“Every Body Knows” Highlights Why We Need To Speak Out About Women’s Reproductive Health
- Emily Bunder
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
When I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at the age of 18, I felt indifferent. I was relieved that there was now an explanation for the symptoms I had been encountering for years, but I was also angry that it had taken this long to receive a diagnosis. I had been going to my doctor for years about my struggle with acne and hirsutism, as well as irregular periods. No antibiotic was clearing my skin and my age was given as a reason for my period problems. Only after I had done my own research did my doctor permit me a blood test for my hormones and an ultrasound for my ovaries, the latter of which confirmed exactly what I was sure of.
I’m far from alone. According to a recent study done by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, almost 75% of women surveyed have suffered from at least one kind of reproductive health issue in their lifetime. This fact doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
The “Every Body Knows” exhibition was part of the CMCI Winter Festival 2025, held at Somerset House on 19 December. It not only focused on PCOS, but also other conditions like Endometriosis and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This is the first of its kind that I have seen in my time at KCL. Though I frequently talk about PCOS in conversation with others, it’s not enough when most people are unaware that this is an illness that exists.
The emphasis on reproductive health being a concept that only becomes important when trying to conceive is one that needs to be shattered. For almost every single reproductive health condition, the cause is unknown, and with these roots being undetermined, none of them have cures, only treatment programmes which don’t work on everyone. The reproductive system doesn’t get the attention it deserves in society, let alone on campus. “Every Body Knows” is a step in the right direction.
Walking into the exhibit was like seeing all of my thoughts materialise. I don’t know much about art, but I’m an expert on my own body, and instantly, I relaxed. Eight different artists were featured, all spanning various mediums: photography, painting, illustration and visual art, but almost all works touched upon more than one discipline. I enjoyed this approach and the combining of art forms, as this felt like a representation of the unstable and unconfined nature of reproductive disorders.
One set of paintings I found particularly intriguing was by the founder of the menstrual art movement, Jasmine Carter, who uses her own menstrual blood as paint. I’ve seen online controversy surrounding this before; critics have labelled it as gross. But, considering that many people ingest food colourings made from the blood of insects and may casually eat animal blood as part of their meals, this is not shocking to me in any way. It takes pain and turns it into something beautiful.
One of the highlights for me was the interactive aspect of the exhibition. Upon arrival, the first activity involved using stickers to rate the pain of periods. Quite predictably, a majority were moderate or severe. Also featured was a period cramp simulator. I’ve joked multiple times about hooking up my male friends to one for them to experience what women go through whilst menstruating. Had they joined me in my visit, I wouldn’t be joking anymore!
Periods are painful enough in those who don’t suffer from reproductive health conditions, nevermind women with something like endometriosis. With diagnoses for the illness taking, on average, eight years from initial consultation, it is essential to make these conditions more visible. A period simulator may be the only way in which someone is able to represent their pain to others.
My favourite activity featured a table of post-it notes, encouraging people to share a time in which they had been dismissed by healthcare. Reading the contributions of others showed me that I wasn’t alone in my struggle.
PCOS representation in mainstream arts and culture is almost non-existent. Only one example comes to mind: Jessica in Lena Dunham’s Netflix show Too Much (2025). However, the condition is only mentioned in one conversation throughout the entire series (and I didn’t particularly like the show either)! I especially found the work of Sandra Mitrea to resonate with me for this very reason. I knew straight away that she had the same condition as me through the motif featured in all of her images, teal ribbons (a virtually unknown symbol to those without PCOS) but one that could make all the difference in empowering someone.
My favourite work of hers was a mixed media self-portrait titled “The Woman in Ribbons”, presenting Mitrea kneeling and looking solemn. The majority of this piece is in black and white, with the exception of pink flowers and, of course, teal ribbons. The lack of colour therefore makes the ribbon symbol stand out more and the placement of the ribbons under the eyes shows how living with PCOS can cause mental health challenges.
I also loved Mitrea’s photograph called “Testosterone”, which drew attention to the hormonal side of the condition. The model is dressed in what appears to be a black suit, with her hair pushed back, no makeup on and ribbons tied into bows scattered across her. She’s grasping tightly a bouquet of pink flowers, which to me conveyed the struggle that PCOS sufferers may have with their femininity. Too many times have I looked at my face and body and seen my testosterone symptoms, feeling as though I don’t look feminine enough. It is a constant battle, one which I was glad to see brought to life through art.
I found a connection with almost every artist, which has never happened before. Everything could be found in at least one work. Even the medication I take was represented, this being in a photograph by visual artist Kate Glass.
Ultimately, I was lost for words throughout my visit, simply because I had never felt so seen before. Coming from an environment where I have to explain PCOS to everyone, including medical professionals, to one which embraces imperfect reproductive systems was truly eye opening and heartwarming. It’s a pity that this was only a temporary exhibit, as everyone should have the chance to see something as great as this.
Edited by Hania Ahmed, Creative Editor
All photos courtesy of Emily Bunder
