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Menstrual Station

The Menstrual Station project, promoted by the Equal Opportunities Service in collaboration with the Quality and Sustainability Service and the Institutional Communication Service, is part of USI's commitment to promoting health and equal opportunities in an inclusive, sustainable environment that is attentive to everyday needs, in line with the objectives of the Strategic Plan 25-28 and the Action Plan for Equal Opportunities, Inclusion and Diversity at USI 2025-2028.

The project, supported by PgB swissuniversities 2025–2028 "Équité – Promouvoir l'égalité, la diversité et l'inclusion à tous les niveaux des hautes écoles", aims to guarantee free access to menstrual products, reducing inequalities and contributing to greater awareness and normalisation of the issue.

It represents a symbolic yet concrete step towards reducing inequalities related to period management and fostering a more informed culture around menstrual health by: 

  • normalising the topic of menstruation; 

  • overcoming stigma and taboos; 

  • recognising menstruation as a health issue rather than just a matter of hygiene, encompassing all stages of life from the first period to menopause; 

  • ensuring easy access to information, menstrual products, water, hygiene and disposal services, as well as empathetic and professional care when needed; 

  • promoting positive norms that view menstruation as a natural and healthy part of life, free from stigma. 

Starting in March 2026, USI will provide free menstrual products across its campuses. 

Access to safe, high-quality menstrual products is essential for intimate health and personal dignity. Their availability on university premises allows individuals to manage menstruation with peace of mind, even in unexpected situations. This helps to reduce the stress and discomfort caused by the taboos surrounding menstruation, which can otherwise lead to stigmatisation, exclusion, and health issues. 

 

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  • What is Menstrual Station?

    Menstrual Stations are distribution points installed in selected bathrooms at USI locations on the Lugano, Mendrisio and Airolo campuses.

    Each station offers a selection of menstrual management products in a free and accessible manner.

    The aim is to offer a practical and immediate service that responds to sudden needs or situations of necessity, without barriers. The system is managed in a sustainable manner and regularly restocked to ensure continuity.

  • Where to find Menstrual Stations - Lugano Campus

    1. Main building
      • Level 2, women's toilet in the Rectorate area
      • Level 3, all-gender/wheelchair-accessible toilet, next to the auditorium
    2. Black building
      • Level 1, all-gender/wheelchair-accessible toilet
    3. Red building
      • Level 1, women's toilet
    4. Library
      • Level 2, all-gender/wheelchair-accessible toilet
    5. East Campus Lugano
      • Sector A, Level 0, all-gender toilet
      • Sector B, Level 0, infirmary
    mappa menstrual stations Campus Lugano

  • Where to find Menstrual Stations - Mendrisio Campus

    1. Palazzo Canavée, Level 0, WC All gender, accessible to people with disabilities
    2. Palazzo Turconi, Level 0, WC All gender, accessible to people with disabilities
    mappa menstrual stations Campus Mendrisio

  • Where to find Menstrual stations - Airolo

    Sustainability House, work in progress.

  • Product selection

    The selection of products available at Menstrual Stations is based on criteria of quality, sustainability and inclusivity.

    The following items have been chosen:

    • Dermatologically tested and free from fragrances or irritants;
    • Made from sustainable materials and low-impact packaging;
    • Attentive to different preferences and usage needs.

    This choice reflects USI's commitment to eco-responsible practices and to an approach in which everyday needs are not obstacles but are addressed with concrete and respectful solutions.

    For more information on the choice of products, please visit: https://www.mensis.ch/it/4-protezioni-mestruali.

  • Toxic shock syndrome

    What is toxic shock syndrome?

    Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious acute condition that can occur during menstruation, particularly when using vaginal devices such as tampons or menstrual cups. It most commonly affects young, healthy people who are carriers of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which produces the toxin TSST-1 in the vagina, often without their knowledge.

    How does it occur?

    Approximately 1% of the Swiss population is a carrier of Staphylococcus aureus. In most cases, the presence of this bacterium does not cause any symptoms. However, it has been shown that prolonged use of internal menstrual hygiene products beyond the recommended time can promote the onset of toxic shock syndrome.

    When a tampon or menstrual cup is worn for too long, bacteria can become trapped in the vagina and proliferate. Excessive concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus can lead to the release of the TSST-1 toxin, which enters the bloodstream. This toxin can cause systemic shock and severe damage to vital organs such as the liver, lungs and kidneys. In severe cases, TSS can cause tissue necrosis, resulting in the need for amputations or, in extreme cases, death.

    Recommendations

    • If you have already been diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome, avoid using internal menstrual protection.
    • Always follow the specific instructions for use for each type of menstrual protection.
    • When using tampons, never exceed 6 hours of use.
    • Choose a tampon with a level of absorbency appropriate for your menstrual flow.
    • Never use tampons outside of your menstrual period.
    • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing your sanitary product.

    Source: https://www.mensis.ch/it/content/10-sindrome-da-shock-tossico

  • Menstrual Station as a global commitment to equal opportunities, health, and inclusion

    Ensuring the availability of free menstrual products within the university promotes equity, well-being, and inclusion. Menstruation is a natural and recurring condition that can affect daily life and participation in academic and social activities.

    From a global perspective, the project is in line with the vision of the World Health Organization (WHO), which recognizes menstrual health as a health, social, and human rights issue, not limited to hygiene alone. Menstrual Station translates these principles within the USI university community through:

    • free access to menstrual products, reducing economic and practical barriers;
    • education and normalization, helping to combat stigma and taboos;
    • inclusion and gender equality, promoting an environment where menstruation is not a barrier to study or work;
    • sustainability and rights, recognizing menstrual health as a right and not a luxury, including through the choice of quality and eco-sustainable products.

    Website references

  • The menstrual cycle: guidelines for informed management

    To learn more:

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