Half the global population experience periods during their lifetime, and yet a third of us never discuss them with our partners, a recent survey has revealed.
Commissioned by period product brand Bodyform , the survey polled 1,500 women and people who menstruate and found that 33 per cent of those in a relationship keep the true impact that periods have on their daily life hidden from their partner.
The survey also found that:
- Thirty five per cent of respondents are too embarrassed to tell their partner any worries they have around their period.
- Twenty two per cent had secretly washed stained sheets without their other half knowing because they were ashamed of any night time leaks.
- Twenty nine per cent have slept on the sofa, in a different room or different house while on their period.
But perhaps worst of all is that 39 per cent of those who sleep in a different bed during their period said they do so because it’s what their partner prefers.
Thankfully, some 47 per cent of those surveyed responded that they did discuss their period with their partner and 90 per cent of those said their other half was understanding of their situation.
Nevertheless, 29 per cent of the respondents agreed that they slept worse at that time of the month because of stomach cramps, bloating and worries about leaks, while 30 per cent experience anxiety during the nights leading up and during their period.
Speaking on behalf of Bodyform, Laura Whitmore said: ‘The results show so many people hide stained sheets, and it can be embarrassing. It shouldn’t be this way, but it is the way we’ve been taught, but it’s a natural thing that your body does and it’s okay.
‘A lot of people say they sleep separately to their partner. If you do this for yourself to get a better night’s sleep, that is totally understandable, but if your other half has asked you to sleep away, it’s not okay.
‘It’s very important to consider how a period can impact sleep. You have a bad night’s sleep, and your day is pretty much ruined.’
