Menstrual Hygiene Day theme 2026
On Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, we're working to break the silence around periods, tackle the stigma often associated with them, and raise awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene for women, girls and people who menstruate around the world.
When is Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, and what is it? Menstrual Hygiene Day takes place on 28 May every year. It's a chance to highlight the importance of menstrual care, and raise awareness about the issues faced by those who don't have access to sanitary products. Access to sanitary products, safe, hygienic spaces in which to use them, and the right to manage menstruation without shame or stigma, is essential for anyone who menstruates. But for too many, that's not the reality.
The theme of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 is: making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030. The overarching goal is to build a world where no one is held back because they menstruate by 2030.
International Day of Action for Women’s Health
On May 28, the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, activists around the world will take action, mobilize, and highlight demands towards the fulfillment of women’s right to health. This year, we call on everyone to #ResistAndPersist amid crises and global uncertainty and to continue to assert that #WomensHealthMatters and #SRHRisEssential.
Within the context of the post-pandemic recovery, we continue to hold governments accountable to the gendered impacts of the pandemic that remain unaddressed to date. Some of these impacts include loss of livelihood, increased unpaid care burdens on women and girls, heightened risks to gender-based violence, and barriers to accessing essential sexual and reproductive health services, including safe abortion and post-abortion care.
We also escalate the need for accountability at the global level as we recognize that the multiple crises we face – economic, political, humanitarian, climate, disinformation crises – require no less than concerted global effort to be adequately addressed.
Menstrual Hygiene Day
For some, menstruation may be an inconvenience they don’t give much thought to. But for millions of others, this most natural of reproductive cycle functions can equate to abuse (the onset of menstruation can signal that a girl is ready for marriage and childbearing, even if she is still a child herself); stigma (banished to menstruation huts; barred from sharing meals); missed opportunity (skipping school because of pain and/or lack of personal hygiene products); and loss of dignity (lack of supplies and sanitation in humanitarian settings where even basics like soap and water can be scarce or unavailable.)
Among initiatives to support menstrual health and hygiene, UNFPA reaches people who menstruate with education, safe sanitation facilities, including in displacement camps, and with dignity kits containing essentials like soap, menstrual supplies and underwear. Recently, UNFPA has distributed thousands of kits in humanitarian settings as a result of conflict (Ukraine and Moldova, northern Ethiopia) and natural disasters (Haiti, the Philippines, Tonga, Malawi and Mozambique).
The day is observed on 28 May because menstrual cycles average 28 days in length and people menstruate an average of five days each month. (May is the fifth month of the year.) It is meant to advance menstruation as a biological process so that people can menstruate without being cast out or missing out, without feeling fear or shame and without being treated like less or exposed to more vulnerabilities. It also raises awareness of period poverty, or the inability to afford the menstrual supplies needed to manage health and hygiene with dignity.
Menstrual Hygiene Day: Making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030
Today, millions of women and girls* around the world are stigmatised, excluded and discriminated against simply because they menstruate. It’s not acceptable that because of a natural bodily function women and girls continue to be prevented from getting an education, earning an income and fully and equally participating in everyday life.
While Menstrual Hygiene Day is on 28 May, our team and our partners work all year round to:
- Break the taboos and end the stigma surrounding menstruation
- Raise awareness about the challenges regarding access to menstrual products, education about menstruation and period-friendly sanitation facilities
- Mobilise the funding required for action at scale
All of this contributes to our overarching goal: to build a world where no one is held back because they menstruate by 2030. Join the global day of action.
From Pads to Tampons: How women dealt with periods long before sanitary pads and tampons
Long before the sanitary pad got its wings, it was meant to help men cope with another kind of bleeding. Ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28
Did you know that the first disposable sanitary pads were made for men, not women? In the 1700s, the idea of creating a highly absorbent pad that could be discarded after use was thought up by US president Benjamin Franklin, who wanted to help wounded soldiers control bleeding of a different kind.
Of course, women were menstruating before the 1700s and were known to use some form of menstrual protection. One of the earliest records was of a 4th-century Greek mathematician, who resorted to throwing her menstrual rag at a persistent admirer after everything else she did failed to fob him off. Other than rags, women also lined their underwear with whatever was cheap and in abundance. In China, women were thought to have made period pads by putting sand in a cloth pouch and wrapping it tightly. When the pad was wet, the sand would be discarded and the pouch washed for the next cycle.
