Period poverty: definition and meaning
Period poverty is the lack of access to affordable menstrual products, clean and private toilets, handwashing facilities, waste disposal and education about periods. It affects people in every country, especially students, people on low incomes, people experiencing homelessness and those in prison. It can lead to missed school or work, unsafe product use, stress and shame.
How period poverty affects people
- Health: using cloth, paper or one product for too long can cause irritation and infection, and raises TSS risk with tampons.
- School and work: missing days because of no products or no safe toilet.
- Mood: worry about leaks, embarrassment and isolation; studies link period poverty to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
- Dignity: having to choose between food and pads.
What helps
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Free products in schools | the UK, Scotland and many US states provide them |
| Food banks and charities | many stock pads and tampons on request |
| Reusable period products | higher upfront cost but cheaper over time |
| Clinics and pharmacies | some offer free or low-cost products |
Scotland became the first country to make period products free by law in 2022. Elsewhere, ask a school nurse, student union, GP practice or local food bank.
Talking about it
Shame keeps period poverty hidden. Talking openly about menstruation and menstrual health makes it easier for people to ask for help. If products ever run out, change pads as often as you can, keep the area clean, and never leave a tampon in longer than 8 hours.
If you are struggling to afford period products, you are not alone, and it is not your fault. Free help is out there and it's okay to ask.
Frequently asked questions
How common is period poverty?
Surveys in the US and UK suggest that around 1 in 10 young people have struggled to afford period products at some point.
Is period poverty only a problem in low-income countries?
No. It happens everywhere, including wealthy countries, especially when budgets are stretched.
Sources
- UNICEF: Fact sheet on menstrual health and hygiene
- Cardoso LF et al. Period poverty and mental health implications among college-aged women in the United States. BMC Womens Health (2021)
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
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