Health - Wellness
Here's What To Know About The American Tampon Shortage
By CATHERINE CARUSO
As of June 2022, tampons have been in short supply for months, and major retailers and manufacturers are blaming global supply chain issues. Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Tampax, recently said that acquiring raw materials, like cotton and plastic, has become "costly and highly volatile," resulting in a 10% price increase in tampons.
A representative for Procter & Gamble told the New York Times that the situation is temporary, but the tampon manufacturer did not provide a specific timeline indicating when the shortage might end. In this case, experts recommend using other brands of tampons, or alternative period products if you can't find tampons anywhere.
Pads and panty liners are common alternatives to tampons, as they are flexible, accessible, absorbent, and can help prevent accidental leaks. Reusable devices, such as reusable pads, period panties, menstrual cups, and discs, are other alternatives to tampons, though cups and similar devices have a bit of a learning curve.