Management Of Menstruation Research Articles

EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOUSEHOLD SANITATION AND WOMEN’S MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT IN RURAL ODISHA, INDIA

IntroductionAccess to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities has been globally recognized as a critical need, especially for women and girls to ensure their menstrual hygiene. This study aimed to investigate the association between household sanitation and women’s menstrual management experience in Odisha, India. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Balasore district of Odisha state in India among 694 rural women and girls aged 15-45 years selected using a multi-stage sampling method. The Performance Monitoring and Accountability (PMA) 2020 questionnaire was used for data collection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25. ResultsMore than two-third (68.4%) of rural families used improved sanitary facilities. Around 30% of households have been using an unimproved sanitary facility, which means the practice of open defecation is still prevalent in rural areas. About 40.6% of women and girls reported using clothes as their primary menstrual hygiene material. Further, women and girls with improved sanitation facilities (aOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09 - 2.59) were more likely to change menstrual materials at the main household sanitation facility than those with an unimproved sanitation facility. In contrast, households using improved sanitation facility were less likely to use bedroom/sleeping areas to change the menstrual materials (aOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-0.99) than those with an unimproved facility. ConclusionAvailability of improved household sanitation is critical to good menstruation management practices. State-specific policy for menstrual health and hygiene could provide the much-needed impetus to strengthen WASH infrastructure in rural and tribal regions of Odisha.

Menstrual management in transgender and gender diverse individuals: psychiatric and psychosocial considerations.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) menstruators are individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB)*, who retain the capacity to menstruate and have a gender identity that differs from their natal sex. Reports indicate up to 1.6 million individuals in the US identify as TGD. Until recently, the mainstream menstrual discourse has failed to capture the experience of transmenstruators. However, a better understanding of the menstrual experiences of TGD-AFAB will allow for more individualized patient-centered care. In this review, we provide the relevant data necessary to inform the psychiatric management of menstruation in TGD-AFAB individuals, including experiences of menstruation, preferences for menstrual management, and the impact on mental health. Our review indicates that menstrual care in TGD patients must be tailored to the individual; clinicians should remain open-minded to the unique experience of transmenstruators; gender-affirming menstrual care is necessary to reduce psychological burden. It should not be assumed that TGD-AFAB menstruators are utilizing appropriate contraceptive methods and should receive contraceptive and fertility preservation counseling. We highlight the importance of having these conversations early in the reproductive arch, even before puberty onset. Keeping in mind the gender minority stress model, in the upcoming sections, we discuss the limited body of literature on mood disorders in TGD-AFAB individuals who menstruate, undergo menstrual suppression, or continue to ovulate. The psychological impact of hormonal therapies is also reviewed.

Assessment of female students' perception on access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in higher education institutions in Uganda

AbstractThe main purpose of this study was to assess female students' perception of access and utilization of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management in HEIs. A qualitative research design was embraced, and it was exploratory while gathering responses from the participating respondents using semi‐structured interviews, focus group discussions and observation from course coordinators from six faculties, students guild leadership, and selected university managers who were purposively selected and regarded to be more knowledgeable with university affairs as far as learners' social welfare was concerned. The study found that many students did not have adequate access to water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management. They also lack adequate menstrual hygiene management education and their rights to sanitation and water facilities for menstruation management in terms of the menstrual cycle, the importance of washing body parts, and the issue of stigma during the menstruation period. The study recommended that the Directorate of Gender at the university should review and work very closely with the Department of Estates and Works to improve the maintenance and provision of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management.

Access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities by women with disabilities in Zimbabwe’s Harare Metropolitan Province during COVID-19

This study was conducted in three low-income areas of Harare Metropolitan Province in Zimbabwe to understand how women with disabilities accessed water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities during COVID-19. Qualitative data were collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions involving 104 purposively sampled women with disabilities. Key informant interviews were held with seven representatives of organisations working with persons with disabilities in Harare. Findings indicated that overt discrimination against women with disabilities increased as households struggled to access WASH facilities. These women risked gender harassment from community boreholes ‘marshals’, and urogenital infections resulting from unhygienic menstruation management practices. Poor waste disposal and water reticulation systems restricted high water, sanitation and hygiene standards required to fight the pandemic. The study recommends the full implementation of the national disability policy and the constitutional provisions to safeguard the rights of women with disabilities in times of crises.

