Description
THE BLEEDING HALF
Book Summary
This book is a rigorous and necessary piece of investigative journalism about menstruation, a biological process that affects over 1.8 billion women worldwide but remains surrounded by silence, misinformation, and a lack of medical attention. Based on scientific studies, interviews with experts, and an original survey of 915 participants, the authors debunk myths and highlight a public health issue: the enormous imbalance between the suffering it generates and its marginal status in science. An essay that invites reflection on what the management of the menstrual cycle reveals about our societies.
What is it about?
The work stems from an undeniable reality: menstruation is a universal phenomenon that has, nonetheless, been historically silenced and poorly medicalized. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the authors explore the multiple dimensions of this experience. They analyze menstrual pain and the lack of clinical research on the subject, self-medication as a common practice, the impact on professional and social life, and the stigma that persists in various spheres. The book not only documents these shortcomings but also gathers testimonies and data that demonstrate how a lack of knowledge affects women's health and quality of life. The research is completed by a survey designed specifically for this project, providing a firsthand quantitative and qualitative view of how menstruation is experienced and managed today.
Main Topics
- Menstrual health and its invisibility in medical and scientific research.
- Social and cultural stigmatization of the menstrual cycle.
- Self-medication and lack of proper diagnosis for conditions such as endometriosis.
- Impact of menstruation on the workplace, education, and social spheres.
- Gender inequality in healthcare and the production of scientific knowledge.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in investigative journalism, social essays, and feminism. It will be especially relevant to women seeking to better understand their own bodies and the mechanisms surrounding them, as well as to health, education, and social professionals who wish to delve into an often-ignored clinical and cultural reality. It is also essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how gender bias affects science and everyday life.
What this book contributes
- An updated and rigorous vision of the state of research and knowledge regarding menstruation.
- Original data and testimonies obtained through an original survey, offering a unique perspective on the real experience of women.
- A critical analysis that connects menstrual health with broader debates on feminism, science, and society.
- Tools to question deep-seated myths and prejudices, fostering a more informed and taboo-free understanding.
Technical Specifications
- Author: VILLARREAL, ANTONIO; ZUIL NAVARRO, MARIA
- Publisher: LIBROS DEL K.O, S.L.L
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: REPORTAGE AND JOURNALISTIC ARTICLE COLLECTIONS, FEMINISM AND FEMINIST THEORY
- Collection: VARIOUS
- Publication Date: January 2024
- Number of pages: 264
- Weight: 636 g
Editorial Review
This is a work of investigative journalism that addresses a fundamental topic with rigor and sensitivity. Its main value lies in the combination of objective data, personal testimonies, and an original survey, which gives it a unique and current perspective. It is a book that not only informs but also invites us to rethink the relationship between science, gender, and health, making it of great interest to both the general public and specialists. A necessary contribution to breaking the silence surrounding menstruation and making visible a reality that affects half the population.