and alarming setbacks. Determined to truthfully document her journey, she began journaling her experiences with tapering. 'The Tapering Journal' contains essential strategies for safe tapering, adverse reactions, potential withdrawals and valuable insights drawn from her painful experiences. Image: Supplied This led to the creation of her book, 'The Tapering Journal', which contains essential strategies for safe tapering, adverse reactions, potential withdrawals and valuable insights drawn from her painful experiences. The book became a comprehensive resource in 2024, aiming to equip others with the knowledge to safely navigate their tapering journeys. 'The idea came to me during six months of severe withdrawal symptoms,' Kotze explained. 'I wanted to share my knowledge on safe tapering methods while raising awareness about the dangers of overprescription and abrupt medication changes.' With that aim, she harnessed the power of social media platforms to connect with others who have faced similar struggles, empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their treatment. 'What frustrates me immensely is how little is taught about safe tapering methods,' she lamented. Many patients unwittingly suffer devastating repercussions due to a lack of information and support. 'There's a vital need to address withdrawal expectations and educate patients about the risks associated with abrupt discontinuation of psychiatric medications.' She expressed her urgency in advocating for patient-centred care and informed consent, seeking to prevent future harm and offering hope for recovery. Kotze's experiences have led her to profound self-discoveries. In writing her book and fostering connections with other individuals battling similar issues, she has shifted her self-perception from that of a 'broken' individual to an empowered person capable of advocacy. 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made,' she emphasised, embracing her identity beyond psychiatric diagnoses.
