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It’s time for real talk about menstruation

5 August, 2024 . 0

The Bloody Big Survey shows a bloody big change is needed to tackle period poverty, menstrual inequality and menstruation shame in Australia.

The Bloody Big Survey 2024 has unveiled the startling statistics on the physical, social and financial burdens of menstruation.

Lead researcher Dr Jane Connory explains the survey, organised by not-for-profit organisation Share the Dignity and conducted by Swinburne University of Technology, aimed to measure the levels of shame and poverty related to menstruation in Australia.

“Questions included affordability, accessibility and personal experiences to provide a comprehensive baseline for the whole of Australia,” Dr Connory says.

“The goal is to repeat the survey every three years to measure progress and inform policy changes.”

The largest survey of its kind in the world, with more than 150,000 respondents, shows periods impact more than just women.

Economic impacts of menstruation

Periods are costing the Australian economy an astronomical amount, with an estimated impact of $9.6 billion per year to businesses due to missed work.

Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay says it is a staggering figure that could easily be reduced.

“This is a massive cost, and highlights that providing period products in workplaces is a very cost-effective solution, potentially costing as little as $20 per month per workplace,” Rochelle says.

According to the survey, more than half of respondents (56 per cent) have missed work due to their period, with one in three saying the primary reason was a fear of leaking.

“No girl should have to experience shame or stigma around a natural bodily function,” Rochelle says.

Iron deficiency and other health challenges

The landmark survey reveals a staggering 63 per cent of Australian women suffer from iron deficiency, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of menstrual health that can lead to severe fatigue, muscle cramps, and brain fog.

Of the respondents who say they experience abnormal bleeding, 77 per cent also reported being diagnosed with low iron levels or iron deficiency.

The survey also highlights other health challenges associated with menstruation, such as the pain that often accompanies it, with nearly 68 per cent of respondents saying they experience moderately to severely painful periods.

Overall, data shows 47 per cent of women have a period-related medical condition, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Those with period-related medical issues spend double on period management compared to others, Rochelle says, highlighting a need for better support.

Impact of periods on education

Periods are having a substantial impact on education, with 97,000 respondents saying they missed school due to their period.

On average, students miss around 11 days of school per year — a number that aligns with roughly once per month, Rochelle points out.

Additionally, 25 per cent of school students have worn a tampon for more than four hours — the maximum amount of time recommended to wear a tampon due to health risks — due to cost.

This year’s survey shows the situation is even more dire for university and TAFE students, with more than 77 per cent finding it difficult to buy period products, and 36 per cent wearing a tampon for extended periods to save on costs.

“The cost of living at the moment has increased the price of period products, and it’s really hit TAFE and university students hard,” Dr Connory says.

While every state and territory in Australia now mandates free period products in high schools — a move Share the Dignity’s past research played a pivotal role in — Dr Connory says the latest data reveals primary schools also need it.

“We’ve shown people get their periods in Australia a lot younger than the educational system expects,” Dr Connory explains.

“Starting (menstruation) education earlier can better prepare children and help reduce stigma.”

Sports and periods, an ‘uncomfortable’ pairing

How many times have you opted out of sport because you have your period?

The Bloody Big Survey reveals close to 70 per cent of respondents have missed sports activities due to their period, with fear of leaking, period pain, and mood or emotional issues the primary reasons given for opting out.

“While progress is being made in sports, such as changes in uniforms and increased discussions around menstruation, more education and access to period products are needed to ensure women aren’t left out, so they can participate comfortably and confidently,” Rochelle says.

Period poverty across the nation

Period poverty is a critical issue in Australia, and not just for low-income earners.

More than 7 per cent of respondents said they were unable to afford period products in the past 12 months — even with a six-figure household income.

The survey also highlights the stark disparity among different demographics, with a significantly higher number of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people (nearly 22 per cent) reporting they were unable to afford period products in the last 12 months, compared with just under 7 per cent of non-Indigenous people.

Gender-diverse individuals and people with disabilities also face disproportionate challenges, with 83 per cent and 78 per cent respectively experiencing period poverty.

Geographic location plays a role too. Dr Connory says results showed Tasmania has the highest instance of period poverty among Australian states and territories, while the Australian Capital Territory has the least.

Rochelle says it helps to remember we can lean on one another in times of need.

“There’s not a person out there that wouldn’t help you if you asked, so be brave, have the conversation if you need to.”

To make a tangible impact on those experiencing period poverty, you can donate period products to Share the Dignity’s Dignity Drive. Supporters can donate unopened period products and incontinence aids at all Woolworths supermarkets and select businesses nationwide.

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Written by Sarah Vercoe.