Cait Buckalew, Campus Carrier Asst. Photojournalism Editor

Menstruation is a monthly event for almost half of the world’s population, but it’s something almost none of us want to talk about.

In light of the concept of the pink tax, or the extra cost women pay for general hygiene products, hitting mainstream media last May, The Huffington Post ran some calculations on the cost of menstruating. They concluded that on average, a person who menstruates will spend a little over $18,000 on their period throughout their lifetime.  On top of that, using traditional menstrual products like tampons puts you at an increased risk for things like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), which, while extremely rare, can kill you if it’s not caught soon enough.

In addition to TSS, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics explains, tampons are also likely to contain trace levels of dioxin, a cancer-causing agent found in the chemicals used to bleach cotton and rayon for traditional tampons. Many traditional menstrual products also contain fragrances that can cause skin irritation and reproductive harm depending on the chemicals used, which companies are not required to release.

So uterus-owners across the world face cramps, bloating and cravings, and have to spend more money for products that are not only bad for their bodies, but are potentially bad for the environment. Put simply, the disposable menstrual product industry isn’t sustainable, and the exposure to poor quality materials and dangerous chemicals isn’t worth the risk.

Additionally, brand loyalty to disposable products is engrained in many young people before they ever get their first period. I remember being in middle school and hearing my mother and my grandmother discussing the merits of Playtex versus o.b. tampons and being thrown into the conversation myself once I began menstruating. These conversations mean companies that provide alternative menstrual products that are healthier and safer both for their users and the environment aren’t getting the attention they deserve.

Products like reusable menstrual cups, which are made of medical grade silicone, as well as cloth pads and sea sponge tampons provide less exposure to harsh chemicals, and because they are reusable will spend significantly less time in a landfill. Reusable products may not be the way to go if you tend to be squeamish, but there are other options as well. Companies like Natracare and Honest produce tampons made with organic cotton that are much safer for your body. Tampons without applicators make considerably less waste than regular tampons. Even sanitary napkins and panty liners with less packaging can make a huge difference in the impact your menstruation is making on the environment.

In addition to the influence these products have on a person’s body and the environment, the lack of conversation about menstruation is harmful as well. Not having conversations about processes that are perfectly natural and normal leads to immense amounts of stigma and shame for young people who have periods. Trying to make as little noise as possible while opening a pad or tampon in a public bathroom stall is unnecessary. I should not feel the need to hide the fact I am going through a normal bodily function.

We need to open up the dialogue surrounding menstruation. We need to talk more about periods, tampons, pads and PMS and we need to stop being so ashamed of bodily functions.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a tampon if you forgot one. Don’t be afraid to open your pad noisily in the bathroom. Don’t be afraid to have a body that is doing exactly what it is supposed to do.