The Wandering Womb, created by PhD student Francesca Hearn-Yeates, is one of more than 30 exhibits at this year’s Royal Society of Edinburgh Curious festival, which runs from September 2 to 15. Now in its sixth year, the free festival will also feature poems composed by a computer, a conversation about feminist cities, and a panel of dinosaur experts discussing the future of palaeontology. Ms Hearn-Yeates, who studies at the University of Edinburgh, said the Wandering Womb is for everyone, irrespective of whether they have experienced menstruation.
“Over half the world’s population will or has menstruated – so why is it we still don’t talk about periods?” she said. “The idea behind the Wandering Womb is to give everyone the opportunity to wander into our giant walk-in ‘uterus’ and learn all there is to know about menstrual health. “Whether you have never had a period, you are well-versed in the art of menstruating, or you’re just at the beginning of your menstrual journey, you are welcome to come along to find out more about the biology behind menstruation and everything that goes alongside it.
“It is an opportunity to learn about different menstrual health conditions such as endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and polycystic ovary syndrome. “Not only that, but it is also a chance for people to discover what is considered a ‘typical’ period, and the signs and symptoms that suggest something might not be quite right.” The festival will also.