Man tests period pain simulator alongside woman with endometriosis. He didn't stand a chance.

Women undergo menstruation for a significant part of their lives, a unique experience that men may never truly comprehend. Understanding and acknowledging the pain that women endure during their periods is crucial. From a woman's first period in childhood to menopause, period cramps, whether mild or debilitating, are an integral part of the journey. Women learn to adapt, carry on with their roles as mothers, work, exercise and maintain their social lives. Often, they have no choice but to persevere, with their pain going unnoticed.

If men were to experience menstruation, it's likely that federal laws would be enacted to provide sick days and medical care. However, since men cannot truly fathom the discomfort of period cramps, women continue to power through. Somedays, a period pain relief cream company, took a unique approach to help men understand the pain of menstruation. In a video, they set up a period pain simulator, attaching it to a man and a woman with endometriosis.

Endometriosis, a painful condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, can be particularly agonizing during menstruation. The simulator functions by sending electrical impulses that contract the muscles in the lower abdomen and thighs, mimicking the sensation of period cramps or early-stage labor. Different intensity levels are demonstrated. As the simulator's intensity increases, the man begins to show discomfort even at a level 4, far below the typical period cramp. While the man grimaces and struggles, the woman with endometriosis remains composed, highlighting the stark contrast in their experiences. As the pain levels rise, the man can barely stand on his own, admitting he might call in sick to work if it persists.

The video sparks a conversation about endometriosis and the challenges faced by those with the condition. Both the woman and the simulator conductor share their experiences of being medically disregarded in their teens over their symptoms. The viral video resonates with many women who share their own period pain experiences and call for greater understanding from men. Some suggest that male managers should undergo similar simulations to comprehend the reality of menstruation. Somedays' CEO, Lux Perry, believes that such experiments are essential for progress in acknowledging and validating women's pain, per CTV News. Perry emphasizes that period pain is often dismissed and invalidated, whether at the doctor's office, in education, at the workplace or at home.

The video resonated with many women and gave a chance to men to acknowledge what women go through for the majority of their lives. @nicolejosephine5 said, "Can we also bring up the fact that we still had to participate in the gym while having period pains too?!" @luci.drahonovska commented, "I feel so sorry for her :( the fact that she doesn’t react isn’t good at all. Imagine how painful her endometriosis must be" @the.lady.kreepiii shared, "Never seen this done with man and woman at the same time!! this is the comparison we needed."

Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 18, 2023. It has since been updated.