Periods & BJJ

by Vhilena Folger

Every month all women can relate to that familiar feeling. We know it’s coming and many of us absolutely hate it. The cramping, lower back pain, breast tenderness, fatigue, bloating and the list just goes on and on.

Yes, ladies, I am talking about periods!! Of course, many of us first experienced our periods as fresh-faced teens. Some even forewarned of its inevitable existence the moment we began approaching puberty. It never sounded like something to look forward to. I can even remember my older sister telling me once I had my period I couldn’t swim, bike ride, or do anything active. My sister warned me too much activity would shift the pad around and the blood would leak through my clothes. I was officially terrified at the idea of getting my period. The very thought of having to stop all physical activity for a full 7 days was agonizing. I can remember asking myself why this has to happen to girls?

Honestly, I don’t exactly recall my first period. Since then there have been many, many more. What I do recall was the mess periods made. Pads were totally unreliable. Often moving, sliding, or bunching up in your underpants. The worst would be if you’d been sitting for an extended amount of time and then stood up, flooding your pants with blood. The feeling of embarrassment due to stained panties, pants, or bedding. Pads also could be very stinky, uncomfortable, as well as visible.

Then there are tampons. A lot more pros versus the use of pads. Tampons are a soft material inserted into the vagina designed to absorb menstrual blood. Once the tampon is inserted it is held in place by the vagina expanding as the material fills with menstrual blood. Tampons are a lot more versatile when it comes to the flow of women’s menstrual cycle. Offering a variety of sizes to accommodate the daily flow of our periods. Many women can expect their flow to be heavier the first few days and dwindle as it nears the end of their cycle.

Tampons come with their own issues and are not 100% without problems. The string attached to the end of the tampon will often get wet when urinating. Blood can leak onto the string too and that can lead to staining your clothes. Some women have experienced the dreadful string hanging out of their bathing suit, leotard or other outfits. Tampons can be painful to remove if the vagina is not wet enough, even cutting the vaginal walls in the removal. Another issue is tampons being forced out of the vagina when urinating.

Lastly, tampons are known to cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS). Toxic shock syndrome is caused by a toxic substance linked to tampons and certain types of bacteria which can cause damage to the organs, shock, and even death. While toxic shock syndrome is rare it is listed as a warning on all tampon products.

Women having their periods and the need for better products will always exist. Women desire products that fit their lifestyles while also protecting their health. Effective products, don’t shift, leak, or cause pain. We understand that having our periods is healthy and part of being a woman but it doesn’t have to be this dreadful feeling that it’s lurking around the corner every 28 days. In a sport like a Jiu-Jitsu, women need the security of a reliable menstrual product. The sport requires a lot of movement and close personal contact with others. Many positions require your legs to be open or around your opponent. No one wants to worry whether they are leaking or that their clothing is visibly stained. Women have reported not training at all during their periods or at least during the heavier days of their period. No woman should feel the need to alter their lifestyle due to fear of their menstrual product not being adequate.

I was officially terrified at the idea of getting my period. The very thought of having to stop all physical activity for a full 7 days was agonizing. I can remember asking myself why this has to happen to girls?

Modern Products
Luckily, products are constantly improving and evolving. In any active lifestyle being able to move freely and comfortably is a must. Our menstrual cycles should not be a factor in our minds, especially while practicing a sport. When asking about this very subject there was an overwhelming response to products used while training. An alarming number of women were quick to respond. The strongest response was for the use of menstrual cup products. Menstrual cup products have surprisingly been around for a very long time. Menstrual cups were actually invented in 1867. Unfortunately, the products were not popular and took a while to catch on.

Menstrual cups were one of the first products suggested as a solution for women’s monthly cycle. The difference between today’s design and 1867 were how the menstrual cups were worn. Earlier technologies had the design outside of the body whereas today’s designs are inserted into the body. The newer designs include a smooth silicone ring with a plastic liner attached to the rim acting as a bag to collect and hold the blood. Some of the more expensive brands are entirely silicone and shaped like a cup. These are designed to be reusable and to last for multiple periods.

The menstrual cup does take a bit of practice. They don’t have an applicator like a tampon. It involves pinching the cup together and inserting it entirely inside the lower part of the vagina, just behind the pubic bone below the cervix. Once the menstrual cup is in place it stays in place for up to 12 hours requiring emptying about 2-4 times per day. Women who use this product applaud its effectiveness vowing to never go back to pads or tampons.

Nowadays, there are many products to choose from for women. It is always best to select products which best suit your life and activity level. Also educating each other on products that work and are available to us. We don’t have to be shy about this subject any longer. We are women — it is part of our anatomy. There is no shame in openly talking about our periods and products that make our menstrual cycle less messy. Period.

Why the Stigma?

Periods have long been associated with shame, disgust, and even fear by ancient civilizations. There’s a long history of menstrual taboos across all cultures, and these myths continue to manifest in today’s world. Add to the mix the lasting impact of religious views and outdated teachings and you’ve got a stigma that is difficult to break. Many of the world’s major religions — Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism — refer to a menstruating woman as unclean and suggest she should refrain from all activity and isolate during her period. In some remote tribal communities, women are still banished to sheds and prohibited to socialize when they are bleeding.

In 2017 Thinx released a survey in the United States which revealed 58% of women experienced embarrassment for being on their periods and 42% have been subjected to what is known as “period shaming.” What has society taught us? To hide our tampons and pads, to feel inferior and incapable of carrying on our daily activities when we’re menstruating, and not to mention, suffer in silence. The only way to put an end to menstrual taboo is to talk openly and honestly about it.

Period the Movement is a global non-profit organization fighting to end period poverty and stigma through service, education, and advocacy. You can get involved and become a leader in your community: period.org

Vhilena Nelson

Vhilena Nelson is a professional hair stylist and owner of
His & Her Mobile Hair Salon in Melbourne, FL. A blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu, Vhilena competes in BJJ and is a local advocate for women in the sport. You can contact her at: hisandhermobilehaircare.com