Coworker called an unused tampon “unprofessional”
I usually stow my tampons in the cabinet behind my desk, but today I accidentally left one out. Minutes later, a coworker slid into my DMs saying she’d covered it with a newspaper, I should “store personal hygiene items properly” instead of leaving them visible to keep the office “comfortable and respectful.”
At first, I just thought: “Huh, okay” but the more I sat with it, the more it rubbed me the wrong way. Since when is a period product unprofessional? It’s a normal part of being a woman! Would anyone lose their mind over an unused Band-Aid on my desk?
This same coworker pumps breast milk at work (which is totally fine), she closes her door, but leaves the milk in our shared fridge. I never said a word because it’s necessary for her baby. So why is my basic hygiene item being shamed as “disrespectful”?
Period stigma remains a significant challenge in many workplaces today, even though menstruation is a natural biological process affecting half the population. The scenario where a coworker referred to an unused tampon as "unprofessional" highlights ongoing misunderstandings and discomfort surrounding menstrual products. It raises important questions about workplace culture and how personal hygiene items are perceived. Menstrual products, like tampons and pads, are essential for many women’s daily routines. Storing them discreetly is a personal preference, but their mere presence should never be deemed disrespectful or inappropriate. Comparing this to an unused Band-Aid left on a desk underscores the irrationality of shaming period products. Band-Aids are also personal care items, yet they rarely provoke discomfort in a workplace setting. It is especially notable that the coworker in question who criticized the tampon storage also pumps breast milk at work, which is fully accepted and supported for the well-being of her child. This contrast shows a double standard in how female-related bodily functions and needs are accepted or stigmatized. Breastfeeding support is often legally protected and socially encouraged, while menstrual needs remain taboo for many. Building a respectful and inclusive workplace means normalizing conversations around menstruation and personal hygiene. Employers and employees can contribute by fostering open dialogue, providing supportive policies such as adequate restroom facilities and breaks, and challenging misconceptions that perpetuate stigma. Ultimately, everyone deserves a comfortable and respectful work environment that recognizes the realities of bodily functions without shame or judgment. Challenging period shaming head-on helps cultivate understanding and acceptance, reducing unnecessary embarrassment or exclusion for those managing menstruation at work.
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