Periods and Sex
Periods are a normal, and big, part of life for many people. So let’s normalise them.
![Wide World 4](https://assets.thegist.org.au/assets/Wide_World_-4.png)
Can you have sex on your period?
Absolutely! Period sex can be messy but it’s not dirty or dangerous.
However, you still need to practice safe sex as usual, because you can still get pregnant or transmit STIs during your period.
Period product options
If you menstruate, you have probably used a product like a pad or tampon to catch the blood. There are also some newer product types; reusable products like cups and period undies. You can read more about periods and different period products here .
😏 Potential positives
- Reusable products have less environmental impact. Did you know Australians throw away 300 million tampons and 500 million disposable pads every year?
- Costs less money in the long term
- Some people find them more comfortable
☹️ Potential negatives
- Reusable products cost more to start with (even though they add up to less than buying new disposable products every month)
- More effort needed for cleaning the reusable products
- Can be more effort to clean or change when out of the home
![Safe Sex 4](https://assets.thegist.org.au/assets/Safe_Sex-4.png)
What is period poverty or period inequity?
Period poverty or inequity is the inability to afford period products like pads and tampons.
A lifetime of period products is estimated to cost over $15,000 in Australia - a lot of money. It’s a financial burden that greatly impacts on all people who menstruate.
Why is this important?
If people can’t access enough period products they may wait longer between changing, or use products like toilet paper, old clothes, or make up pads. This can cause leaks or be unhygienic or unsafe. If they are worried about leaking or making a mess they may feel unable to attend school, play sport, or join other activities.
Period products are basic hygiene necessities and everyone has the right to access the products they need.
🧐 Did you know?
In 2020, Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products free for anyone who needs them.
Source: https://www.parliament.scot/bills-and-laws/bills/period-products-free-provision-scotland-bill
How can we address this?
In 2019 the Australian government removed GST on period products. While a good start, this only reduced prices by 10%. Products are still expensive for a large part of our population.
Some governments have also provided products for free in schools and public toilets. However, these usually only include disposable products, not reusable products.
For more information on period poverty, and what we can do about it, visit:
End Period Poverty
https://endperiodpoverty.com.au/
What can we do to reduce period poverty in society?
Some examples may include:
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