The cost of living is very high at the moment, essentials such as food, sanitary products and period products are getting more expensive everyday. For those who menstruate, the added costs can mean missing a meal just to be able to afford period products.
Period poverty – what is it?
Period poverty is the inability to afford or access basic menstrual products. This may not be an issue nany would consider, but it can impact a lot of people.
The average menstrual cycle lasts 4-7 days and goes through 4-7 pads or tampons per day, but for those with a heavier flow that can easily double. So, for a person who menstrates who goes through 7 days of a period using 7 pads or tampons a day, that 49 products per period.
The average price for leading brands are between £1-£5 a pack, which usually has 12 per pack. For tampons, the average price is £1.30-£6 for about 16 a pack. These prices depend on quality, brand and thickness so it can vary a lot.
You’d have to buy 3-4 packs which ends up being around £4 -£24 pounds per period, and double this for people tih a heavier flow. This doens’t include the cost of pain medication, sanitary wipes and other sanitary products commonly used throught a period.
This may not seem like that much, but for those who are struggling to make ends meet and afford to eat, 5 extra pounds goes a long way.
Free menstrual products throughout the university
If you are someone who struggles with period poverty, or anyone who menstruates and needs access to period products, the unions got your back! The union, in partnership with the university, provides free period products throughout Stirling university. Tampons and pads are available to anyone who needs them. Whether your period hit unexpectedly, you don’t have the resources at home or forgot to bring spare with you, you can easily access free products. You can find period products across campus in female, male and accessible toilets.
Not only are thes products disposable to students while on campus, but you are also able to order free of charge from the student union shop period products to be delivered to your address. This includes menstrual cups, tmaposn and pads. You can order them here : https://www.stirlingstudentsunion.com/in-the-union/shop/period-products/
You can also collect products without having to ask from them from various locations on campus listed here : https://www.stir.ac.uk/student-life/support-wellbeing/student-support-services/period-products/
Having a period is hard enough, but access to period products whenever you need them can make it so much easier to deal with.
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