Sexual health is a term that comes with its own set of stereotypes and stigmas — especially on a college campus. One aspect of sexual health that faces significant stigma is menstrual health. At the University of Tennessee, two campus resources — PERIOD and the Women’s Health Clinic — are working to bridge this gap by advocating for comprehensive reproductive healthcare and breaking down the stigma surrounding these topics.

PERIOD is a national organization with a local chapter at UT, established in 2022 for the purpose of raising awareness about menstrual health and period poverty. According to Sophia Webber, president of PERIOD, lack of access to menstrual products can significantly impact student’s physical and mental health.

“The lengths that people have to go with the products they have, like wearing tampons for an extended period of time … those can cause toxic shock syndrome,” Webber said. “Students on campus have missed class and missed work, that kind of stuff, and that I think really takes a toll on their mental and emotional health too.”

Though PERIOD is a relatively new chapter to UT, the national organization has been around for over 10 years and seeks to make policy changes at the national level. The UT chapter focuses on on-campus initiatives and collaborates with organizations, like Flex, that promote reusable and sustainable menstrual products. PERIOD also tables around campus, with educational materials and interactive games to engage the campus in an open conversation about menstrual and sexual health.

“We want menstrual health to be talked about more openly. It’s not gross or taboo. We all came from an egg and sperm. We are all here because of it.” Webber said.

Webber spoke about her lack of sex education in high school, saying that it mostly consisted of STI prevention and little else. This lack of sexual education is viewed as a pitfall of the education and healthcare system by registered nurse Melissa Hessock, advisor to PERIOD and faculty at the Women’s Health Clinic.

“It’s a human rights issue, having access to health and to safe hygiene, products, facilities and education about your body,” Hessock said. “We don’t have consistent and evidence-based sexual or reproductive healthcare.”

Hessock said that the biggest sexual health concerns on campus right now are uncertainty and misinformation. With the new presidential administration, access and funding for reproductive rights are held in the balance. Regardless of this uncertainty, Hessock remains hopeful that legislative changes will not affect students.

“I hope that we are able to continue to drive the care that we’re giving based on evidence and based on basic human rights,” Hessock said. “Know that those of us who are providing this care are continuing to provide evidence-based care and continuing to advocate for our students so that they can access the care that they need.”

Although the state of sexual healthcare on campus may feel uncertain, Hessock remained optimistic about the generational stigma that the younger generation is breaking. Hessock started her work for UT in 2020 and has noticed that students are eager to have productive conversations and learn about their bodies.

“Generationally, while there is still stigma and lack of education, they’re no longer willing to accept that, and they’re learning to advocate for themselves and to ask questions,” Hessock said. “My favorite thing is sharing my passion for normalizing sexual and reproductive health and creating safe spaces. I like to have those difficult conversations.”

Hessock’s passion for these conversations extends to her work at the Women’s Health Clinic, where students can seek guidance and support. The Women’s Health Clinic has existed since 2011 and has grown alongside the student body, offering services that range from cervical cancer screenings to birth control and STI treatment. Their mission is to create a judgment-free space where students feel valued and supported in their questions about sexual health. Maggie Farley, a healthcare provider with the clinic, wants students to know that the clinic is there to help.

“If there’s anything you are worried or unsure about, come talk to us. We’ll explain why your body is doing what it’s doing. We are here to help.”