Elsewhere, women were said to have used moss or grass, though we wonder if they also had to grapple with frequent infections down there. It isn't clear why menstrual rags weren't used by some women from the 1700s to the 1900s in Europe or America. It could be the extreme poverty that the majority of the population lived through. For whatever reason, women did not use anything to catch their menstrual flow. Those who could afford to would use knitted "pads", sheep's wool, or rabbit fur.
How women have managed periods throughout history
Women have been managing their periods for millennia, but the way they do so has changed as menstruation has become more and less stigmatised over time. From rags to tampons, menstrual cups and free-bleeding, take a tour of the history of period products on this Menstrual Hygiene Day.
For most of human history, menstruation was very poorly understood. In ancient times, it was often thought of negatively, the blood considered impure and periods thought to be a curse. From the 15th century, "women would apply remedies, for example enemas, perform physical exercise or take emmenagogue plants", which helped regulate menstruation cycles, French historian Nahema Hanafi told AFP. It was the job of the women in a teenager's family or community to inform her about periods. But they also discussed how it worked with men.
"In medieval and modern times, people talk about menstruation because it is a crucial health issue that concerns the whole family," Hanafi said. Noble women, for example, would catalogue their periods in correspondence with their father or uncle. However menstruation became taboo in the 19th century Europe with the rise of the middle class, which brought about new social norms, the historian said. Modesty became a feminine virtue. "In this movement, everything related to the body and sexuality was kept from women's sight, which prevented them from being informed about these subjects -- and from talking about them," Hanafi said.
Choosing the Right Sanitary Pad
When you have your period, you need the assurance that your sanitary pad provides you reliable absorbency with no leakages. After all, what could be more embarrassing than having a period stain on your skirt? Comfort is of upmost importance, make sure your pad is comfortable and doesn’t cause you any itchiness or irritation. Here are three important things to note when choosing a sanitary pad:
- Good Absorbency - One of the most important elements of a good sanitary pad is the ability to absorb a large volume of blood in a short span of time. Blood absorbed should also be locked into the centre core, eliminating the chance of backflow when pressure is applied to the pad (for example when sitting down). One way to tell whether the discharged blood is absorbed to the centre core is to observe the colour of the blood on the pad surface. The brighter or fresher the colour, the nearer the blood is to the surface, potentially leading to backflow and dampness. Conversely, if the colour appears a duller red, this means that blood has been effectively absorbed so that you feel dry, confident and are able to go about your daily activities without worrying about any leakage!
- Length and Flow - Blood discharge is usually heavier at the start of your period, so it is essential to choose a pad that can quickly and effectively absorb your flow. Sanitary pads are classified as Day or Night, with Day pads being shorter (ranging from 17cm to 25cm) and Night pads going all the way to 35cm or more. The longer the pad, the more fluids it can absorb. Night pads also come with added features like wide hip guards to effectively prevent back leakages as you lie down. Some pads also come with side gathers to fit your body contours; this is to prevent side leakage throughout the night.
- Material Comfort - Sanitary pads are either made of cotton or plastic netted. Everyone’s skin is different, thus the comfort levels with certain materials differ as well. Some girls prefer a soft touch whilst others may prefer a netted top layer. The type of material also affects its breathability. According to a survey conducted by Kao Laboratories in Japan, when you put on a sanitary pad, humidity levels in that area of your body elevates to 85% or higher. This change could make the skin damp, tender and very sensitive. The menstrual flow itself could lead to your discomfort. On light flow days, moisture levels are lower but the constant rubbing of your skin against the sanitary pad can give rise to abrasions, making your skin red and itchy. A common misconception among women is that having rashes in their pubic area is something all women have to go through during their period. The truth is, the problem may quite easily be alleviated by simply changing to cotton-type sanitary pads!
Menstrual pads
A menstrual pad, or simply pad, (also known as a sanitary pad, sanitary towel, sanitary napkin or feminine napkin) is an absorbent item worn by women in their underwear when menstruating, bleeding after giving birth, recovering from gynecologic surgery, experiencing a miscarriage or abortion, or in any other situation where it is necessary to absorb a flow of blood from the vagina.
A menstrual pad is a type of menstrual hygiene product that is worn externally, unlike tampons and menstrual cups, which are worn inside the vagina. Pads are generally changed by being stripped off the pants and panties, taking out the old pad, sticking the new one on the inside of the panties and pulling them back on. Pads are recommended to be changed every 3–4 hours to avoid certain bacteria that can fester in blood; this time also may differ depending on the kind worn, flow, and the time it is worn.
