Without access to appropriate and adequate period products, millions of American women and girls face serious – and potentially fatal – medical implications.
Women who cannot afford menstrual hygiene items often resort to using makeshift options, such as rags, paper towels, or socks, which can lead to infections.
When women and girls struggle to access monthly period products, they often use items for far longer than recommended, causing bacteria to build up in the vagina, resulting in possible injury to the vulva.
Frequent urinary tract infections and vulvar contact dermatitis are possible health risks that can significantly lower a woman’s quality of life.
Extended or unsanitary use of tampons can lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome. While it is rare, there is a 30–70% mortality rate for those who suffer from TSS, as the bacteria buildup can cause toxins to enter and shut down the internal organs. This is one of the reasons Dignity Grows Totes contain two sizes of maxi pads and no tampons.
“This leads to a tremendous amount of PTSD that young women are dealing with related to their period. They’re afraid of getting their period; they hate getting their period and let’s just think about what that means… What a burden to bear!” -Dr. Tracy Brennan, OB/GYN & Dignity Grows Distribution Partner