American rapper Ashnikko has sparked online debate after speaking candidly about "free bleeding" during a recent performance, prompting a women's health expert to weigh in on what the practice actually involves, and whether it carries any real health benefits or risks.
What happened at the show
During her performance at Sziget Festival in Budapest, Ashnikko told the crowd she felt her period was about to start, joking that she might be free bleeding on stage at some point. She turned the moment into an impromptu lyric, singing "Free bleeding in Budapest!" to cheers from the audience. Footage of the moment quickly went viral, splitting opinion online.
What free bleeding actually means
Free bleeding refers to menstruating without using period products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, allowing blood to flow naturally instead. People choose to do it for a range of reasons, including comfort, environmental concerns, challenging stigma around periods, and broader menstrual activism.
Is there a medical benefit?
Dr Susanna Unsworth, a women's health expert at Intimina, told Tyla that from a medical standpoint, free bleeding offers no particular health benefit over using period products, since menstrual blood leaving the body is the same process either way. She said there's generally no significant health risk to the individual either, as long as normal hygiene is maintained.
Where the trend does have value
Dr Unsworth said the movement's more positive contribution is around reducing the shame and stigma surrounding periods, noting that many women have experienced unexpected leaks or their period arriving without warning, which can feel embarrassing. She said anything that helps normalise periods as a natural process is a good thing.
Where she urges caution
However, Dr Unsworth drew a clear line between normalising periods and encouraging people to stop using menstrual products altogether. She warned that letting blood soak into clothing can actually be less comfortable, potentially causing skin irritation, and may mean changing clothes multiple times a day during heavier flow. She was clear there's no medical reason to consider that healthier than using an appropriate product.
Concerns about period product safety
The comments come amid wider online concern about chemicals and trace metals detected in some conventional period products, particularly tampons. Dr Unsworth acknowledged the concern is understandable but cautioned that detecting trace substances doesn't automatically mean a product poses a health risk, adding that current evidence doesn't support the idea that people need to stop using conventional products for health reasons. She pointed to alternatives like period underwear, washable pads, and menstrual cups for anyone wanting to reduce disposable product use regardless.
A note on public spaces
Dr Unsworth also addressed free bleeding in shared or public settings, noting that menstrual blood, like any blood, can potentially carry blood-borne infections. She was careful to stress this doesn't mean menstrual blood is inherently dirty or dangerous, but said it's reasonable to avoid exposing others to it where possible.
Her overall message
Dr Unsworth said she fully supports the idea that periods are normal and nothing to be embarrassed about, but stopped short of endorsing skipping menstrual protection as a health trend in itself.
