But as a matter of law, the argument extends far deeper. The tampon tax amounts to sex-based discrimination in violation of the equal protection clause, both under state and federal constitutions — making it more than merely unfair or inequitable, but unconstitutional and therefore illegal.

Tampons are cylindrical inserts that go inside your vagina, whereas pads are absorbent linings designed to stick to your underwear. Tampons are a good option because they are small, nearly invisible, and swim-safe — but they can be hard to insert and may carry the risk of vaginal irritation or toxic shock syndrome.

Period advocates all over the world are fighting for the tax exemption of menstrual products to ensure that everyone can manage their periods with safety and dignity. Here’s everything you need to know about how the tampon tax limits access to menstrual products and further perpetuates period poverty.

Tampon tax is a term used for the tax imposed on menstrual hygiene products by a government. These products are not subject to a unique or special tax but are classified as luxury items along with other goods that are not exempted.

Almost all U.S. states exempt non-luxury necessities such as groceries or prescriptions from sales tax, and yet almost all states charge tax on menstrual products, including pads and cups – despite that these items are considered a necessity by most women.

Even though tampons and other period products are an essential need for women, consumers still have to pay a sales tax on them in 35 states. The average sales tax in the US is 5%, so a $7 box of tampons will cost about 35 cents in taxes.

“Your body tries to get rid of the tampon because it thinks it’s a foreign body—it initiates immune response, and the bacteria that is already present goes to work,” she told me over the phone while she baby-sat for my niece, a future bleeder. “One type of bacteria is called putrescine. That leads to a putrid smell.

The pink tax is not an actual tax, but many apparel products designed for women have higher import tariffs than men’s counterparts. A handful of state and local governments have regulations to prohibit gendered price discrimination. The U.S. federal government does not, though bills have been introduced.

The revenue collected from the tax on period products was used to fund charities. The Tampon Tax Fund has given £47 million to charities working with vulnerable women and girls since 2015. The fund will continue to support women.

Sweden Has One of the Highest “Tampon Taxes” in the World. For many females around the world, feminine hygiene products are a necessary part of life — and also one of the most expensive.

A pad is made of absorbent material that sticks to your underwear and you can wear them day or night. Like tampons, pads come in a variety of sizes to meet your flow needs. Using pads is really easy, but, they aren’t for everybody.

May be better for heavy periods: Women and girls who have heavy periods have to change their menstrual hygiene product more often than others. Changing pads many times in a day is easier than tampons. Easy to use: Pads are easier to use than tampons. They are also especially great for overnight use.

Tampons come in different sizes because your flow changes every day; you should tweak your tampon absorbency to match your flow. Tampax offers a range of 5 absorbencies, from light to ultra, to give you smooth removal for your lightest days and the ultimate protection on your heavy days.

You can still get TSS when you’re using a pad, but the risk is the same as not using any feminine hygiene protection. Tampons can absolutely be used safely. Just remember that they can increase your risk of TSS, so know the symptoms and what to do if you think you have it.