Buzz
Months after the baby formula shortage, tampons have now joined the list of hard-to-find essentials. While Reddit discussions have highlighted this issue for some time, it recently gained widespread attention thanks to a Time magazine article that dubbed it 'the silent supply chain crisis.'
This guide explores the reasons behind the shortage and offers practical solutions to help you secure the products you require.
What’s driving the current tampon shortage?
Unsurprisingly, the tampon shortage has sparked widespread blame-shifting. For instance, Procter & Gamble, the company behind Tampax, has cited the rising costs and instability in sourcing essential materials such as cotton and plastic, as highlighted by the New York Times.
On the other hand, a P&G spokesperson informed Time that Amy Schumer’s highly successful Tampax advertisements, launched in July 2020, have driven such high demand that tampons are selling out almost two years into the campaign.
In her Time article, Alana Semuels argues that the tampon shortage persists longer than past shortages of toilet paper and hand sanitizer because many decision-makers in procurement and supply chains do not personally use tampons.
Regardless of the reasons, the combination of tampon scarcity and soaring prices—up nearly 10% compared to last year, according to Bloomberg—has made these menstrual products inaccessible for many.
What steps can you take if tampons are unavailable?
Similar to other shortages caused by labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, the availability of tampons varies by location, with some regions having more stock than others. Before worrying, check your usual store for tampons.
If you’re struggling to find tampons, consider these approaches:
Explore other local stores
Inspired by Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus on Seinfeld), who scoured every store within a 25-block radius when her favorite birth control sponge was discontinued, take a similar approach.
Don’t limit yourself to one pharmacy. If your local CVS is out of tampons, try Walgreens or independent pharmacies. If cost isn’t a concern, check unconventional places like gas station convenience stores, which may still have tampons in stock.
Consider switching brands
In certain regions, the tampon shortage affects specific brands—meaning your preferred brand might be unavailable, but alternatives from smaller or newer companies could still be in stock. This might even lead you to discover a new favorite.
Purchase in bulk
Buying in bulk, including tampons, requires a larger upfront investment, which isn’t feasible for everyone. However, you can collaborate with others to share the cost of a bulk order if you locate a supplier with available stock.
Explore office supply retailers such as Staples, as well as online-only stores. Some wholesale companies, like Aunt Flow, cater to businesses but also allow consumers to buy menstrual products in bulk.
Explore alternative menstrual products
If tampons are unavailable, many individuals can consider switching to a different menstrual product. However, this isn’t always straightforward, as some retailers have noted that items like pads and menstrual cups are also running low. Additionally, most people stick to a specific product after finding what works best for them through trial and error—making the switch more challenging than simply choosing between Coke and Pepsi.
For those open to trying something new or in need of alternatives, here are some options to consider:
Pads
Pros: Pads are straightforward to use, requiring no learning curve.
Cons: As a popular alternative to tampons, pads face similar supply chain challenges and may also be scarce. Some users find them uncomfortable or irritating to their skin, and they’re not suitable for activities like swimming.
Menstrual cups and discs
Pros: Eco-friendly and cost-effective due to their reusability. They are now more accessible and affordable compared to previous years.
Cons: Require a higher upfront cost compared to disposable options. Finding the right brand and size can involve trial and error, and some users may need practice to insert them comfortably. Not everyone finds them suitable.
Period underwear
Pros: Reusable, with growing availability and affordability.
Cons: Involves a higher initial cost, especially since multiple pairs are needed. Even with high-absorbency options, those with moderate-to-heavy flow may still require additional menstrual products.
Reusable pads
Pro: Economical and eco-friendly.
Cons: Require regular washing, which can be time-consuming. Unlike disposable pads, they don’t keep the surface fabric feeling dry.
When to be cautious
Due to the shortage, some may consider leaving a tampon in for longer than the advised eight-hour limit. However, medical professionals and FDA guidelines strongly discourage this, as it increases the risk of bacterial infections and, in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome, though its occurrence has significantly declined in recent decades.
What about expired tampons? Most have a shelf life of three to five years. According to Dr. Barbara Wilkinson, an OB-GYN at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School instructor, speaking to the New York Times, there’s no evidence that expired tampons are inherently unsafe.
If you find an old supply of tampons, Wilkinson recommends ensuring the wrapper is intact and the tampon appears well-protected before use.
