Menstrual health remains a pressing issue globally, not least because of the dual challenges of period poverty and severe period pain. Young people like 19-year-old Bronte Woolley are opting for reusable menstrual products, such as period underwear, rather than traditional disposable items. Woolley shared her experience, saying, "I use period undies instead of disposable period products because they're more comfy, and they're more sustainable, and they're really cost-effective." This shift reflects broader changes in the way menstruation is managed, but still, significant hurdles persist.
According to Share the Dignity, a charity focused on period poverty, 43 percent of people who menstruate now use reusable products like period underwear and menstrual cups. A recent survey from the organization revealed alarming statistics: 64 percent of respondents had struggled to afford period products at some point, and Tasmania has the highest reported rate of period poverty, where about 10 percent of menstruators faced affordability issues within the last year.
The narrative around menstruation has evolved significantly over time. Margie Booker, 75, recalls how her generation dealt with the limitations of sanitary products available in the 1960s. She described pads as being cumbersome and noted the stigma associated with menstruation during her teenage years. "There was a culture of keeping period discussions discreet, shared only with close friends," she said.
This shift toward acceptance can partly be traced to how menstruation is portrayed. Jane Connery, a senior design lecturer at Swinburne University, highlights this change by referencing how mucus was once shown with blue ink to demonstrate menstrual flow absorbency. The positive representation of menstruation has increased, contributing to the gradual reduction of stigma.
Despite advancements, period poverty continues to affect many, particularly those living in rural areas, where 74 percent reported difficulties accessing menstrual products. Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay states, "Most programs addressing period poverty focus on pads and tampons. But it's really important to give people choices, including the option of reusable products." The initial expense of items like period underwear and menstrual cups can deter many from seeking these alternatives, coupled with societal reluctance to discuss menstruation openly.
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Emily Handstock from Aberdare has faced debilitating period pain for the last ten years. She vividly recounted her experiences, stating, "It felt like being stabbed, I'd be on my hands and knees in pain." Handstock's story mirrors what many women experience: severe period pain often goes unacknowledged, leading to feelings of isolation and despair. "I was told, 'you're just experiencing a painful period. You're fine. Just have some ibuprofen and suck it up,'" she lamented. Fortunately, the Welsh government has recently recognized these issues, launching the first women's health plan focusing on menstrual health and related conditions such as endometriosis.
Medical professionals like Dr. Robyn Jackowich are actively researching severe period pain and its significant effects on daily activities. "It's thought to affect up to 29% of women, girls, and people assigned female at birth," she added. Jackowich, who is involved with the Health and Care Research Wales Project, emphasizes the importance of addressing this condition and ensuring support and education for both individuals and those who might be affected around them.
Handstock is now encouraging others to participate in research to help shape future education and health initiatives surrounding severe menstrual pain. "This is about being heard and knowing you're not alone," she states. The emphasis on include all genders and demographics is also growing. Dani Barrington, a global health researcher at the University of Western Australia, agrees on the need for inclusive education about menstruation. "If we are going to provide products in schools, we should ask, 'Do you want reusable products?'" she suggested.
Handstock's brave sharing of her experiences on social media signifies the shifting attitudes toward discussing menstrual health openly, highlighting the necessity of awareness and empathy. The combination of knowledge and accessibility to diverse menstrual products contributes significantly to combating period poverty and improving overall menstrual health.
Establishing wider awareness and breaking down stigmas around menstruation is pivotal for future generations. Increased access to various menstrual products, including reusable items, can help alleviate both economic burdens and the social stigma once so closely attached to menstruation.
Overall, the narrative surrounding menstrual health is slowly changing, but much work remains. Improved discourse, education, and product availability will be key to ensuring people like Woolley and Handstock are met with support, choice, and dignity.
