Getting your period is generally a good sign, but man does it suck. The way our bodies react to the uterine wall shedding varies, but it’s pretty universal that it is not a fun experience. Some have major cravings and horrendous cramps, others deal with awful back pain and mood swings.
To make matters worse, tampons and pads can be pretty expensive. How does it make sense that a package of necessities costs $7.62 on average.1 On the other hand, it’s pretty easy to find free condoms, which makes this notion ludicrous. Those with female reproductive organs don’t choose to have their periods.
Now imagine dealing with this as a homeless person. It is hard enough to live on the streets, but having your period makes your situation so much more complicated.
Bustle recently released a mini-documentary about what it is like for homeless women to cope with their periods. Take a moment to see the challenges these women face by watching the video above.
If you want to do more, you can donate here to Distributing Dignity, an organization that gives bras, pads and tampons to women in need.
Reviewed October 19, 2016
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith