Many Women in Substance Use Disorder Treatment Can't Afford Menstrual Products

Incorporating sexual and reproductive health services into treatment for substance use disorder may support women's efforts to remain drug free. In a secondary analysis of data from a study of sexual health needs in an outpatient clinic for substance use disorder, researchers assessed menstrual poverty (i.e., lacking money to buy menstrual hygiene products). Participants comprised 36 reproductive-aged women (mean age, 35; 39% white, 50% Black, 70% with high school education or less, 83% unemployed or disabled, 61% never married) who reported having at least one menstrual period during the preceding year. Almost all were receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder.

Most women (81%) reported menstrual poverty at least once within the prece…