Period poverty research finds 1 in 3 teens lack access to menstruation products

One in three adolescents who have visited a pediatric emergency department report difficulties in accessing menstruation products, according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition at the Orange County Convention Center from Sept. 27–Oct. 1.

Staff Scientist Meleah Boyle, Ph.D. MPH, co-senior author of the study, said addressing period poverty, as the issue has been called, is a growing area of research in the United States

“Our study highlights the widespread nature of period poverty and the need for broad actions—both locally and nationally—to increase the affordability and accessibility of these products for youth,” Boyle said.

Menstrual equity means that every person who menstruates should have equal access to affordable and quality menstrual products. Unfortunately, many people do not have access to these necessary products. In the study, researchers found that 30% of adolescents do not have the products they need with no differences based on measures of socioeconomic status, such as insurance and community opportunity, or individual differences, such as race and ethnicity.

Prior research estimates that of those who menstruate, 11.9 million struggle to find access to menstrual products. This lack of access can lead to absences from school and/or work as well as negative health outcomes such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Boyle said the research highlights the need for public health programs and policy changes to ensure youth have access to the products they need to avoid negative impacts on their health and engagement.

“Ensuring access to healthy and appropriate menstrual health products should be a public health priority,” Boyle said.