Survey Replies to Q76—A Poetic Transcription of Explorations of Menstrusmell of Swedish Menstruants

Other text in scientific journal, 2026

The poem was compiled by Persdotter from survey replies to an anonymous survey about everyday menstrual hygiene routines conducted in Sweden during the spring of 2019. The replies were translated from Swedish and subsequently assembles as a textual collage. Persdotter has previously explored how menstrual odor can evoke worry and shame among menstruants (2022). Situated at the intersection of Critical Menstruation Studies and the Sociology of Odor, this poem highlights the multiple, ambivalent, and highly complex nature both olfaction, menstrusmell and menstruation at large. The work aims to make visible that the smell of menstruation can be everything from a completely neutral non-issue to thoroughly disgusting, and everything in between. It simultaneously includes experiences of pleasure, fascination and power, alongside of, as well as in contrast to, shame and secrecy.