Free bleeding

Free bleeding is the practice of menstruating without blocking or collecting the period flow. In recent years it has become a subject of public debate.

History
The movement started in the 1970s as a reaction to toxic shock syndrome, a rare and sometimes fatal condition that can be caused when bacteria grow in tampons worn to absorb menstrual bleeding. It regained popularity in 2014 as a result of a prank originating on the internet site 4chan. Kiran Gandhi ran in the London Marathon while free bleeding as a symbolic act to combat menstrual stigma around the world. The movement focuses on women's and gender minorities' own comfort.

Products
Free bleeding underwear, a result of the free bleeding movement, has received media attention. These products are in response to the use of tampons.