3 Tampax tampons, Original Regular, for individual sale by vending machine

Three Tampax tampons, Original Regular, for individual sale by vending machine, manufactured by Tambrands, distributed by Hospital Specialty, Cleveland, Ohio, 1997-1999

Almost 9 out of 10 menstruators have had a period start unexpectedly while out and about, according to a study commissioned by US nonprofit Free the Tampons. If you’re one of them, you may well have relied on dispensers in public toilets to obtain the supplies you need.

Free The Tampons campaign for menstrual products to be available free of charge in all bathrooms outside of the home, just as toilet paper is.

In 2022, Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products free for all under new legislation requiring all councils and education providers to provide them in a bid to tackle period poverty and stigma.