Unexplainable The bleeding edge
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Mar 13, 2024 Researchers explore the potential medical benefits of menstrual fluid, facing societal stigmas and research challenges. Endometriosis diagnosis is improved through innovative genetic research and non-invasive menstrual fluid analysis. The podcast discusses the importance of overcoming taboos and obstacles to advance menstrual health research.
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Calmness Amid Menstrual Fluid Stigma
- The researcher Amber Legere calmly showed a vial of menstrual fluid to a visitor who joked about it being gross.
- Despite stigma, their professional openness helped ease discomfort and highlighted ongoing taboos around menstrual fluid.
Menstrual Fluid as Diagnostic Window
- Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 menstruators but takes 7-10 years to diagnose due to invasive surgery requirements.
- Menstrual fluid offers a non-invasive window to detect disease by studying uterine lining cells shed monthly.
Scientific Neglect of Menstrual Fluid
- Science has largely ignored menstrual fluid despite the uterus being well known.
- Lack of standardized menstrual fluid collection hindered research until new efforts established feasible methods for patients.