What is period poverty?
Period poverty is defined as having a lack of access to menstrual products, toilets, hand-washing receptacles, and hygienic waste management due to financial constraints.
Why does it matter?
64% of low-income menstruators reported having difficulty affording menstrual products. People who are houseless or incarcerated are at particularly high risk of not having adequate access to menstrual products.
What is period stigma?
Period stigma averts dialogue around menstruation, access to products, and access to healthcare. Because periods are socially taboo, many menstruators experience shame. This stigma can affect access to resources needed to manage menstrual health safely.
Why does access matter?
The risk of substituting menstrual products: Instead of menstrual products, many menstruators are forced to use items like rags, paper towels, toilet paper, or cardboard. Others ration products by using them for extended amounts of time. These substitutes heighten the risk for urogenital infections, such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis. Menstruators are then at risk of having these infections pass through the vaginal cavity, and into the bloodstream which can indirectly damage the reproductive system.