Not having the money to afford menstrual products is an issue.
Here’s how it can affect our mental and physical health, and how to help.
Unfortunately, its not that surprising.
Manystates still have a tampon tax, which adds additional cost to the already pricey period products.
Theaverage menstruating person spends $17,000on their period over a lifetime.
Experts in This Article
Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC is a board-certified OB/GYN and popular TikToker.
Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC is a board-certified OB/GYN and popular TikToker.
Naturally, this impacts many menstruators.
Ultimately, period poverty has more negative effects than you might realize.
Missing work or school is something many people experiencing period poverty have to face.
Getting behind on work and not being able to make money can also exacerbate someones depression and anxiety.
Its a cyclical problem that could easily make someone feel hopeless.
She says that period products are not included right now, but they are essential.
Dr. Lincoln also talks about how we need to eliminate the tampon tax.
Tampons are not luxuriessave that tax for yachts and jewelry, she says.
(Thankfully,some congresswomen do care about that and are working to make change.)
Jennifer Lincoln, MD, IBCLC is a board-certified OB/GYN and popular TikToker.
However, there is something you might do on a more individual, local level: donate.
Other ways to help?
Put free products in the bathrooms at your workplace.
Donate them to shelters if theyre in need.
And if you need period products,these five organizations offer free tampons and padsyou can access.
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