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9 October 2024
A new study from January to June of 2024 finds that 1 in 3 teens don’t have access to feminine hygiene products during their periods. Out of 1,816 participants ages 13-21 who went to the emergency room at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC, 597 reported experiencing period poverty (roughly 33%). This has affected youth living in both high-opportunity neighborhoods and under-resourced neighborhoods as they have similar menstrual inequity. Researchers were reportedly surprised at how widespread of an issue period poverty truly is.
Period products are rapidly increasing in prices, with the average price of a pack of sanitary pads increasing by 41% and tampons increasing by 36% since 2019. As these prices increase, the average annual U.S. unit sales of these products have decreased, with pads seeing a 12% decrease and tampons seeing a 16% decrease.
Without proper resources, young women may resort to unhygienic or used products. Such practices can cause an increase in bacterial infections in the vagina and urinary tract. Young women may also skip school or other activities because they do not have access to the tools they need to manage their periods. Basic human rights and necessities should not be inaccessible, especially at such high rates.
Edwards, Erika. “1 in 3 teens can't get tampons or pads during their periods, study finds.” NBC News, NBC News Network, 26 September 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/1-3-teens-cant-get-tampons-pads-periods-study-finds-rcna172265.
Khan, Natasha. “Higher Prices on Tampons, Pads Prompt Hard Choices for Americans.” The Wall Street Journal, 22 July 2024, www.wsj.com/business/tampons-pads-price-hikes-de3f3045.
N, Bryan. “Price of Menstrual Products Increasing.” issa.com, International Society of Cleaning Systems Association, 8 August 2024, https://www.issa.com/articles/price-of-menstrual-products-increasing/#:~:text=Since%202019%2C%20the%20average%20price,including%20food%20and%20everyday%20groceries.
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