Women’s Sexual Health 101
The average menstruating person experiences 13 cycles per year and approximately 500 periods during the reproductive period between the ages of 12 and 51. Teens prefer to use sanitary pads or sanitary pads around the time they start menstruating, but this preference usually changes. That’s why the average menstruator prefers tampons for most of their 500 periods. During adolescence and young adulthood, fertility and hormonal disruptions are of little concern as young people are focused on preventing pregnancy at this stage of life. However, studies have shown that toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium interfere with hormonal regulation and cause fertility problems with chronic exposure. Unfortunately, these toxic metals have been found in tampons. This new study raises serious concerns for people who menstruate, especially college students.
Community college campuses and women’s reproductive health
Community colleges have a diverse demographic and are essential to many communities. In fall 2021, the Community College Research Center found that approximately 5.7 million students were enrolled in community colleges (36% of U.S. fall undergraduate enrollment). Among community college students that year, 58% identified as women, 43% worked full time, 32% were the first in their families to attend college, and 13% were single parents. The average age of community college students is 27 years old, and the median age is 23 years old. Two-thirds of black women in higher education attend community college, and more than two-thirds, or 74%, are single mothers. Additionally, 72% of students attending two-year institutions pay for their own education, which is reflected in the nontraditional age of community college students. As a result, students who self-fund their education and attend two-year institutions take longer to complete their programs than those at four-year institutions. Students attending community colleges need flexibility to manage coursework, take care of family and personal needs, and deal with outside commitments such as work.
It is common for students to enter college with minimal knowledge of how their bodies work. Gaps in knowledge about sexual and reproductive function may be due to variations in access to comprehensive, science-based sexual health education in K-12 schools. Community college students are at a particular disadvantage because few community college campuses have on-campus clinics or resource centers to meet students’ health needs. Therefore, community colleges rely on external partnerships that provide sexual and reproductive health services to support students. Some external partnerships involve local health departments, such as the Howard County Health Department and Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, and public hospital systems, such as the Parkland Health Department’s collaboration with the University of Dallas in Dallas, Texas. I’m doing it. Other partnerships include national support from nonprofit organizations such as the American Emergency Contraception Association and youth advocacy groups.
In light of this issue of a lack of health services on community college campuses, the Women’s Policy Institute is investigating partnerships and integrating best practices to promote the expansion of sexual and reproductive health services across the country. We launched our research and learning initiative, Connect for Success. Related support for community college students. One of the supports considered under this initiative would examine how community colleges promote period education and combat period poverty on their campuses. Period poverty is an overlooked concern in terms of sexual and reproductive health needs and negatively impacts college students’ health, including anxiety, depression, and economic vulnerability. To combat these stressors, it is recommended that access to menstrual products be categorized as a basic need for menstruating individuals. To increase access, some campuses offer students free or discounted tampons and maxi pads on campus. However, this access does not extend to all university campuses. Unfortunately, the unavailability of tampons and maxi pads remains a major problem, but tampon users now have to contend with the dangers of toxic metals in tampons.
Although it is not clear how concerned individuals should be about exposure to toxic metals when using tampons, there are known negative health risks associated with increased exposure to toxic metals. Specifically, constant lead exposure can challenge a student’s ability to participate in class and complete coursework. It can cause a variety of problems, from fatigue, headaches, and abdominal pain to more serious problems related to kidney damage and cardiovascular disease. In addition to considering long-term health risks regarding hormonal regulation and fertility, continued exposure to toxic metals can increase the risk of cancer in menstruating individuals. This is especially concerning for menstruating BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) people, who are at higher risk of developing cancer or dying from cancer due to environmental exposure to toxic chemicals.
Although sanitary napkins and tampons are typically preferred by adolescents and young adults, educators should encourage them to consider other menstrual products currently on the market. These products may include menstrual cups or discs. Not only do they have a lower risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), but they are also considered more cost-effective than sanitary napkins and tampons because they can be reused. Additionally, community college students considering these alternative options may find that cups or discs are a better fit for their busy schedules. Additionally, community college students may be able to incorporate these alternative options into their lives early, reducing their exposure to toxic metals and thereby minimizing their risk of developing harmful health conditions. There is.
Over the years, many bills have been introduced at the federal level related to menstrual health, equity, product access, and/or taxation. In 2023, a federal bill known as the “Menstrual Equality for All Act” was introduced. The bill aims to address period poverty and includes provisions that will benefit higher education institutions. If passed, this bill would incentivize universities to provide free menstrual products (pads, tampons, discs) on campus, ensuring students have access to these essentials.
Community colleges should take this bill as an example and use programming and various funding mechanisms to provide students with access to these alternative options. With enough funding, community colleges can establish sanitary product banks on campus where students can receive menstrual products when they experience financial hardship. Establishing partnerships with local and national organizations that provide menstrual products and educational support can also help meet the needs of menstruating students. Community colleges should seek funding sources from foundations and corporate sponsorships that support health and well-being initiatives. Campus activity grants are another great way to support campus efforts and strengthen menstrual health outreach efforts.
When community colleges provide access to safe and affordable alternative menstrual products, they will help minimize period poverty and ensure students’ basic needs are met. Meeting this basic need allows students to fully participate in the educational experience without unnecessary interruptions, increasing their chances of completing their program.
