Hanlon, Clare ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5547-5327, Flowers, Elliott ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1021-3651 and Mesagno, Christopher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9417-4359 (2025) Bloody good idea: Free period products at sports and leisure facilities. Project Report. Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria. (Unpublished)

Abstract

Fear of leaking is the main reason why people who menstruate skip, stop or avoid playing sport. Seventy-five percent of high school students have skipped playing sport because of their period. If legislation exists to provide free period products and menstruation information in schools, universities and libraries, why not in sports facilities? The aim of this research was to investigate the experiences of people who menstruate in Australia (aged 15 years and over) when playing sport. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted asking participants about access to period products in sports facilities and the impact of menstruation on sports participation. The survey comprised a mixture of multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions designed to capture quantitative and qualitative data. Responses were gained from 330 people who menstruate, including 310 adults (18+ years) and 20 adolescents (15-17 years). Approximately half (54%) were between the ages of 25 and 44 years of age. Findings revealed of the 68% who skipped playing sport because of their period, 69% skipped playing sport at least 3 times per year, and 33% skipped playing sport 1-2 times per year. Additionally, 27% skipped playing sport due to a lack of access to period products. Less than a quarter (23%) of respondents have received education or information about how to manage their period while playing sport. The most commonly used period products were disposable pads (68%), tampons (58%), and period undies (49%). Opportunities exist for government, sport, and commercial providers to break down barriers for people who menstruate when playing sport during their period. These opportunities include providing readily accessible period products and building understanding for girls and women on managing periods when playing sport.

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