‘Everyone needs to be educated’: pupils’ voices on menstrual education

BackgroundPhysical, affective and behavioural symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle are commonplace. Adolescents with problematic symptoms have reported a negative impact on school attendance, behaviour and participation in physical activity. In the United Kingdom, evidence suggests that menstrual health education delivered by teachers focusses on menstrual cycle biology as opposed to management of menstruation and menstrual cycle related symptoms. Through obtaining the pupil voice, this study aimed to understand young people’s perceptions and experiences of menstrual education in schools and their experiences of menstruating whilst at school, including within Physical Education.MethodsTo address the aims, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted. Nine focus groups with female pupils (n = 48; ages 10–15 years) were completed across six school locations in England and Wales, including primary and secondary schools. A range of elements relating to the menstrual cycle, education at school and PE were discussed by pupils.ResultsFour main themes were developed (a) Education preferences, (b) Period positive environments, (c) Personal experiences and (d) Impact on school. Similarities were reflected across focus groups in terms of current (lacking) education, lesson style and preferences, comfort of conversations, lack of school support and impact on school and PE.ConclusionThe findings highlight the lack of menstrual education received and subsequent impact of menstruation and menstrual-related symptoms in school and PE. The abundance of information requested by pupils highlights the deficit in understanding about how to manage periods in school and remain engaged in physical activity. Schools can utilise information from the current study to; create period positive environments; consider lesson content and format; and explore how to support girls to stay physically active in PE.

Bleeding beyond binaries: a critical interpretive review of trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming experiences with menstruation

While some barriers for managing menstruation have been mitigated for cisgender women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people still struggle to navigate menstruation in a gendered society. With an increasing number of young people identifying outside of the gender binary, there is an immediate need to identify and address the barriers to managing menstruation. This review sets out to explore how trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people experience and navigate menstruation. Using critical interpretive synthesis methodology, nine pieces of literature including peer-reviewed journal articles, graduate theses, a book chapter, and a conference poster presentation were reviewed using thematic analysis. Four primary themes were identified: (1) menstruation is strongly gendered; (2) there exists inadequate trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming education and healthcare training; (3) the gendering of public toilets/washrooms poses a barrier to the management of menstruation; and (4) there exists a lack of diverse participants and attention to intersectional menstruation concerns. A set of recommendations, specific to a variety of stakeholders is provided, and implications for future research are discussed.

Pilot educational intervention for the care of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder during puberty

ABSTRACT Puberty is a particularly vulnerable time for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during which baseline challenges are exacerbated, functioning often deteriorates, and additional barriers emerge. Specific concerns include increased vulnerability, decreased safety, and increased mood and behavioral disturbances. Youth with ASD need guidance and explicit instruction/skill development on topics such as hygiene/self-care, appropriate sexual activity, and menstruation management. Lack of provider preparation, knowledge, and confidence, along with stigma about the needs and capabilities of individuals with ASD, are major barriers to care. Initiatives to expand the preparation of health care personnel, including nurse practitioners, to provide quality care to individuals with ASD are essential. This article describes the results of a pilot project using a brief, self-guided educational intervention for developing and practicing family nurse practitioners. Before and after viewing the educational module, participants completed author-created surveys assessing their self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and intent to change practice. Expert analysis of survey items provided face validity. Comparison of mean presurvey and postsurvey responses showed significant increases in self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and intent to implement practice changes. Lack of confidence was endorsed as the most common remaining barrier to change. Findings indicate that the brief module improved participants' self-reported knowledge, attitudes, and intent to implement practice recommendations. Such interventions can be easily incorporated into nursing education and professional development and are appropriate for dissemination to including nurse practitioners working within and outside primary care settings, as well as to related service providers.

Public toilets and their potential impact on an individual's health.

