On the occasion of World Menstrual Hygiene Day this Friday, May 28, it is time to take stock of menstrual insecurity, a situation that particularly affects young women. To better cope with it, we also provide you with a guide to buying menstrual protectors more affordable than boxes of conventional tampons and sanitary napkins.
One in five French women who have settled are affected by menstrual insecurity. Among them, 11% experienced it personally. The information report on hygienic precariousness in France produced by OpinonWay for the Elementary Rules association and published on May 28, 2021 reveals the extent of this protection problem for people with the lowest incomes.
In addition, according to a study carried out by the FIFG and published on March 16, 2021, 15% of women forced to give up changing sanitary protection due to a lack of means are under 25 years old. Isolation, rising unemployment and distance education are all factors that make the phenomenon worse. Fortunately, efforts are being made to make hygienic protection more accessible. Bulk hygiene products, menstrual cups, period panties … After testing many products, here is our most affordable and comfortable buying guide.
Top 3 inexpensive period panties, tested and approved by our team
Period panties absorb blood flow throughout the day, without having to change it. Admittedly, the initial investment, ie 30 € per panty, may seem expensive, but it will quickly pay off: washable, 2 or 3 panties are enough, you will no longer have to buy other hygiene products. Small bonus, the Modibodi brand donates part of its profits to associations fighting against menstrual insecurity.
The top 3 inexpensive menstrual cups, tested and approved by our team
Unlike traditional menstrual tampons and pads, menstrual cups are reusable and are made of medical silicone, a material that prevents bacteria from growing on its surface. Once properly positioned, the cup does not feel. To sterilize them at the end of the cycle, you can simply boil water and immerse your cup in it for a few minutes. Here is our selection of economical and ecological cups to test:
How Much Do Rules Really Cost?
Periods appear for most young women (90%) between the ages of 11 and 14 as indicated National Institute for Demographic Studies (INED) and continue until menopause – which manifests between the ages of 45 and 55, according to a published article by the National Institute for Health and Medical Research (Inserm). On average, women therefore face it between 450 times and 500 times in a lifetime, for an average duration of 2 to 7 days every month. Between the necessary expenses – such as hygiene products – and the comfort expenses – such as painkillers – new laundry due to stains, and yes, the comforting chocolate bar, the total amount of spending around the period is climbing. quickly. According to one british study unveiled in the Huffington Post, it would hover around 21,500 euros in the life of a woman today. Note that until 2015, hygienic protections were taxed as luxury products. Fortunately, some establishments are mobilizing to distribute free hygiene products free of charge. Among them, a great first is planned in the fight against menstrual precariousness this weekend with the French cooperative, E. Leclerc, which is joining forces with the Food Banks and the association Rules Élémentaires to organize a collection of products from menstrual hygiene in order to redistribute them to precarious women. But with the exception of these public policies, France does not yet offer free access to hygienic protection in public places. A real obstacle to gender equality about which we still speak too little. In order to help you reduce costs, we offer you our selection of alternative products that are more economical than boxes of traditional tampons and sanitary napkins.
Periodic protections in bulk
Do you prefer to stick to classic tampons and pads? From June 14, you will be able to find these intimate protections, 100% certified cotton, of the Fava brand in bulk at Franprix and Monoprix. You will be able to buy the number of products that suits you at a more affordable price. Instead of buying a classic box of 10 products for € 4.90, you will pay only € 4.50 for the same quantity. And with less waste as a bonus.