First came the baby formula shortage. Now, folks who get periods are battling with an unexpected tampon shortage across the country. For much of the year, the issue had been a buzzy topic on forums such as Reddit and Instagram. It wasn't until Time reported on it that the shortage went mainstream, with women across the nation cosigning that they too, couldn't get their hands on a box of tampons.
In fact, the situation is so dire that InstaCart just revealed that while searches for tampons have risen on their platform, fulfillment on those orders has dropped by 67 percent as the unexpected supply chain problem continues to leave store shelves understocked. Tampon suppliers such as Procter & Gamble have stated that acquiring the materials needed—such as cotton and plastic—has been costly, but assured consumers they're working to rectify the situation, per the New York Times. Exact dates weren't given.
With that in mind, check out these five tampon alternatives to buy when Auntie Flo visits, but you can’t get your hands on a box of tampons.