In modern society, people engage in social interactions and activities outside their own home. When in public settings people may need to eliminate bodily waste, so public toilets are required. Accessibility, availability and adaptability are essential principles for safe, private, and purposeful visits to public toilets. A diverse range of individuals use public toilets: various age profiles, all gender groups, vulnerable individuals and people with additional needs. Public toilets essentially need to be a place of privacy, safety and cleanliness to facilitate elimination of urine, evacuation of faeces, management of menstruation, and changing/disposing of continence wear products in a secure environment.

A qualitative inquiry into the lived experiences of menstrual health and hygiene in the transgender and non-binary people in urban areas of India

Significance Most global research on menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) focuses on cisgender women and girls, with limited evidence on the experiences of transgender and non-binary (TNB) people. This study aimed to document the lived experiences of menstruation management among TNB people in urban India. Methods We conducted 13 semi-structured interviews with TNB adults aged 19–40 years in three major Indian cities in collaboration with community organizations. We asked participants to share their experiences of managing menstruation in multiple spaces of life, e.g. at home, school, workplace, and other public spaces. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, de-identified, and cleaned. After a deductive and inductive process of developing a code book, we coded transcripts and developed code summaries to identify emergent themes. Results We identified three major themes in MHH for TNB urban Indians: (i) gendering of menstruation, (ii) navigating physical aspects of menstruation, and (iii) challenges beyond bleeding. ‘Gendering of menstruation’ shaped overall experiences of MHH among participants. Gendered expectations upon menarche triggered gender dysphoria. Participants reported having little knowledge about menstruation prior to menarche, which led to a state of confusion and shame, and exacerbated their dysphoria from gendering of norms around menstruation. ‘Navigating physical aspects of menstruation’ was less challenging in familiar, private surroundings, however, accessing public spaces and bathrooms remained a major challenge and stressor. Though many participants reported undergoing hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in part to suppress menstruation, they continued experiencing menstrual symptoms which triggered continued dysphoria. Participants reported facing ‘challenges beyond bleeding’ which included burden of multiple diseases, mis-gendered healthcare services, and lack of social support. Discussion Documenting the lived experiences of menstrual health and hygiene among TNB people supports the call to ‘de-gender’ menstruation. Magnifying the voices and lived experienced of TNB people can bolster the development of effective interventions to enhance their wellbeing.

The Effect of Homelessness on Management of Menstruation and Dysmenorrhea in Pomona, California [ID 2683481

INTRODUCTION: Given the challenges to menstrual hygiene many women face and the high rate of homelessness in Pomona, California, we suspected women without housing would have increased difficulty managing their menstrual hygiene and dysmenorrhea primarily due to resource inaccessibility. METHODS: After IRB approval and beta testing, we partnered with local homeless shelters and a student-run clinic to screen for eligible participants, obtain verbal consent, and conduct anonymous interviews. Each interview lasted 15 minutes with 26 questions spanning demographics, menstrual hygiene and dysmenorrhea management, and history of homelessness. RESULTS: Analysis of 50 surveys (96% response rate) revealed that 37% of participants reportedly relied on shelter pantries for access to menstrual hygiene products, 27% of participants admitted to stealing their preferred products, and almost 10% of participants reported resorting to using alternate methods such as free bleeding and old clothes to catch their menstrual flow. For management of dysmenorrhea-associated painful cramping, 96% of participants reported preferring medication management but not having access to it when homeless so instead their only option was to “just deal with it” (60%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study illuminate the gap in existing literature regarding the specific struggles that homeless people face when managing their menstrual hygiene and dysmenorrhea. The discrepancies in management of hygiene and pain when housed versus unhoused come down to lack of access to essential resources. Shelter pantries do not have enough funding to effectively support the size and demand of the growing menstruating homeless population.

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Impact of dysmenorrhea on urban school girls in Tanzania: the need for a comprehensive menstrual health management guideline

Period Product Resources and Needs in Missouri Schools: Focus Group Discussions with School Nurses.

This study explored period product resources and needs in Missouri schools from the perspective of school nurses. We conducted eight focus groups with school nurses (n = 51) across Missouri using purposive sampling. Focus group data were analyzed in Dedoose via multiple coders and achieved strong inter-rater reliability (Cohen's Kappa = 0.92). Several interconnected themes with associated sub-themes were identified. First, school nurses do not have sufficient resources to help students manage menstruation and minimize menstruation-related absenteeism. Second, schools' heavy reliance on donations can lead to inconsistencies in supply and a mismatch between what is donated and what is most needed. Third, school nurses desire additional educational resources around menstruation management for students and caregivers. Nurse-identified themes can help inform recommendations for improving schools' response to students' menstrual hygiene needs by highlighting priorities for educational content, resources, and product acquisition with a goal of ensuring the suitability and sustainability of MHM in schools.

