An Introduction to Menstrual Extraction: That We Didn’t Know We Needed.

Menstrual extraction is a process that allows women to remove menstrual blood from the uterus without the use of medications or surgery. Though not widely known, this technique has a fascinating history and offers several benefits. When I first heard about this I had to get to researching so I can come back here and serve the tea pipping hot to y’all. I had questions and know I got answers so we gonna dive into the history of menstrual extraction, its benefits, potential risks, effects on hormones, and a detailed explanation of how the procedure was historically performed. Additionally, we’ll explore its historical connection to abortions and whether this practice is still used today and by whom. Because whet? Okay let’s sip ☕️

History of Menstrual Extraction

The concept of menstrual extraction was pioneered in the 1970s by feminist health advocates Lorraine Rothman and Carol Downer. They developed the Del-Em kit, a simple device designed to facilitate menstrual extraction safely and accessibly. Their work was part of the broader women’s health movement, which aimed to demystify women’s bodies and promote self-care   .

When Rothman and Downer developed the Del-Em kit, their primary goal was to provide women with more control over their reproductive health. Although menstrual extraction was initially promoted as a method for managing menstrual cycles, it also became a way for women to terminate early pregnancies discreetly and safely at home. At the time, abortions were illegal in many places, and the Del-Em kit provided a means to circumvent these laws. The kit allowed women to perform early abortions without medical supervision, thereby reducing the risk associated with illegal and unsafe abortion procedures  .

Benefits of Menstrual Extraction

1. Cycle Control: Menstrual extraction can be used to control the timing and duration of menstrual periods. This can be particularly beneficial for women with irregular or painful periods.
2. Non-Medical Option: It offers an alternative to hormonal treatments and medications, making it a more natural option for managing menstrual health.
3. Emergency Contraception: Though not its primary use, menstrual extraction can serve as a form of early abortion in the very initial stages of pregnancy. This use, however, should be approached with caution and professional guidance.
4. Empowerment: For many women, the ability to manage their menstrual cycles independently can be empowering and enhance their understanding of their own bodies.

Potential Risks of Menstrual Extraction

1. Infection: One of the primary concerns is the risk of infection. If the equipment is not properly sterilized or if the procedure is done in unsanitary conditions, it can introduce bacteria into the uterus, leading to serious infections.
2. Injury: The process of inserting the cannula through the cervix and into the uterus can potentially cause injury. This can include cervical damage or uterine perforation, especially if the procedure is performed too forcefully or without adequate knowledge.
3. Incomplete Extraction: There is a possibility that not all the menstrual blood will be successfully extracted, which can lead to discomfort and complications. Retained menstrual blood can cause uterine cramping and potentially lead to infection.
4. Pain and Discomfort: Some women may experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. This can vary depending on individual pain tolerance and the skill with which the procedure is performed.
5. Emotional and Psychological Impact: The procedure might have emotional or psychological effects, particularly if it is done under stressful conditions or without adequate support and information.

How Menstrual Extraction Was Performed

Menstrual extraction was typically performed using the Del-Em kit, a device designed by Lorraine Rothman. The kit consisted of a syringe, flexible tubing, and a cannula. The procedure involved several key steps to ensure it was done safely and effectively.

The process began with the woman or a trained practitioner preparing a sterile environment to prevent infection. All equipment, including the Del-Em kit, needed to be sterilized thoroughly. The woman would then assume a comfortable, reclining position to facilitate access to the cervix and uterus.

Next, the cannula, a thin, flexible tube, was gently inserted into the vagina and guided through the cervix into the uterus. This required careful handling to avoid injury. Once the cannula was in place, it was connected to the flexible tubing, which was attached to a syringe.

The person performing the extraction would then slowly pull back the plunger of the syringe to create a vacuum. This vacuum would draw the menstrual blood from the uterus through the tubing and into the syringe. The process was repeated until the desired amount of menstrual blood was extracted.

Throughout the procedure, it was crucial to monitor the woman for any signs of discomfort or complications. After the extraction was complete, the equipment was carefully removed, and the woman was advised to rest and monitor her condition for any signs of infection or other issues.

Effects on Hormones

Menstrual extraction primarily affects the physical removal of menstrual blood and does not directly alter hormone levels. However, it may have indirect effects:

1. Cycle Disruption: Regularly performing menstrual extraction might disrupt the natural menstrual cycle, potentially affecting hormone regulation over time. The body’s hormonal rhythms are closely tied to the menstrual cycle, and frequent interventions could potentially lead to irregular cycles.

2. Ovulation: If menstrual extraction is done repeatedly and disrupts the natural cycle, it might impact ovulation patterns. Since ovulation is driven by hormonal changes, any disruption to the menstrual cycle could have a cascading effect on hormone levels related to ovulation and fertility.

Is Menstrual Extraction Still Used Today?

Menstrual extraction is not widely practiced today and remains relatively obscure. However, it continues to be used in some circles:

1. Feminist Health Collectives: In certain feminist health collectives, menstrual extraction is still taught and practiced as a method of self-care and reproductive control. These groups often emphasize education and empowerment, providing women with knowledge about their bodies and alternative health practices.
2. Homebirth Midwives and Alternative Health Practitioners: Some homebirth midwives and practitioners of alternative health care might use or recommend menstrual extraction in specific situations. These practitioners typically emphasize natural and holistic approaches to health and may incorporate menstrual extraction as part of their services.
3. Regions with Limited Access to Healthcare: In areas where access to reproductive healthcare is limited, menstrual extraction might be used as an alternative to medical procedures, although this is less common and carries significant risks if not done properly.
4. Developing Countries: Menstrual extraction, often referred to as menstrual regulation, is used in some developing countries to circumvent restrictive abortion laws. For example, in Bangladesh, menstrual regulation is supported by the government and widely practiced .

My conclusion… 

Menstrual extraction can be viewed as a unique and empowering method for women to manage their menstrual cycles. With roots in the feminist health movement, it offers various benefits, from cycle control to providing an alternative to hormonal treatments. However, it is essential to approach this procedure with caution and prioritize sterility and safety. By understanding the history, benefits, potential risks, effects on hormones, and how the procedure was historically performed, women can make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

My personal unwarranted opinion: isss a No for me dawg. 😌💅🏾

Source links:

https://msmagazine.com/2022/07/14/abortion-how-to-carol-downer-menstrual-extraction/

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_extraction

https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/evelyn-lorraine-rothman-1932-2007

https://www.womenshealthspecialists.org/about/the-womens-movement/lorraine-rothman/