A survey has shown that poor menstruation affects up to two-fifths of women in some of Britain’s largest cities.
The phenomenon is even worse in Brighton and Hove – where a staggering 46% of women and girls say there are times when they cannot afford basic health protection.
A survey of 2,000 women and girls revealed the 10 largest cities in the UK that were hardest hit by this problem, which include Oxford (40%) and Birmingham (34%).
Those in Cambridge and York (32%) also admitted that there were a few months they struggled.
Overall, a quarter of women admitted that their period was a difficult period because they now find it more difficult to purchase period products than they did 12 months ago.
Of those, 90 percent said the rising cost of living had already taken its toll, while a fifth now support another family member in addition to themselves.
One in 10 women admitted that they found it more difficult to find work during the pandemic, while 7% have lost their jobs.
The research was commissioned by Essity, a cleaning company, in partnership with the charity In Kind Direct.
An Essity spokesperson said: “This is a very difficult time for many, and we recognize our responsibility to try to help wherever we can to deal with the difficulties so many are facing. As a result, we have just extended our commitment to donate 100,000 products per month until at least the end of 2023.”
“Health protection is a basic humanitarian requirement, and through charities like In Kind Direct, there are ways for women and girls to access the products they need.
“We just need to raise awareness of where to go and how to get these items without feeling any embarrassment or shame.”
Research found that about 36% of women who said they could not always afford their own tampons or tampons bought them at work, while 30% and 29%, respectively, went to a hospital or general practitioner.
Three in 10 chose not to eat dinner with friends or work due to a lack of resources, while 27% missed a party and a quarter of young girls missed school.
More than half of those who suffered missed a meal so they could pay for the products they needed.
Among the quarter of women who could not always buy their own health products, 28% admitted to stealing.
Roseanne Gray from In Kind Direct added: “We support thousands of UK charities with donated products from a period of time. Many of these organizations offer menstrual products and menstrual education workshops to women and girls in their communities.
“We’ve heard stories of women making cloth tampons or toilet paper rolls and plastic bags taken from supermarkets because they can’t afford these things.
“We don’t want women and girls to be left behind by not getting the products they need every month, missing work and school. Menstrual products build confidence and increase self-esteem, giving people a chance for a better future.
“Essity’s monthly donation of Bodyform products has never been needed more. We are very proud of our long-standing partnership as we look forward to supporting more women and girls, enabling them to thrive.”
- Cities where women struggle to buy menstrual products
- Brighton and Hove – 46 percent
- Oxford – 40 per cent
- Birmingham – 34 per cent
- Cambridge 32 percent
- York – 32 percent
- Southampton – 29 per cent
- Belfast – 29 per cent
- London – 28 per cent
- Manchester – 28 per cent
- Plymouth – 26 percent
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.