The Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health

If you have ever wondered how women and the world in general throughout history have dealt with delicate subjects such as menstruation, read on to learn more about MUM. The Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health (MUM is derived from the combination of the first two letters of "museum" and the first letter of "menstruation") at www.mum.org is a must-visit site for anyone interested in the history of women's health. There is a little bit about almost everything related to women's health and reproductive systems to be found there.

Taboo Topics?

From menstruation to abortion to nymphomania, this site goes the extra mile to share perspectives and products from different periods (no pun intended) in history and varying countries and cultures. Old advertisements for female products offer an interesting glimpse into the world of yesteryear. In some cases actual vintage (unused, I presume?) feminine products have been preserved and can be viewed in full color photos. Although the content of the Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health varies, the main focus seems to be menstruation.

All of the questions you have been too afraid to ask or too embarassed to bring up in conversation with friends are discussed with frankness and a touch of humor that puts even the squeamish (like myself) at ease. Fascinating and sometimes controversial theories about historical methods of protection and personal ancedotes from women abound. There are reader suggestions for home remedies, poems, and an entertaining directory of words and expressions (code words, in a sense) used for menstruation.

Menstruation Today

The museum also brings to light all of the alternative methods of feminine protection being used around the world today. The site's "Current Menstrual Products" page features links to retail sites where you can purchase menstrual cups, washable pads, organic tampons, a pad-tampon hybrid, natural sea sponges, Scandinavian thong panty pads and more.

Another interesting segment of the site is the "Stopping Menstruation" page which addresses the topic of menstrual suppression. There are links to news articles and also readers' answers to the question, "Would you stop menstruating if you could?"

Who's Behind MUM?

It may be surprising to some that the Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health was founded not by a woman, but a man, Harry Finley. However, if you really think about it, it's not so surprising that a woman didn't put the idea into action first; we ladies surely have enough to worry about with "Aunt Flo's" monthly visits without making a hobby out of it. Mr. Finley's efforts are undoubtedly much appreciated by many ladies the world over.

Whether you are male or female, many hours can be lost at the Museum of Menstruation and Women's Health learning about things you may or may not have wondered about at some point in your life.