In her early 30’s, LaToya learned she had fibroids during a routine OG/BYN visit to replace an IUD. After providing little information or guidance, LaToya’s doctor, of twelve years, recommended that she have a hysterectomy; it was the first and only option she was presented. LaToya declined the hysterectomy and decided to empower herself embarking on a four-year-long journey, and counting, of researching fibroids. During her fibroid healing journey, LaToya’s outlook on reproductive health drastically shifted after learning about the negative implications of period poverty and the detrimental impact that sanitary products have on the reproductive system.

Period poverty is the lack of access to safe, hygienic, toxic-free sanitary products, and the economic vulnerability one faces while trying to afford these menstrual products. 2-in-5 Americans suffer from period poverty. Whether it’s a high school student, attorney, police officer, college professor, store clerk, or community change maker, someone you know may suffer from period poverty. It’s a global pandemic that is unrecognized and not openly discussed. Pad The Pandemic aspires to invoke change with one mission – to eradicate period poverty and unnecessary hysterectomies one uterus at a time!