Why Do Female Astronauts Take Birth Control Pills Before Going to Space? Can Space Menstruation Really Be Life-Threatening?

Why Do Female Astronauts Take Birth Control Pills Before Going to Space? Can Space Menstruation Really Be Life-Threatening?From ancient times to the present, humanity has harbored a deep fascination with "ascending to heaven," with countless stories about gods and deities passed down through generations. This demonstrates our profound curiosity about life and places beyond Earth

Why Do Female Astronauts Take Birth Control Pills Before Going to Space? Can Space Menstruation Really Be Life-Threatening?

From ancient times to the present, humanity has harbored a deep fascination with "ascending to heaven," with countless stories about gods and deities passed down through generations. This demonstrates our profound curiosity about life and places beyond Earth. The Moon, being the closest celestial body to our planet, has become the prime target for human space exploration.

Since the launch of the first artificial satellite by the Soviet Union, humanity has officially entered the space age. Nations worldwide have poured vast resources into the pursuit of space exploration. Today, China has developed robust space technology and successfully sent astronauts to the Moon. Nevertheless, people remain intrigued by the lives of astronauts in space, particularly female astronauts, with menstruation being a top concern.

On October 16, 2021, the Shenzhou-13 spacecraft successfully delivered three astronauts into space, including China's first female astronaut to conduct a spacewalk Wang Yaping. This mission requires astronauts to reside in space for six months, prompting us to ponder: how do women navigate menstruation in the space environment? And why do female astronauts need to take specific birth control pills before embarking on their space journey?

Rigorous Selection, Greater Challenges for Female Astronauts

Becoming an astronaut involves extremely rigorous screening processes, with only individuals possessing exceptional physical and mental capabilities earning the opportunity to journey into space. Female astronauts, in addition to meeting the same standards as their male counterparts, undergo additional gynecological examinations to ensure they are not pregnant or have undergone cesarean section surgery.

While training standards are identical for both male and female astronauts, physiological differences may give women a slight disadvantage in overall capabilities. To secure precious spaceflight opportunities, numerous female astronauts have dedicated more effort and sweat than their male counterparts, overcoming countless obstacles.

In 2009, China began the selection process for its second batch of astronauts. Liu Yang and Wang Yaping emerged from a rigorous selection process, becoming China's first female astronauts. Their success exemplifies the immense strength and unwavering spirit of women in the realm of space exploration.

Space Life Is Not Monotonous, But Menstruation Remains a Concern

Following the successful launch of Shenzhou-13, people became intensely curious about the lives of astronauts in space. Interviews with the three astronauts conducted by China Central Television revealed their daily routine: besides completing their assigned tasks, they engage in activities like watching dramas, listening to music, practicing calligraphy, and even learning musical instruments. Their lives are far from monotonous.

However, for female astronauts, menstruation poses a significant challenge that cannot be ignored. On Earth, women experience their menstrual cycle every month, potentially experiencing weakness, pain, and other discomforts. In the space environment, due to weightlessness, blood may flow back and concentrate in the abdomen, increasing the risk of peritonitis. This condition cannot be treated in space, posing a grave threat to the astronaut's life.

Birth Control Pills Are Not a Long-Term Solution, Technological Advancements Protect Female Astronauts

To mitigate the risks associated with menstruation in the space environment, this issue became a major obstacle in the early days when women were not yet permitted to venture into space. Consequently, many female astronauts took birth control pills before their space missions to delay their menstrual cycles.

However, birth control pills are merely a temporary solution, not a long-term answer. With the advancement of science and technology, scientists have developed solutions to address the physiological challenges faced by female astronauts in space. NASA has specifically designed menstrual products for women and, based on the rocket's carrying capacity, has precisely calculated the specific quantities of sanitary pads or tampons required.

Women Play a Vital Role in Space Exploration, Reproduction Issues Deserve Consideration

While the number of female astronauts was relatively small in the early days of space exploration, over time, people have gradually recognized the vital role women play in this field. Some believe that women may experience fewer physiological discomforts than men during extended space flights, and their physiological characteristics make them more suitable for long-term space missions.

More importantly, the ultimate goal of human space exploration is to find planets suitable for human habitation. To achieve this objective, reproductive considerations need to be factored in. Therefore, since 1959, the United States has included women in its astronaut selection process, gradually incorporating them into its space exploration programs.

Technology and Human Exploration Never Cease, the Future Holds Infinite Possibilities

As technology continues to advance, humanity's strides in space exploration have become ever more resolute. From the initial moon landing to establishing space stations today, humanity relentlessly pushes its limits, continuously breaking scientific boundaries.

We should not be overly concerned about the physiological challenges faced by female astronauts in space. With ongoing technological development, more technical solutions will emerge to address these difficulties, ensuring the safety and health of female astronauts, allowing them to actively participate in space exploration endeavors and contribute to humanity's quest to unlock the secrets of the universe.

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