Sex education plays a vital role in preparing students for the realities of life. However, one critical area remains severely underemphasized: educating all students about menstruation. This omission perpetuates stigma, fosters shame, and leaves many unprepared for what is a natural and common biological process.
To create a more informed and empathetic society, it’s essential to address this education gap, especially through sex education.
The Lack of Early and Adequate Education
In many schools, menstruation education is introduced to girls around the age of 11. However, this timing often comes too late, as periods can start as early as 8 years old.
Alarmingly, 27% of girls report that they were not taught about menstruation before their first period. The lack of preparation can lead to significant distress, as children often associate blood with injury or harm.
Without prior knowledge, discovering blood in their underwear can be terrifying, leaving many to worry that something is seriously wrong with their bodies.
When schools fail to educate early and thoroughly, the consequences are far-reaching. Even for those who receive some education, the information is often insufficient. Research shows that nearly half of women do not fully understand their menstrual cycle.
Topics like what constitutes a normal period, when to consult a doctor, and how external factors such as stress, diet, and exercise can impact the cycle are frequently overlooked.
This lack of knowledge also leads to undiagnosed medical conditions. For example, women suffering from extreme cramps, heavy bleeding, or other debilitating symptoms may not realize these could indicate serious health concerns, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
These conditions often go undiagnosed for years, not only due to inadequate education but also because of persistent sexism, including misogynoir, in healthcare that dismisses women’s pain and concerns. Comprehensive education could empower individuals to recognize symptoms early and advocate for their health.
The Consequences of Gendered Education
One of the most harmful aspects of period education in schools is its gendered approach. In many cases, when girls are taken aside for sessions on menstruation, boys are excluded altogether. They may be sent to unrelated activities, such as sports, or even given free time.
As a result, an estimated 72% of boys never receive any education on menstruation, according to Dallas News.
This separation reinforces the idea that menstruation is a “private” or “shameful” topic that boys and men should not discuss or understand. It perpetuates taboos and creates a culture where women feel embarrassed or even ashamed of their periods.
A study found that 82% of young adults feel the need to hide menstrual products to avoid embarrassment. This stigma can negatively impact self-confidence and body image, causing many girls to withdraw from activities like sports or even miss school during their periods.
Additionally, excluding boys from period education leads to widespread misconceptions. Many boys grow up believing that periods are dirty, avoidable, or something women can control.
The lack of education also places an unfair burden on women to teach their male partners about menstruation, creating an unnecessary dynamic where men rely on women for basic knowledge they should have learned in school.
The Long-Term Impact of Period Stigma
The gaps in period education directly impact women throughout their lives, not just during adolescence. Many women struggle to prepare for changes in their menstrual cycles during major life events like birth control, childbirth, or perimenopause.
Women often misunderstand or lack knowledge about perimenopause and menopause, even while experiencing these phases. For instance, heavy bleeding affects about 1 in 5 British women during perimenopause, yet this symptom frequently surprises them.
Without sufficient education, women face challenges in managing these changes, which can significantly disrupt their careers and personal lives.
Additionally, a large number of women do not learn about available treatments. Educational settings rarely address options such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the Mirena coil, endometrial ablation, or medications like tranexamic acid.
Progress and the Path Forward
There is some hope for change. Since September 2020, schools in certain regions have begun implementing a new curriculum that includes regular education on menstruation for all students as a part of sex education, regardless of gender.
To truly combat the stigma surrounding menstruation, education needs to go beyond the classroom. Open and honest conversations must be encouraged in families, workplaces, and public spaces. Media representation of menstruation should also strive to normalize periods rather than perpetuate outdated stereotypes.
Imagine how different the world might be if cisgender men experienced periods. Education and support for menstruation would likely be prioritized, and the stigma surrounding it would be non-existent.
While this thought experiment highlights systemic inequities, it also underscores the urgency of addressing these issues now.
