When I was a freshman, I unexpectedly started my period and had to rush to the administration office with a makeshift pad. I later had to run a mile, all the while using the pads given to me by the school, and ended up being uncomfortable and distracted for the rest of the day. Sadly, the experience with poor support – whether it’s with products or just help with dealing with period cramps, is not uncommon at DVHS.
Menstruation is a normal part of life for many students. While it is commendable that our school provides free sanitary products in general, the quality of these products often falls short of women’s needs. Brands like Naturelle Maxi Pads, Gards Regular Maxi, and Naturelle Tampons, commonly stocked at our school, are basic options that may work in emergencies but lack the absorbency, comfort, or reliability needed for a full day of classes. This puts students in a difficult position where they have to either manage with a poor-quality product or miss out on learning time to find alternatives.
Periods can also sometimes be unpredictable, and managing them at school requires products that students can trust to handle long hours, active schedules, and varying flow levels. Low-quality products may leak more easily, cause discomfort, or even lead to skin irritation—all of which distract from learning and participation They can also cause serious health issues such as bacterial infections, like reproductive and urinary tract infections which can lead to more serious issues in the future. For students already grappling with the stress of academic and social pressures, this is an unnecessary burden. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about equity. Schools are meant to be places where students feel supported, safe, and ready to learn. Yet for students who have periods every month, inadequate products can create a barrier to achieving this. By providing high-quality menstrual care products, DVHS would not only improve students’ physical comfort but also send a clear message: their health and well-being matter. Students shouldn’t have to choose between their education and managing a normal biological process. When schools invest in menstrual equity, they’re investing in the success of all students. But of course, maintaining a continuous supply of menstrual care products comes with challenges. Budget constraints may make it difficult for DVHS to afford comfortable, premium products. Schools must juggle priorities, and menstrual products often take a backseat to other needs. However, overcoming this problem isn’t impossible. Partnering with menstrual care brands could help reduce costs. Many companies offer bulk discounts or donation programs specifically designed for schools, like Aunt Flow, which allows schools to buy menstrual products at a discounted rate.
Investing in better-quality brands may seem like a small change, but it could have a big impact on students’ confidence and focus. Brands known for their superior absorbency, fit, and comfort—like Always or Kotex—would ensure that students feel secure throughout the school day. When students don’t have to worry about their periods, they can concentrate on what truly matters: their education.
Sophomore Sneha Dhavale commented on this, saying, “I remember how I used the school-given pad once during a test. It felt so uncomfortable and felt like a diaper, and I kept worrying about the leaks or the discomfort, rather than focusing on my actual test.”
Better-quality products demonstrate that the school values students’ health and well-being. Offering pads and tampons that students feel confident using shows respect for their needs and sends a message that their experience is taken seriously. Schools often go the extra mile to provide high-quality meals, educational tools, and sports equipment, so why not do the same for menstrual care and products?
Periods are challenging enough without adding unnecessary discomfort and stress. By investing in better-quality sanitary products, DVHS could make a small yet meaningful change that shows students their needs are truly valued. It’s not just about providing the bare minimum—it’s about creating an environment where all students can thrive.