The idea of astronauts traveling into space is often associated exclusively with men. However, since 1963, there has been a female astronaut who ventured beyond Earth, and to date, over 70 women have taken on this role. But before they soar into space, these women have to do one thing: take birth control pills.
Should women be allowed to travel into space?
When it comes to astronauts, there is often a bias towards men. But compared to their male counterparts, women have certain advantages that make them more suited for working in outer space:
– Women tend to be lighter, reducing the load on the spacecraft, resulting in lower fuel consumption and logistical costs.
– Women consume fewer calories and utilize fewer resources: Studies have shown that women require 15-25% fewer calories than men, even when performing similar work volumes with equivalent efficiency.
Female astronauts have advantages over their male counterparts
– Smaller stature results in less waste production (CO2 and bodily excretions), leading to more efficient operation of the spacecraft’s recycling systems.
– Due to the effects of microgravity and radiation, astronauts may experience negative impacts on their physical health. Men tend to be less prone to “motion sickness” during space travel than women. However, they are at a higher risk of experiencing hearing and vision problems.
– Women tend to cope better with isolation than men.
In fact, some studies indicate that women possess mental qualities that make them more suited for space travel. During a survey conducted at the International Space Station (ISS), a NASA researcher found that male astronauts were more prone to irritability and grouchiness than their female counterparts in certain challenging situations.
Furthermore, a study of 349 individuals, 20% of whom were women, from the British Antarctic Survey, revealed that women displayed a particular ‘long-term adaptability’, coping better with long-term isolation. Men performed better in short-term, goal-oriented tasks, while women excelled in longer missions with unexpected challenges.
With the ongoing struggle for gender equality, many women have broken barriers and become astronauts, exploring the vastness of space.
Female astronauts are required to take birth control pills
Why must women take birth control pills before space travel?
Despite these advantages, there are still concerns surrounding female astronauts and their ability to handle space missions.
In the 1960s, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected and trained a group of women astronauts for manned space missions. It was expected that they would become the first female astronauts, with 13 of them advancing to the later stages of training for the “Mercury Project.” However, NASA ultimately decided against including women in the first manned space flight due to concerns over the potential risks associated with the menstrual cycle and related physiological issues in a zero-gravity environment.
On Earth, human blood circulation relies on gravity. But in space, the cardiovascular system slows down, and heavy menstrual bleeding, coupled with poor blood circulation, could severely impact a woman’s health.
Female astronauts have voiced their opposition to being restricted by physiological factors when it comes to space travel.
To address these concerns, they agreed to certain interventions. In fact, as early as the 1960s, both Soviet and American female astronauts began implementing targeted measures to deal with their menstrual cycles. They could time their flights to avoid coinciding with their periods or use birth control pills, which help stabilize hormone levels and prevent uterine lining buildup, thus delaying menstruation.
However, long-term use of these pills can disrupt hormone balance and increase the risk of women’s health issues. Moreover, some pills may not effectively suppress or regulate menstruation entirely. Therefore, space agencies in various countries are working on technological advancements to help female astronauts safely, conveniently, and comfortably manage this unique challenge. One promising method is magnetic stimulation to regulate menstruation, which involves sending electrical impulses to specific brain regions to stimulate the central nervous system and control the cycle.
This modern technology offers a distinct advantage over pills, avoiding their potential long-term side effects. Prolonged use of hormonal birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots and certain cancers in women. However, the electrical impulse method must also be proven safe, and there are concerns about potential electromagnetic interference in the space environment.
Some scientists also suggest considering hormone implants, which release low doses of hormones continuously, eliminating the need for daily pills. However, this method also carries risks, such as infection and expulsion.
Another approach that has gained attention is the use of artificial wombs to nurture embryos in space. This method has the advantage of preserving the fertility of female astronauts. However, due to current technical limitations, it also raises ethical concerns.
For now, birth control pills remain a relatively feasible option under the current circumstances.
How does space travel affect the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is a normal physiological process for women. According to some astronauts, one of the most challenging adjustments is dealing with menstrual cycle irregularities. Statistical data shows that most female astronauts experience abnormalities in their cycles while in space. Sometimes, their periods come a few weeks early or late, and the amount of blood flow can be either scant or excessive.
These changes in menstruation can impact their mental state, causing anxiety and fatigue. To address this issue, scientists from various countries have been working on improving the interior design of spacecrafts. Specialized bathrooms and multifunctional sanitation equipment have been designed, and soundproofing has been added to the cabins to provide female astronauts with more privacy to take care of their personal needs. These measures help them deal with various physiological issues more comfortably. Additionally, a nutritious diet with adequate vitamins and minerals is crucial for female astronauts to help stabilize hormone levels and alleviate different symptoms.
