Naomi, the rules apply to both men and women, but of course the biology of women is different. This can�t be avoided. Of course these are the rules set down by Islam, you do not belong to the club, therefore do not have to abide by them.
In partial ablution (Wudu) it is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog everyone must be in good shape and pure condition. Any natural discharge, urine, stools, gas, vomiting, blood or pus from wounds or menstruating etc., negates this ablution so a person would be forbidden from prayer. If this occurs then the ablution must be carried out again with water, since the use of tissues is not sufficient for cleansing purity.
Those natural occurrences mentioned above, plus other activities (such as intercourse etc), a Muslim would be expected to cleanse themselves for prayer by having complete ablution (Ghusl) or bath.
Since with partial ablution, a woman menstruating would probably be constantly �cleansing�, it would seem preferable for them to wait until the end of the cycle then have Ghusl. This would apply to men experiencing discharges of any sort, or anyone in recuperation from an injury or surgery. It sounds archaic, but them�s the rules. I don�t think this is necessarily discriminating, since if a Muslim woman is faithful enough, then they accept the conditions of that faith.
A bigot is also a prejudiced person who is intolerant of people of different ethnicity, race, or class.