A qualitative exploration of menstrual management practices and the impact of menstruation on the livelihoods of female sex workers in a peri-urban area of western Kenya - Takeaways - MDSpire

Investigating Menstrual Hygiene Practices and Their Effects on the Economic Well-being of Female Sex Workers in a Peri-Urban Setting of Western Kenya

  • By

  • Elish McCullough

  • Garazi Zulaika

  • Edyth A. Osire

  • Cynthia Akinyi

  • Fredrick O. Otieno

  • Penelope A. Phillips-Howard

  • Supriya D. Mehta

  • Linda Mason

  • June 5, 2026

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  • 1

    The study involved 57 female sex workers in Kisumu, Kenya, exploring their menstrual hygiene management practices and economic impacts.

  • 2

    FSWs primarily used disposable sanitary pads, but also reported using tampons, cloths, and unsafe practices to manage menstruation during sex work.

  • 3

    Many FSWs continued working during menstruation due to financial necessity, often facing income loss or client refusal when menstruating.

  • 4

    Negative client attitudes towards menstruation led to harmful practices, including intravaginal cleansing and inserting materials to hide bleeding.

  • 5

    The findings highlight the urgent need for safer menstrual management solutions that can be discreetly used during sex work.

Original Source(s)

A qualitative exploration of menstrual management practices and the impact of menstruation on the livelihoods of female sex workers in a peri-urban area of western Kenya

  • by Elish McCullough, Garazi Zulaika, Edyth A. Osire, Cynthia Akinyi, Fredrick O. Otieno, Penelope A. Phillips-Howard, Supriya D. Mehta, Linda Mason

  • June 5, 2026

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