Menstruating while homeless: navigating access to products, spaces, and services

BackgroundPeople experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States face substantial challenges related to menstruation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited access to period products, heightened stigma, and gynecological challenges contribute to increased hardships for PEH, highlighting the need for improved services and policies to address period equity and overall well-being for this vulnerable population.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with PEH (n = 12) and community healthcare and social service providers (e.g., case managers, shelter directors, community health workers, and nurses, n = 12) in Lafayette, Indiana, a city located between Indianapolis and Chicago in the United States. We used thematic analysis techniques for data analysis.ResultsPEH’s limited access to products, services, and safe spaces hindered effective menstruation management within restrictive community contexts. Although community healthcare and service providers offered some support, complex interactions with the healthcare system, stigma, and limited access to spaces exacerbated barriers. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these difficulties by closing public spaces, worsening economic conditions, and straining service provider resources.ConclusionsResults highlight critical organizational and policy gaps in the United States for menstruation management resources and services, emphasizing the need for better integration into health and well-being programs for PEH. These insights will advance reproductive and public health research, shedding light on the disparities faced by PEH in managing menstruation in Indiana and contributing to the national discourse on addressing these barriers. Amid the complex landscape of public health, particularly during and after the pandemic, prioritizing menstrual health remains essential for all individuals’ overall well-being, including those experiencing homelessness.

Pentakrifan Kemiskinan Haid Menurut Perspektif Islam/ Defining Period Poverty According To The Islamic Perspective

Menstrual poverty is a current topic that is being discussed in both the print and electronic media. Menstrual poverty is a translation of the word "period poverty," which refers to difficulties in managing menstruation caused by a variety of reasons. Financial restrictions to purchase menstrual products, lack of information about menstruation, lack of infrastructure to manage menstrual waste, and a lack of privacy space to manage menstruation with dignity are among them. Menstruation management is a critical topic since it concerns a Muslim's personal cleanliness and worship. The purpose of this essay is to discover the real concept of menstruation poverty from an Islamic perspective by reviewing the perspectives of authoritative scholars. This article relates to the writings of experts in the subject of Islamic jurisprudence, both past and current, that are based on syar'i arguments derived from al-Quran and al-Sunnah texts. This study also employed the interview method to obtain data on menstruation poverty from an Islamic perspective. The Islamic definition of menstrual poverty has proven successful, based on the interpretation of the Quran and Hadith. According to the Islamic perspective, menstrual poverty refers to women who face challenges in meeting their need to clean oneself due to a lack of understanding about menstruation in syariah compliance, financial resources and having difficulty managing menstruation with dignity

Exploring women's hygiene practices in underserved communities: A case study in Elapatha rural area, Sabaragamuwa province, Sri Lanka

The results of this case study focus on the prevalence of exploring women's hygiene practices regarding “period poverty" in selected areas of Sri Lanka, which is defined as a lack of resources for menstruation management, cultural stigma, and insufficient financial means. In the Elapatha rural area of the Rathnapura district in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka, we carried out a cross-sectional case study regarding 4 MOH areas in 2023. Data on girls and women's menstrual histories, health-seeking behaviors, sample size (427), access to sanitary materials, and financial status were gathered for the study. According to overall findings, the average value of women who use pads is 17.28% and that of women who use clothes is 72.35%, respectively. While the percentage of school-aged children who use pads is less than 26%, most upper-middle-aged women use cloth. Over 75% of the women reported having menstrual problems and using "old clothes" as a sanitary product at some point in their lives, underscoring the dearth of availability of appropriate menstrual hygiene products. Studies recorded that living in distant and MOH regions, not having a government hospital in the Elapatha secretarial division, having low finances, and having less education were all linked to poor facilities. The study on period poverty becomes even more pertinent in light of Sri Lanka's current economic struggles, underscoring the necessity of reducing the cost of menstrual hygiene products. To help women in Sri Lanka better manage their menstruation, we suggest measures to lower the cost of menstrual hygiene products and to provide comprehensive reproductive health education to adolescent girls and women.

