Menstruation not only forces special considerations for female Paralympians, but keeps them from fully participating in and performing their best on the field. In particular, athletes Elizabeth Wright and Monique Murphy have written about the challenges they face managing their periods as a result of their disabilities. Recent research reveals that all female athletes with disabilities face obstacles when it comes to menstruation. These challenges eat away at their confidence and stifle their competitive edge.
Personal Experiences Highlighting the Struggles
For dedicated Paralympian Elizabeth Wright, real trouble started after a career-ending accident changed her life and period management forever. She lamented the lack of options she had to put people in focused transit and how difficult that made her job.
“When I had my first period after the accident, it was absolutely horrific. It was like all the periods I’d missed were just all coming together with one big punch.” – Monique Murphy
Monique Murphy’s story serves as an additional reminder of the impact menstruation can have on athletes physically and emotionally. After being diagnosed with endometriosis, she nearly lost her competitive swimming career after experiencing debilitating pain so severe that she couldn’t train. During the same flare-up at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships, she stopped kicking abruptly during the race. This event brought to light the serious influence menstrual health complications continue to play in an elite competitive space.
These personal accounts shed light on a broader issue within the sports community: a significant lack of support and understanding surrounding menstruation among female athletes with disabilities.
Study Findings Reveal Alarming Trends
The menstruation and disability study unearthed deeply alarming realities about the ways these identities intersect in athletic spaces. Over the last several years, society has become increasingly more accepting about discussing menstruation. Women with disabilities continue to experience shaming and embarrassment when explaining their period to sports club personnel. These results show that under a quarter of survey participants were educated on how to manage their periods while playing sports. This gap in athlete education and preparation creates feelings of confusion and lack of support for athletes.
Lead researcher on the study, Professor Clare Hanlon, emphasized that most of these solutions to these challenges are simple and inexpensive. They have low cost.
“Over half of them said if they knew period products were available, it would increase their confidence to actually go and play sport.” – Professor Clare Hanlon
The inaccessibility of period products at sports venues continues to be a huge roadblock. So many women say they skip practices because they’re paranoid about leaking while on their cycles. This culture of silence and stigma can have profound negative impacts on athletic participation.
The Need for Change in Sports Culture
The statistics reveal a stark reality: more than 21% of women in Australia live with a disability, yet only around 20% of these women participate in sports. Engaging with the issues of stigma and challenges that disabled women experience regarding menstruation will be key to improving participation rates. Efforts to normalize discussions around menstruation in sports must continue, especially as athletes like Megan Rapinoe and Kiera Austin lead the charge against stigma.
The reality for far too many athlete menstruators like Monique Murphy is a life lived in fear of your period. This anxiety can affect their performance and drain the enjoyment out of sports. With increased awareness and education, sports organizations can create an inclusive environment that not only welcomes but supports women facing these challenges.
