4 days ago
Breaking the cycle: men challenge menstruation stigma in new survey
Young men are not only acknowledging period stigma but are eager to help end it.
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
