Menstrual Blood Saves Lives

Having your period is one of the joys of being a woman, but on the months when there ain’t a baby on the way, some women are choosing to donate their blood to science.

For some years scientists have known the stem cell capabilities of the cells in menstrual blood. Stem cells, also found in the umbilical cord, are cells that are able to differentiate into other types of cells, even after long periods of cell inactivity.

While stem cell research is still young, the cells have been linked to the treatment of numerous diseases such as Diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

So, how can a sister help?

A number of companies have developed mail-in programs for women to either donate their blood or freeze and store it for future reproductive use. Women will insert a silicon cup into the vagina, much like a tampon, to collect the blood which is then poured into the collection kit and mailed back to the laboratory.

Some believe the blood collected can be reintroduced into the woman’s body in the future, if she is diagnosed with illnesses such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

“This is an opportunity for women to empower ourselves. Having undergone stem cell transplantation, I stand here as a live testimony of stem cells which as been a new ray of life for many,” said Lisa Ray, a model and actress who has survived multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. She was treated using stem cells.

At first the idea of collecting my monthly flow freaked me out a little, and frankly felt a bit exploitative…. Is there anything else we’ve got that they can take? Shirt off my back? Anyone?

But if it means saving my life, or others’, I daresay I’ll get over it.

Contact the author here: brianna@morningquickie.com