Dear Mr. Finley,
I enjoyed your Web site very much. [Thank you!]
I am curious as to why there is no mention of health issues associated with menstrual blood - i.e., hepatitis, which can be found in the menstrual blood of infected women. [The museum is first a museum, meaning a place to see the things of menstruation: pads, tampons, cups, ads, huts, historical documents, etc., most of which can't be found elsewhere on the Web. I have added more abstract items as a service and if I think people will find them useful and interesting - this includes current health information. Since I am no expert in health information, I rely on others to supply it - for example, Dr. Philip Tierno, Jr., of New York University medical school and medical center, who is a leading investigator of menstrual products safety, and a MUM board member.]
I am employed by a company which specializes in washroom hygiene. I am amazed that women are not aware of the facts regarding menstrual blood and the public washroom.
For example,
- The traditional sanitary napkin box in a public washroom is the 3rd worst hot spot for contamination of bacteria and viruses (First being the floor and second is the hot water tap [!])
- Hepatitis remains active in menstrual blood for 10 days in the atmosphere
- Just because you may not see any menstrual residue does not mean that it is not present
- 10 percent of hepatitis cases come from unknown origins (not STD's, transfusions, I.V. drug us, etc.) - so where is it coming from?
- Hepatitis has mutated into five strains so far - A,B,C,D,E
- The sanitary waste disposal unit is widely used in Europe. I have heard that they are mandatory in restaurant washrooms in England. Why isn't it mandatory in North America?
The sanitary waste disposal unit does these things:
- It's a discrete and convenient method for the disposal of napkins and tampons
- Stops malodour problems
- Reduces the risk of cross contamination to the user and janitorial staff
- Reduces the amount of solid waste going through filtration systems
- Reduces plugged toilets
If you would like further information regarding sanitary waste disposal units I would be pleased to assist. [I do and I have asked the writer to send information.]
Keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Colleen Shaw-Smith
London, Ontario, Canada
colleens@execulink.com
I am 25 and have been using the Instead cup for about a year. I love it and I hope that they continue making this product forever. This is the first product that reduces my cramping. I am comfortable and confident. Please pass it on.
This has to be the coolest site I've ever seen. [Many thanks!]
Because periods were never talked about, I've always had an unsatisfied curiosity of how people in the past handled their "time of the month."
Also, I am definitely a fan of INSTEAD. I saw ads and was determined to get it. I am in love! It is great for reliability and mess-free sex. Then, I was shocked to find out that this type of product has always been available. [Since the Thirties, anyway.] Too bad people won't get over their inhibitions. They won't know what they are missing!
Thanks,
Dear Sir,
My sister-in-law sent me a link to this site. She is studying to be a midwife and is currently teaching in a local hospital, so women's issues are a particular interest to her.
Anyway, I read your comments about offending people with your humor section. My point of view, for what it's worth, is this:
No one has a gun to their head forcing them to visit the Web site or read the humor section. You are providing a wonderful service, albeit an unusual one. If someone doesn't like it, they don't have to read it. Just like violence and sex on television. It's all about choice. You will always find people who will try to make you responsible for their choices. That doesn't mean you have to take that responsibility. My unsolicited, free advice is keep doing what you want to do until it no longer brings you joy. You are doing no harm to anyone who doesn't want to feel harmed.
If you're interested in what I think: informative, fascinating, gory, disgusting, funny, fun and worth the time to peruse.
Thanks for giving me the choice! [You're welcome!]
Be well,
Please, may I post a letter on your letter page?
I'm researching a documentary for the BBC [British Broadcasting Corporation] about menstruation - myths and facts and blessing or curse.
I have much information about the curse and prejudice but I am finding scant information about the blessing! I was thrilled to find medical information linking surgery for breast cancer and the menstrual cycle and the New Scientist report about differing medication levels required during the 28-day cycle, and the research about eating requirements differing during the cycle etc., but I want to hear from women who have evidence of the cycle as a blessing, for example, artists, writers, etc., who are at their most creative whilst menstruating.
I also want to meet women who practice menstrual seclusion, as with menstrual huts of the past [and of the present; women still use menstrual huts].
And anything and everything to do with research into menstruation.
Next week I am interviewing Mr Peter Redgrove and Penelope Shuttle who wrote the first book on menstruation that offered positive information, The Wise Wound, 1978. I am very excited about asking many questions resulting from the book. If you have any questions for them pertaining to the book or their second book, Alchemy for Women, about the dream cycle corresponding to the menstrual cycle, I would be delighted to forward them to them on your behalf. They are not on the net so any questions would have to have addresses!
Thank you so much for this glorious Web site [many thanks to you for saying that!] and I look forward to hearing from visitors to your site.
Ali Kedge.
ali@shortkedge.freeserve.co.uk or fflic.zip@business.ntl.com
Irregular menses identify women at high risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which exists in 6-10% of women of reproductive age. PCOS is a major cause of infertility and is linked to diabetes.