Let’s Talk About Menstruation
Menstruation is a natural process experienced by 1.8 billion individuals worldwide—about 26% of the global population. On average, menstruators will go through around 500 menstrual cycles in their lifetime, beginning between the ages of 12 and 14.
Most people rely on disposable menstrual products like pads or tampons. While these are widely available, they come at a significant environmental and health cost. In the U.S. alone, 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded annually. Additionally, these products can contain chemicals linked to skin irritation, infections, and, in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome.
Exploring Sustainable Alternatives
Reusable menstrual products, like menstrual cups, offer a safer, eco-friendly solution. Made from medical-grade silicone, one menstrual cup can replace thousands of disposables and last for up to 6 years. Beyond reducing waste, menstrual cups are free of harmful chemicals, making them a healthier option.
Addressing Barriers to Access
Despite their benefits, reusable products remain less accessible due to stigma, lack of education, and practical concerns. Common challenges include:
Stigma and Taboos: Misconceptions about menstruation persist.
Knowledge Gaps: Limited information on choosing the right product.
Practical Concerns: Cleaning menstrual cups in public or unfamiliar spaces.
By fostering open conversations and addressing these barriers, we can empower more people to explore sustainable menstrual care options.
Join the Conversation
Our mission is to make menstruation education accessible and inclusive. Together, we can build a world where individuals feel informed, confident, and supported in their menstrual health choices.
Bibliography
Maria Van Eijk, Anna, et al. 2019. "Articles Menstrual Cup Use, Leakage, Acceptability, Safety, and Availability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." The Lancet Public Health 4(8): 376-393. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(19)30111-2.
Mouhanna, Joelle Natalie, Judith Simms-Cendan, and Sabrina Pastor-Carvajal. 2023. "The Menstrual Cup: Menstrual Hygiene with Less Environmental Impact." JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association 329(13): 1114-1115. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.1172.
Tu, Jui-Che, Ting-Yun Lo, and Yi-Ting Lai. 2021. "Women’s Cognition and Attitude with Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products by Consumer Lifestyle." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18(11): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115534.
Manley, Hannah, John A. Hunt, Livia Santos, and Philip Breedon. 2021. "Comparison between Menstrual Cups: First Step to Categorization and Improved Safety." Women's Health 17: 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455065211058553.
