Photo by ManoRegejimas // Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 2.0
- A new study has found workers in plants that manufacture LCD (liquid crystal display) have shortened menstrual cycles. This is considered preliminary research, as little is known about the long-term effects of such exposure in humans. However, many chemical agents used in LCD manufacturing have been evaluated in animal studies of female reproductive toxicity.
- Our own David Linton’s letter in response to Rose George’s essay about menstrual taboo in India was published in the New York Times.
- Another reason to avoid douches and other so-called feminine hygiene products: the microbes of the human vagina are paramount to our survival as a species.
- The fit (almost fifty!) feminists talk about Iyengar yoga adaptions for menstruation.
- Kirsten O’Regan explores new trends in of labiaplasty and so-called vaginal rejuvenation surgery in Guernica magazine, including a procedure called “the Barbie”, which excises the entire labia minora so that women resemble the famous plastic fashion icon. Read part 1 and part 2.
- Planned Parenthood, the largest reproductive health organization in the U.S., is trying to re-frame the discussions and debates around abortion by letting go of the phrase pro-choice. Tracy Weitz reflects on that change for RH Reality Check.
It would be helpful to know if the shorter menstrual cycles are ovulatory with short luteal phases, ovulatory with normal luteal phases or anovulatory. Regardless, a job that messes with your cycle and fertility has many potential health consequences.
I think the PP Youtube video does a better job of explaining their intention than the articles and commentaries I’ve read about it so far. I like the idea that by removing the labels, you move the discussion to the middle ground, where people with something valuable to say can say it. Will it work? Only time will tell.
Loved the story about the microbiome of the human vagina; the female vagina, and body, as eco-system not to be messed with. I Tweeted and FB this link last week.