Periodic Literacy Needed to Dispel Myths: Advocating


With stigma still pervasive, one periodic literacy advocate says dispelling myths and misconceptions about menstruation will come by opening more doors for communication.

“One of the myths I’ve heard recently was that someone believed people could get their period at will, which we can’t,” naturopathic doctor Anne Hussain told CTV News Channel on Saturday.

“So we absolutely need to have more conversations that include everyone, so everyone can have a basic understanding of this.”

Part of the problem, she says, is that there is still a lot of stigma, taboo and secrecy around reproductive health.

People continue to use euphemisms while on their period or feel like they have to hide their period products, Hussain says, which can be discouraging.

“Historically, menstruating people have been excluded from so many aspects of life and society, and unfortunately, even though we have moved forward, we still have a long way to go in that direction,” he said. she declared.

Learning the correct terminology and accessing appropriate sources rather than “Doctor Google” will also help get accurate information, she says.


Watch the full interview with Anne Hussain at the top of the article.