---
title: "A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period"
date: 2021-02-19T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler, an Associate Professor in International Human Rights Law at the Central European University, about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.

> If people feel uncomfortable about their period, a normal bodily process, they might be uncomfortable learning about it or talking about it. And they may not have enough information to know, for example, whether a period may require medical attention.

[Read the full article ](https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2021/02/19/968404983/why-is-a-red-stain-a-disaster-tips-on-fighting-period-stigma-plus-a-zine)

SOURCE: NPR • AUTHOR: Malaka Gharib • LAST UPDATED: February 19, 2021

![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ destigmatizing the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/destigmatizing-the-menstrual-cycle)
- [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions)
- [culture](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/culture)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)
- [endometriosis](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/endometriosis)
- [menstrual pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-pain)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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[ResourcesRead

## Poet Rupi Kaur Discussing The Stigma Around Menstruation

Poet Rupi Kaur talks about her viral photos of menstrual blood, combating stigma, and some of the positives and negatives that come with increased visibility.

![About That Period Photo That Broke The Internet](data:image/png;base64,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)

Poet Rupi Kaur talks about her viral photos of menstrual blood, combating stigma, and some of the positives and negatives that come with increased visibility.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/poet-rupi-kaur-discussing-the-stigma-around-menstruation)

[ResourcesRead

## How Menstrual Education Can Shape Body and Sex Positivity

This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall.

![pexels-karolina-grabowska-7281538](data:image/png;base64,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)

This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-menstrual-education-can-shape-body-and-sex-positivity)

[ResourcesRead

## Now More Than Ever, It’s Time for Universal Menstrual Education

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.

![pexels-rodnae-productions-4911023](data:image/png;base64,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)

Our content expert Margaret Johnson co-authored this article that advocates for universal, comprehensive, in-depth menstrual education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/now-more-than-ever-its-time-for-universal-menstrual-education)

[ResourcesRead

## Ending Period Shame and Poverty in Asia

Some women in Japan and China are launching businesses, founding organizations, and creating art to combat period stigma and address period poverty.

![Ending Period Shame and Poverty in Asia](data:image/png;base64,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)

Some women in Japan and China are launching businesses, founding organizations, and creating art to combat period stigma and address period poverty.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ending-period-shame-and-poverty-in-asia)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Six Trans Women Talk Menstruation

This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more.

![Kyle a0 KL1 Um0w BA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEbUlEQVRIiW1W267cyA2sYvccLxYB8vd5yD/kqzYIDNiLNXzsGUlNsvaB3ZJ8kBlCGvWlipdmafjvf/2HhJk9mj1ae+v21tujt97MmhkhQErPHOH7GNvYt31/7du2P/fteew/ffuh453jvY3vPb4/8q83fen60oAGGACAuD789REAdBsh+HGeaxdZN9zWGMgPU3MDefHxBJ+DJLGM60oYWNYBFKThtrRMoFhe1wg+/FiIdpmtqzWykw/yUXgGI3jS2MKykwyX2Zq64ZrRmlljGTut095o/8CKYHGYXdB3XF7jXAS4oU9rndbZOu1BfiJ/p3USc92F/iGgSWaaEVy+g618N2tm3axb62ad9qA9aL+R/6RZhxlQG4128xcUSECzrgbmzNJ0fLnfGlpjNmanPUwP4o36RP1O5SSAEWb3bGheCUh1Js7klDvWaM1ak3W1zujWuqkTD+JBvTE/kdlpxnP/4tCq8DrUgiDmRWNGM6sgWmM0ts7stE516sF80N6o7AuEMBa0yMrPigBQnepbDSZHKxqdpbbGbLQGdeABRIed5306DnyIQKpm/qW5VqJosobzRLHQG1lK0TuuHr5BgJoicQqJzsa+WtcIszq7Z1hIq1ihBrQ+u5+XvmiBnRKkO9PV2JOMHz0jaIIJFGgX7sp2PUmob13uxJdoTfngapcZooTT+g0TOqdEzZOz6K5Nqyh3tb1GlRK1SFL9vrxQJIkVwT0cSYUyH+bKeZvDKVFKJZXIVGaXslJbGZ8rEzAKVtQTQykllLVCqN8JZU0xE5nIQAYiFE6NrkwQEmWccSZkkKhVaEEFrSwLlIMKZWRmZiiDGQpXhMJbjIxB7R0KCSKVnDUwISWYKJIrhIWrgEIZSldGZig9MxSOGAxXDPmQH4wX89kVzlMbuLJslc7ZyYKWv6680BWu8AzPGBmOGIjD/KBv5i/GO/NrV0a9A0XKTGizXjwJNFOUeYIqXTE0oUf4SD/kB8bBsXG8zL/TvzLRFaO0QUbJJEkmmexU01kDRTnuyqEYGSPjyBjhR/ievufYMV4YTx7f6Z/pKAIHIFIymAkSbBoNs/s0axtDOVSJLg7fo2xsOV4aTxzvOP7gAB1YEUA0iVKTUmg3AtY/I2RO9+PmvpftMXYfWxxPHe86PmMXD8DBuKeoKls1kEFNliRXCy2ClSLFoSjfdx8vH08fP3L/U/s7NuAAxv8hWBWepT5rkMpEumIgJnr6mO77FuPlx08/vsXxOTdoA3bgAH3WYBHM9qrDaoCJK4YMpePXCDKO9D19C3/6eB/Hf2NH7NALeEE7cBRBnVGYKBAilAAliXWTpECG5EpHuLKqfWRUBE8f3/w4/EBsyBf0A/gB/ERHBgCYlSxovYaVACSrHCUyigNnJWJkLI54hv/PB/yAb8gn9A16AkBXBkilRCgJK0GsQAySgFPaNC0WXzEdildG5uxlxE/oOUW8L7W2klBoSh0gIaklFdf7IEuaoJRCCskzd5WMOmIgX8j1lvgbDE+7FenIMxYAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

