Hello!
Welcome to our webpage. We are three Austin High students striving to raise awareness of the importance of women's health as well as
provide accessible feminine hygiene products for those girls in need. Let's make menstruation something to TALK about!
Welcome to our webpage. We are three Austin High students striving to raise awareness of the importance of women's health as well as
provide accessible feminine hygiene products for those girls in need. Let's make menstruation something to TALK about!
The Breakdown on Menstruation
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- First of all, what is the menstrual cycle?
Basically, periods are totally normal and they come in all shapes and sizes. If you're even more curious about the wonders of the female body, look no further. Here's a helpful link
Why are feminine products absolutely necessary for all women?
Feminine products such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups are essential for any woman's feminine health. No, we did not always have these luxury goods. They did not fall from the sky (although for the price, they might as well have). Feminine hygiene products were made out of all different types of materials before we got to the modern technology we use today. Some of these interesting contraptions were made of sea sponges, rags, moss, wool, and even animal skins. They had to do what they had to do. Now, we have it a bit easier, but for some, it is still very hard to get a hold of modern feminine products. In some parts of the world, women still must use cut up mattresses, rags, and other unhygienic alternatives because they cannot afford feminine products or do not have access to them. When women are forced to resort to these alternatives, it is a serious risk to their health and well being, as infection and even death may occur from improper feminine hygiene. Here's a link to a timeline of menstrual products. It's pretty fascinating
Feminine products such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups are essential for any woman's feminine health. No, we did not always have these luxury goods. They did not fall from the sky (although for the price, they might as well have). Feminine hygiene products were made out of all different types of materials before we got to the modern technology we use today. Some of these interesting contraptions were made of sea sponges, rags, moss, wool, and even animal skins. They had to do what they had to do. Now, we have it a bit easier, but for some, it is still very hard to get a hold of modern feminine products. In some parts of the world, women still must use cut up mattresses, rags, and other unhygienic alternatives because they cannot afford feminine products or do not have access to them. When women are forced to resort to these alternatives, it is a serious risk to their health and well being, as infection and even death may occur from improper feminine hygiene. Here's a link to a timeline of menstrual products. It's pretty fascinating
It's the way society views women's needs," Jackson said. "We don't say what we need, and we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, but it's as necessary as toilet paper."
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What types of feminine products are there?
Well, first off is the traditional tampon. It comes in a few different varieties like cardboard or plastic, jumbo or mini, as well as high or low absorbency. It's all up to the woman who's using them to pick which one she likes best. Some do not like tampons, for there is a risk of aquiring Toxic Shock Syndrome from a tampon contaminating the vagina. Some use pads, which also come in different varieties like long or short, thick or thin, and high or low absorbencies. Then, there are menstrual cups, which are made of silicone and are inserted into the vagina and catch menstrual blood just like a regular old cup. They can be reused, but only if properly cleaned after each use to avoid infection. There are also natural alternatives to these options, such as organic menstrual pads, sea sponge tampons, and reusable cloth menstrual pads. There is an option for every girl out there! Click here to learn more about natural alternatives. |
How many feminine products do women use over the course of their lifetime? How much do they cost?
While there are more options than tampons, research says that seventy percent of women use tampons. Women should change their tampons every 6 hours, so that is around 4 tampons per day, for five days of their average period. That's 20 tampons x an average of 456 periods in a woman's lifetime which is equal to 9120 tampons a lifetime. A box of 36 tampons costs $7, and a woman will use up around 253 boxes total, which sums up to $1,773 for a lifetime of tampons (for the"average" woman). May not seem like a huge amount, but considering tampons are considered a NECESSITY, I'd say that's a bit steep. Now, this calculation does NOT include the added cost of other necessities that come with the monthly flow such as Pain medication for cramps, Birth Control, Panty liners, Pads, Heating pads, Doctor visits, and new underwear to replace the stained ones. Being a woman certainly isn't cheap, and people call this unfortunate and frustrating phenomenon the Pink tax, or the tax placed on feminine products and care that only women get subjected to. Here's a link if you want to learn more about the Pink tax.
While there are more options than tampons, research says that seventy percent of women use tampons. Women should change their tampons every 6 hours, so that is around 4 tampons per day, for five days of their average period. That's 20 tampons x an average of 456 periods in a woman's lifetime which is equal to 9120 tampons a lifetime. A box of 36 tampons costs $7, and a woman will use up around 253 boxes total, which sums up to $1,773 for a lifetime of tampons (for the"average" woman). May not seem like a huge amount, but considering tampons are considered a NECESSITY, I'd say that's a bit steep. Now, this calculation does NOT include the added cost of other necessities that come with the monthly flow such as Pain medication for cramps, Birth Control, Panty liners, Pads, Heating pads, Doctor visits, and new underwear to replace the stained ones. Being a woman certainly isn't cheap, and people call this unfortunate and frustrating phenomenon the Pink tax, or the tax placed on feminine products and care that only women get subjected to. Here's a link if you want to learn more about the Pink tax.
Being a woman is expensive. Not only do we have to pay for bras, diva-cups and everything in between, we’re also expected to buy beauty balm creams to make sure we’re glowing at all times." -Martha Porado, VICE Magazine