Menstrual pads are made from a range of materials, differing depending on style, country of origin, and brand. The pads are not the same as incontinence pads, which generally have higher absorbency and are worn by those who have urinary incontinence problems. Although menstrual pads are not made for this use, some use them for this purpose.
Tampons
Tampon inserted
A tampon is a menstrual product designed to absorb blood and vaginal secretions by insertion into the vagina during menstruation. Unlike a pad, it is placed internally, inside of the vaginal canal. Once inserted correctly, a tampon is held in place by the vagina and expands as it soaks up menstrual blood. However, in addition to menstrual blood, the tampon also absorbs the vagina's natural lubrication and bacteria, which can change the normal pH, increasing the risk of infections from the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare but life-threatening infection that requires immediate medical attention.
The majority of tampons sold are made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton, along with synthetic fibers. Some tampons are made out of organic cotton. Tampons are available in several absorbency ratings. Brands include (but are not limited to) Kotex, Playtex, Tampax (Always), O.B., Cora, Lola, Sustain, Honest Company, Seventh Generation, Solimo, and Rael Tampons. Several countries regulate tampons as medical devices. In the United States, they are considered to be a Class II medical device by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Tampon design varies between companies and across product lines in order to offer a variety of applicators, materials and absorbencies. There are two main categories of tampons based on the way of insertion - digital tampons inserted by finger, and applicator tampons. Tampon applicators may be made of plastic or cardboard, and are similar in design to a syringe. The applicator consists of two tubes, an "outer", or barrel, and "inner", or plunger. The outer tube has a smooth surface to aid insertion and sometimes comes with a rounded end that is petaled. Differences exist in the way tampons expand when in use: applicator tampons generally expand axially (increase in length), while digital tampons will expand radially (increase in diameter). Most tampons have a cord or string for removal. The majority of tampons sold are made of rayon, or a blend of rayon and cotton. Organic cotton tampons are made from only 100% cotton. Tampons may also come in scented or unscented varieties
Menstrual cups
A properly inserted menstrual cup (blue) will form a seal against the vaginal walls, as shown. Blood flow from the uterus (red) is captured in the cup
A menstrual cup is a menstrual hygiene device which is inserted into the vagina during menstruation. Its purpose is to collect menstrual fluid (blood from the uterine lining mixed with other fluids). Menstrual cups are usually made of flexible medical grade silicone, latex, or a thermoplastic isomer. They are shaped like a bell with a stem or a ring. The stem is used for insertion and removal, and the bell-shaped cup seals against the vaginal wall just below the cervix and collects menstrual fluid. This is unlike tampons and menstrual pads, which absorb the fluid instead.
Every 4–12 hours (depending on the amount of flow), the cup is removed, emptied, rinsed, and reinserted. After each period, the cup requires cleaning. One cup may be reusable for up to 10 years, making their long-term cost lower than that of disposable tampons or pads, though the initial cost is higher. As menstrual cups are reusable, they generate less solid waste than tampons and pads, both from the products themselves and from their packaging. Most menstrual cup brands sell a smaller and a larger size. Some menstrual cups are sold colorless and translucent, but several brands also offer colored cups. Menstrual cups typically do not leak if used properly, though incorrect placement or inadequate cup size can cause some women to experience leakage. Menstrual cups are a safe alternative to other menstrual products; risk of toxic shock syndrome infection is similar or less with menstrual cups compared to pads or tampons
The menstrual cup is first folded or pinched and then inserted into the vagina. It will normally unfold automatically and create a light seal against the cervix. In some cases, the user may need to twist the cup or flex the vaginal muscles to ensure the cup is fully open. If correctly inserted, the cup should not leak or cause any discomfort. The stem should be completely inside the vagina. If it is not, the stem can be trimmed. There are various folding techniques for insertion; common folds include the c-fold, as well as the punch-down fold. If lubrication is necessary for insertion, it should be water-based, as silicone lubricant can be damaging to the silicone. After 4–12 hours of use (depending on the amount of flow), the cup is removed by reaching up to its stem to find the base. Simply pulling on the stem is not recommended to remove the cup, as this can create suction. The base of the cup is pinched to release the seal, and the cup is removed. After emptying, a menstrual cup should be rinsed or wiped and reinserted. It can be washed with a mild soap, and sterilized in boiling water for a few minutes at the end of the cycle. Alternatively, sterilizing solutions (usually developed for baby bottles and breast pump equipment) may be used to soak the cup. Specific cleaning instructions vary by brand.
