Periods Aren’t Optional –
Period Products Shouldn’t Be Either

Let’s talk about that time of the month – you know which one. Half of the world’s population gets their period, so why is it still a taboo topic? Why aren’t period products easily available for everyone who needs them?

Not having access to these essential products makes a big impact – and not a good one. That’s why we’re here to support you and provide the products you need to thrive.

Period Poverty: Something No One Should Face

Many people who menstruate face period poverty – the inability to afford necessary menstrual products like pads, tampons or menstrual cups. No one should have to choose between buying dinner or tampons. Everyone deserves access to the products they need to take care of themselves, period.

Did you know in the United States, around 16.9 million people who menstruate live in poverty, and two-thirds of them struggle to afford menstrual products?

Period poverty can have significant negative impacts on individuals, including:

  • Health problems:
    • Yeast infections – Without access to proper period products, people resort to using alternative methods to manage their period, which can lead to prolonged exposure to moisture, disrupt the natural vaginal pH balance and increase the risk of a yeast infection.
    • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – For those with limited access to period products, they may think it’s okay to use what they do have for longer than they should. Using a product for too long, like leaving a tampon in or wearing a pad longer than recommended, can increase the risk of UTIs.
  • Embarrassment and shame:
    • Bleeding through clothes or using inappropriate products (such as wads of toilet paper or fabric) causes embarrassment, leading to anxiety and depression. By using inappropriate products, individuals run the risk of skin irritation and increased infection as toilet paper, fabric or other alternative products don’t have the proper absorbency or protection needed.
  • Reduced productivity and education attainment:
    • When you’re worried about managing your period or feeling uncomfortable it’s hard to focus at school or work. Some people may even skip class or the office because of it.

According to Alliance for Period Supplies, around 1 in 5 girls in the U.S. have reported missing school due to lack of menstrual products.

At the end of the day, period poverty isn’t just about hygiene – it’s about dignity, health, and opportunity. Every person with a period deserves to live life freely – without having to worry about how they will manage it. 

Menstrual Hygiene – Finding What Works for You

When it comes to menstrual health, there are many options to consider – and it can be an empowering and eye-opening experience for individuals to discover what option is best for their body and lifestyle.

Unsure about your options? Here are a few to consider.

  • Pads: Absorbent material that attaches to underwear, offering a reliable solution for managing bleeding.
  • Tampons: Small, absorbent cylinders inserted into the vagina to collect blood. They’re convenient and discreet.
  • Menstrual Cups: Reusable, eco-friendly cups that collect menstrual blood. Great for the environment and long-term savings.

Knowledge is Power: Menstrual Health Education

Educating yourself on menstrual health can have important life-long impacts – ones you may not even realize. You can reduce negative health outcomes, make healthier choices, and spot any issues with your period early on.

The more you know about menstrual health, the better you’ll feel about managing it. From learning how to use different products to understanding hygiene and disposal, the knowledge you gain can help you live confidently and break any negative stigma around periods.

FHCCP: Supporting Health, Dignity, and Opportunity

We get that period poverty is a real issue that too many people face. That’s why we’re here to support health equity by offering:

  • Free menstrual products
  • Educational programs about menstrual health and hygiene.
  • Support for reducing stigma and promoting dignity.

Let’s Change the Conversation – Together

Periods are normal. Struggling to manage them shouldn’t be. Let’s break the stigma, fight period poverty, and create a world where no one has to face menstruation without the resources they deserve. For more information, visit: https://fhccp.org/womenshealthservices.