This article discusses trans women’s thoughts and feelings about periods, pregnancy, PMS, and more.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/six-trans-women-talk-menstruation)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.

![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADE0lEQVRIiZVW0ZLcMAiTsLf//3V9649cbKsPGIxzbWe648nk9jYICQHhr58/AVCiZGuZX+9DiQAAkiBhhtbQGnqnX3v3K3tnazSjGcxIGgBI+P6R/vz9f366AF5hdYWWJLEikZnT+Z4ka5j4GdAhKfKVxIqxFl54hVlG54kZUcn8vr8pBZLW8ivX8hyYeZEvTqz3FYbsmX6Ni7X2mfOQ8Ap79Dgn/Sq1o5AEum65Pbr8zOn3J18zpJHSWiVfJoO4BoDEIos89zldolrzHctRvf4Sb6dkdFYARWE99331G0+W3EK5elntW3+mPiSORGuttSzEgevjx/8EaJaVoFmSeBfg5tBX0ISktdZa9MTH0BinDIDM2NqWqDUHToyEuapAdnl2mX6Igzk1J8bQnLvIZlsrM8y5a+OD5FvPMwzdL+kTI6OP4U49EgXAPtGPDsO7JAD6cpprLacc0VUYXEV2gNZ2eWqjvNLfDObcEqVnkoTXwANJMNuPefRigfdQiYRYGbz1iaMx/HmZba1bQ2vqnX+DKZ++FZAwJ9P+hYRX21nKbWqG1jgG4r+n5repAPTlJpGO9Gvtx3IcudDZaGZ4HvWOMTAGw8rHtSFU1MANMOcqlbgmkhsphyip1vg86N0p0s2Wg6vw6GsMRifzDp2yqvSau4jPI1+Wnw/CC7wxfJVtBuZRSvpH0G8FFAkztqbe8Tx4Hnw+iAfpY803krQZ7DmaNo31UGGUPeVUWoMDeCW85+sAlgB0jQFgSbyV0atcZYMqey0ZRM/nBuRexNoAJ985VUokIO62VnqR+HwcQ3M6iY0R86NrzgQ4Gw1lt+z4myIrid7x9YUfPxCjl8GeL4noMXD2c43+wjiT4+trMwgA3SopGaQUCg/ktDowrlL8HmbsXVHks/5KdF4ApEq2Nfd82bocTKZN6Qz+NPi6Z3QyLZP2nArsXb0WzNKdW/1Y4LnGJXWttXvnFesFkwCS5gSpGHa89UlnO0bHWj7FfAzoJsEwKzO628zfLWImXqO0TmzJajf9+2X6NETOjxJRr5so5G/uCYoVYq9pDwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)