So experts say that's a good place to start – stocking every school bathroom or health center with free menstrual supplies. "Tampons and pads should be treated just like toilet paper, because in fact, they are just like toilet paper," Kramer says.
Offering free and accessible period products can help people who menstruate save upwards of $5,000 in their lifetimes, reduces stress on women's shelters, and reduces waste — especially if the products provided are eco-friendly!
Since 2021, California, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington have enacted legislation mandating all LEAs to provide free menstrual products in female restrooms. Most of these bills require free menstrual products for students in grades 6-12.
Access to free supplies would help to alleviate some of the economic strain having a period provides. Lack of access to menstrual supplies can have an impact on education. Without access to supplies, students often miss class or do not participate as vigorously for fear of leakage and embarrassment.
If you or someone you know needs period supplies, text 211 or visit 211.org to find a location near you that offers free tampons and pads. They are associated with food banks and diaper banks in more than 120 locations across the country.
SOCKS: Use your old socks to make a temporary pad. You can wrap a toilet paper around the sock on your underwear to prevent it from shifting. Socks are usually sweat absorbent and hence make makeshift pads.
One in five American girls miss all or part of the school day due to their periods.
When deciding whether to use pads or tampons, it's really up to you. Many girls start out using pads, but might want to use tampons when they do sports or go swimming. Tampons also are easy to store in a purse or pocket. Another advantage to tampons is that they can't be felt because they're inside the body.
1 Keep your supplies in a purse, pencil case, or makeup clutch. 2 Wear an outfit with pockets if you can't carry a bag. 3 Slip a pad or tampon into your waistband, sleeve, or sock. 4 Hide your tampon or pad behind other items you're carrying.
Free time gives students the opportunity to play and experiment. It gives them a break from their daily pressures and allows them to incorporate what they learned into their everyday activities and social connections. Using free time as an educational tool might seem a bit counter intuitive.
“We do not have any type of evidence-based menstrual curriculum in the U.S.,” Sterling says, explaining that what girls and boys are taught about periods is “very localized,” and varies further by district and even by school.
Manufacturers of period goods are passing on higher costs for logistics and key components. Prices for plastic resins and materials climbed 9.5% in April from a year ago, according to the US government's latest producer price index.
Studies show that the risk of developing TSS is lower in women who use menstrual pads, than in women who use tampons.
At a glance some period poverty facts from the US only: 500 million people lack access to menstrual products and hygiene facilities.
When I have my period, can I go a whole school day without changing the pad? It's not a good idea to go an entire school day without changing pads, pantiliners, or tampons. No matter how light your flow is, or even if there is no flow, bacteria can build up.
How old should you be to use tampons? There is no minimum age for tampon usage. If adolescents want to use tampons, they can usually begin using them as soon as their menstrual cycle starts.
Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared. Respond to questions or opportunities as they arise and do not be embarrassed. Periods are natural.
Getting your period can cause mild cramps on the first day or two, but it shouldn't cause you to stay home from school, work, or social events.
The eight period schedule also helps students make more friends. Because of the eight 45 minute periods per day, students have more of a chance to see a wide variety of people each day, on a consistent basis.
Talking to Your Teacher
If you do not want to explicitly state you're on your period, it may be best to initially try to avoid doing so. Simply ask for the bathroom pass, following all the rules that particular teacher has set regarding restroom use. You do not need to tell him why you need the pass.
If you are caught out in public with stained pants, simply tie a sweatshirt, sweater, or large shirt around your waist. This will help you hide the stain until you are able to go home for a change of clothing.