Integration of water and sanitation facilities programs for menstruation management: a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University, Uganda

AbstractThis study investigated the integration of water and sanitation facilities' programs for menstruation management with a focus on university planning and budgeting processes at Kyambogo University. The study employed qualitative methods of data collection and analysis from students and members of the university's top management. Findings revealed that there is limited engagement of female and male students in the budgeting and planning of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by the estates department; more so, the generic budget does not adequately cover all the requirements for menstruation management by female students, and female students perceive water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management as generally available but inaccessible and unacceptable in various ways. Thus, the study generates knowledge about the status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management to enable female students to participate in academic activities in higher education institutions by recommending that the Directorate of Planning and Development at Kyambogo University should promote a participatory and gender‐equity inclusive plan and budget that ensures that water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management become an integral aspect in planning and budgeting processes of the estates department. The university should equitably improve the current status of water and sanitation facilities for menstruation management by providing specific water in toilet rooms including changing rooms, replacement of broken doors to provide privacy, and other required facilities to enhance effective menstruation management.

Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Personal Protective Equipment Usage and Menstrual Health and Hygiene among Female Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Maharashtra, India

Introduction: Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) played a crucial role during the Coronavirus Diseases-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, diligently donning Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to deliver essential care to patients. While PPE effectively shielded FHCWs from infections, it simultaneously imposed limitations on their ability to perform fundamental human activities, including using restrooms and managing menstruation. During menstruation, the restricted access to sanitary pads, combined with the challenges of working in PPE, heightened vulnerability among FHCWs, resulting in discomfort, distress, and a decline in work efficiency. Aim: To assess the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of FHCWs regarding PPE usage while providing healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aimed to explore the challenges experienced in managing Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) during the COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the western region of India at a tertiary care hospital of the medical college of Symbiosis International (Deemed to be University) in Pune, Maharashtra, India from September 2020 to November 2020. A total of 300 FHCWs who were assigned COVID-19 duties and utilised PPE were included. Data was collected through a semistructured proforma, covering topics on PPE usage, challenges encountered, personal experiences, and the management of menstruation. The collected data underwent analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0, with a primary emphasis on descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 194 (64.7%) perceived that PPE imparted protection, and 267 (89.1%) believed that work efficiency was compromised. Challenges reported by FHCWs while working in PPE included sweating, difficulty in making eye contact, triggers of headaches, nausea, and earaches. A total of 161 (53.9%) reported experiencing a menstrual cycle while on duty with COVID-19 patients, out of which 40 (24.8%) experienced irregular periods, 23 (14.2%) experienced premenstrual stress, and 98 (60.8%) suffered from dysmenorrhoea during menstruation. Additionally, 155 (96.4%) were unable to change sanitary pads, 18 (11%) had stained PPE suits, and 146 (99.9%) experienced challenges in the disposal of sanitary napkins. Conclusion: Many FHCWs felt that PPE offered protection but also compromised work efficiency. Sweating, discomfort, and managing menstrual hygiene within PPE were common challenges encountered. Providing training on PPE usage, adjusting shift durations, implementing policies for the supply of sanitary pads, permitting breaks for changing, ensuring proper disposal arrangements, providing necessary medications and additional PPE if required, leaves, or creating alternative duty arrangements would be beneficial for FHCWs.

