The Cost of Bleeding
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MP Edition 112
Menstrual Hygiene Day lands on May 28, and while we love a day that celebrates periods, we can’t ignore a truth that’s not talked about enough: having a period is expensive. And for too many people, it’s unaffordable.
Period poverty is the lack of access to menstrual products, education, hygiene facilities, and proper waste management. It affects millions of people around the world and yes, right here in Canada and the U.S., too.
It’s Not Just a Global Issue - It’s a Local One
When we hear about period poverty, we often think of low-resource countries. And while it's true that many people in developing regions struggle with access to safe menstrual products, the issue is also widespread in so-called "developed" nations.
Here’s the reality:
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In Canada, nearly 1 in 5 people who menstruate say they’ve had to choose between buying period products or other essentials like food or rent.
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In the U.S., two-thirds of low-income women couldn’t afford menstrual products at some point in the past year.
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Globally, over 500 million people lack access to the menstrual products and facilities they need to manage their periods with dignity.
And let’s not forget: period poverty disproportionately affects marginalized communities, including Indigenous people, people of colour, unhoused populations, and LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
What Does Period Poverty Look Like?
Period poverty doesn’t always look like someone bleeding through their pants. It also looks like:
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Using toilet paper, socks, or newspaper because pads and tampons are out of budget
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Missing school or work because there’s no access to period protection
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Feeling ashamed or isolated due to lack of education about menstruation
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Staying in unsafe or unsanitary conditions because of stigma
All of this impacts people’s physical health, mental health, and basic human rights.
Breaking the Cycle
Menstrual equity is about more than products, it’s about creating a world where periods are never a barrier to health, dignity, education, or opportunity.
Some things are shifting:
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In 2022, the Canadian government announced free menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces, and provinces like B.C. now provide products in public schools.
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Scotland became the first country in the world to offer free period products to everyone.
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Menstrual equity movements across the globe are gaining traction, thanks to advocates, organizers, and every single person speaking up about their flow.
But there’s still so much work to do.
What You Can Do
Want to help end period poverty? You don’t have to run a nonprofit to make a difference:
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Donate pads, tampons, or cups to local shelters, community fridges, or mutual aid groups
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Support organizations like:
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Talk about it – normalize period conversations at work, school, home
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Vote for policies that include menstrual equity in public health and education
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Buy from brands (like us!) that care about period dignity and reproductive wellness
At I Love My Muff, we believe no one should feel ashamed, unsafe, or unworthy just because they menstruate. Period. This Menstrual Hygiene Day, let’s honour the cycle and fight for access, equity, and dignity—one product, one person, one conversation at a time.
Muff love ❤️
