Managing Menstruation While Homeless

For most people who menstruate getting your period is already a disruptive, sometimes painful, and even debilitating occurrence. And while most people learn over time how to deal with the monthly fatigue and find the sanitary products that work best for their bodies and lifestyle needs, homeless people in America are left without the resources and supplies needed to properly attend to their cycles. 

Hurdles to Proper Menstrual Hygiene for the Homeless

Here are a few different barriers that homeless people face when it comes to managing their periods:

The Cost

On average, a person needs about 20 tampons or pads per menstrual cycle. A store-brand box of 36 tampons costs about $7. This may not seem like a lot of money, but for many people, the cost is a considerable burden. Seven dollars can be the difference between eating a hot meal that day or being able to afford a bed in a hostel for the night. For this reason, many people tend to forgo buying period products and instead resort to using toilet paper, or a spare rag, sock, or other cloth. Using potentially unclean objects that were never intended for intimate hygiene use can increase the risk for infections such as Toxic Shock Syndrome— a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. 

Additional costs associated with menstruation include birth control, pain relievers, new underwear, comfort foods. See the graphic below.

Source: The Huffington Post

While there are non-disposable period care methods the cost burden tends to be much higher. A menstrual cup costs about $25, but only has to be purchased once a year. Period underwear tends to cost about $20 per pair.

The Availability

Some shelters are able to provide menstrual care products, and those that do are most likely women’s shelters who must often ration their supplies. This gap in supply can leave out many different populations, including those who either don’t want to or can’t stay in a shelter. It also overlooks the needs of transgender and non-binary homeless people who stay in men’s shelters but still menstruate.

Another issue with relying on shelters to supply hygiene products is the lack of choice. In regards to disposable products, some people prefer pads and some prefer tampons. Some have sensitivities to scents and dyes commonly used in period products that can result in rashes and infections. By removing people’s choices in their period products we are limiting their agency in regards to their own health.

Limited Bathroom Access

It is recommended that you change a tampon, pad, panty liner, or empty a menstrual cup every 3-4 hours, in order to prevent infections or leaks. Many people who do not have a consistent place to sleep also don’t have consistent bathroom access either— this is why many homeless people are forced to use the restroom outdoors. This not only means that people who have their periods do not have a reliably private place to change a pad or tampon, but also to clean themselves, and wash their hands afterward.

Dealing With The Symptoms

Pre-menstrual symptoms vary among everyone, but most commonly people experience cramping, fatigue, bloating, and headaches. These symptoms are commonly treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, a heating pad, a warm bath, or a day on the couch. Homelessness presents all sorts of barriers to dealing with the discomfort and pain of menstruation. Pain relievers and disposable heating pads are expensive. And it can be difficult to access comfortable and restful spaces when you have nowhere to go during the day.

Additionally, some people experience severe menstrual pain due to underlying conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (affects 6% - 12% of women) or Endometriosis (affects 10% of women) Conditions can result in excruciating pain, vomiting, fainting, and extreme fatigue and require medical diagnosis to begin a proper treatment plan. These disorders can often be managed using birth control or prescription pain medications, but medical insurance may pose a barrier to those who are homeless and prevent them from receiving proper treatment. For many homeless people, the only place they might have to turn to for a bed for recovery during the daytime when shelters are closed might be the emergency room. 

Click here to read more about the struggle of dealing with endometriosis while homeless.

How You Can Help

The Homeless Period Project is one organization working to get period supplies to the homeless. Visit their website to learn more and get involved.