At any given time, 800 million people worldwide are menstruating, and yet, it’s a topic that is largely considered taboo. As if that weren’t bad enough, thanks to issues accessing raw materials, shipping troubles, and labor issues, the U.S. is currently experiencing a massive tampon shortage that is leaving many people with uteruses unable to access the products they need to care for their periods. On this episode, we discuss the history of feminine hygiene, the reasons behind the shortage, and what you can do if you’re struggling to get the period products you need.

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Links
https://www.si.edu/spotlight/health-hygiene-and-beauty/feminine-hygiene-products#:~:text=Several%20patents%20for%20menstrual%20tampons,applicator%2C%20became%20the%20Tampax%20tampon

https://voxapod.com/blogs/journal/the-history-of-menstrual-products

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/how-the-ongoing-national-tampon-shortage-may-worsen-period-poverty

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/13/well/live/tampon-shortage.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/22/style/tampon-shortage-alternatives.html

https://time.com/6184644/tampon-shortage-supply-chain/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/americas-period-taboo-will-outlast-the-tampon-shortage/2022/07/02/b207d3a0-fa07-11ec-81db-ac07a394a86b_story.html