If you’ve ever experienced menstruation, you will definitely relate to this SNL sketch. Even as recently as 2019, there remains a pervasive stigma surrounding periods that compels many to conceal their menstrual cycles. Just think about how many of us have awkwardly crumpled a pad or clutched a tampon in our fists while heading to the restroom. Or how often we’ve discreetly passed period supplies among friends. The SNL sketch “Tampax Secrets” cleverly captures this absurd ritual we all go through.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the phenomenal host from Fleabag, teams up with cast members Aidy Bryant and Melissa Villaseñor in this hilarious parody that examines our public struggles with tampons. The sketch serves as a reminder that there’s absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed about menstruating.
It’s both comical and relatable to watch Waller-Bridge enthusiastically request a tampon, only to find creative and absurd hiding spots, including dog waste and a dead mouse—pure comedic genius. The spoof showcases a fictional Tampax line that offers tampons disguised in items perceived to be less objectionable than the actual product itself. Along with the aforementioned items, there’s a range of bizarre alternatives, such as white dreadlocks, a signed copy of Mein Kampf, a VHS tape of The Cosby Show, truck nuts, a neatly folded Confederate flag, and even “a real bomb.”
The humor resonates because it’s an all-too-familiar truth. Personally, I’ve often relied on pads due to various health issues, making the experience of carrying one akin to toting around a mini diaper. This has led to years of “discreetly” cramming my pads into my fist or stashing them in hidden compartments of my bag. I can relate to this sketch on a deeply personal level. Imagine the intrigue of passing a pad inside a human skull as a decoy, right?
The ridiculousness of trying to hide the fact that a substantial part of the population menstruates is laughable, as is the societal tendency to censor conversations around periods. The embarrassment surrounding the necessity of tampons is equally absurd. Unfortunately, this clever sketch was ultimately cut for time, which is a shame given its potential reach and impact. Let’s raise our menstrual cups in hopes that it finds its way to a broader audience.
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In summary, SNL’s “Tampax Secrets” skit brilliantly encapsulates the absurdity of the societal stigma surrounding menstrual products, providing a humorous yet poignant commentary on the experience of menstruation.