A Study on Practice of Reproductive Health Care Facilities and Family Planning Decisions of the Rural Adolescent in an area of Bogura District, Bangladesh

Adolescent’s reproductive health is a serious concern in Bangladesh. The present study is based on primary data collection and in-depth interviews of 150 rural adolescent females of Fulbari and Baiguni villages of Bogura district. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of knowledge attitude and practice on reproductive health issues, to assess the socio-demographic features of samples and to explore the level of knowledge & awareness to demonstrate the role of the information & education (media, counseling, services facilities) in the management of reproductive health issues among rural adolescent females. The mean age of the respondents were 16.2 years. School enrolment is still low (46%) and dropout rate is high (32%). A large number of rural adolescent females of the study area have been found to discontinue education after a few years of schooling. The data further shows that, in TV 7.31% attending health education and 12.19% to family planning program. More of the adolescents (60%) were aware of all least one family planning methods (Oral Pill). However, it is obvious that knowledge of various methods of contraception does not imply that the respondents actually knew how to use these methods effectively. The highest three methods they can named were oral pill 60%, Injection 35% and Implant/ Norplant 18.67%. Among all 72.64% were not known or received any information about the management of menstruation before their first menstruation. The study revealed that 72.41% of adolescent’s females, those were suffering from at least one complication or problems of menstruation and were not visited or seeking any consultation or treatment from any service providers available. Only 18% of them seek treatment or consultation from the service providers. Among these sick adolescents’ females who attended for consultation or treatments, 83.33% were not satisfied while only 16.67% express their satisfaction on the health care services. The social and religious constraints are strict in the culture and Islamic ideals of Bangladeshi people where the majority of whom still live in joint families. The study indicates that the rural adolescent females are poorly informed about most of the reproductive health issues. There also exist important misconceptions regarding healthy management of menstruation. Besides, there is big gap between their knowledge, attitude and practice. Parents, Guardians, teachers, religious leaders and community leaders (they are main gatekeeper) concern regarding management reproductive health issues of rural adolescent females.

Examining menstrual health experiences in Philadelphia, PA: A qualitative investigation.

While menstruation is a physiologic process, it remains highly stigmatized. Despite the sheer number of menstruators, menstruation is a highly individualized experience, with wide variation in duration, symptoms, and management. This wide variability lends itself to large disparities in access to menstruation management products and subsequently the lived experience of menstruators. The research team sought to understand lived menstrual experiences, symptoms, management tactics, and commonly used and desired resources among 20 cisgendered women aged 18-45 years in Philadelphia. This project was a qualitative research study. We used a collaborative, community-based participatory research approach with No More Secrets, a Philadelphia-based grassroots sexuality awareness and menstrual health hub. Semi-structured telephone interviews were used to gain insight into general menstruation-related experiences, communication, worries, and concerns, with subsequent thematic analysis via Key Words in Context approach. Four themes emerged following analysis: cycle characteristics, menstruation management, coping resources, and future resources. Participants largely spoke about their menses as a negative experience, asked for more comprehensive, verified sources of information and needed greater access to menstrual management supplies. Menstruation is a highly individualized experience with a large variety in knowledge, menstrual product use, and individual needs. Despite the individuality of menstruation, our community-based research shows that there is a dire need for interventions that promotes knowledge and access to menstrual care.

A pilot survey of students' menstrual attitudes, experiences, and needs on an urban university campus.

In the United States, many menstruators face barriers to period management, such as period poverty, or the lack of access to relevant knowledge and affordable menstrual products. Our current understanding of the social, emotional, and physical impacts of period poverty on students in post-secondary institutions is largely limited. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess period poverty, period-related class disruption, and avoidance of menstrual hygiene management on campus among students and to identify recommendations for action at the University of Illinois Chicago and other urban universities. An online cross-sectional study from February to May 2023. Enrolled students who were at least 18 years old completed an anonymous, self-administered online survey. Through descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in SAS version 9.4, we analyzed the sociodemographic, academic, and menstrual characteristics of those who had a period in the past 12 months. We also performed a thematic analysis of students' open-ended responses regarding their menstrual experiences on campus. Of our sample (N = 106), 17.1% of students have faced period poverty, 55.8% experienced period-related class disruption, and 47.5% avoided changing their menstrual products on campus. The relationships between the three menstrual experiences were statistically significant. In the open responses, students reported that their personal experiences with menstruation were largely painful and disruptive. We identified the following themes: (1) inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities; (2) understocked, empty, or non-existent menstrual product dispensers; (3) a desire for additional resources for menstruation; and (4) the unpredictability of menstruation. Our findings indicate that students continue to face obstacles to menstruation management due to inadequate support related to menstrual infrastructure, products, and pain. We outline several recommendations for university/college institutions to prioritize a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.