Explanation of menstruation

Key Messages

Menstruation is where the “Typical” female body or person with a uterus’/vagina, prepares for the time when they will be able to have a baby.
Menstruation occurs approximately once a month, starting on average at 13 years of age and ending on average at 45-55 years of age.

Students will: Identify that individuals experience changes associated with puberty.

20 minutes

Having a period is a sign for a woman that her body is able to make a baby, but she hasn’t that month.
It is important to emphasise that this cycle repeats every month and that post-pubescent females are at a stage in this cycle, every day until menopause, therefore approximately 500 periods in a
lifetime.
Periods are usually not the first sign of puberty. Periods are likely to start after someone starts to notice vaginal discharge and their body has a more curvy, adult shape (breasts & hips).
Explain to the class that people of any gender will also need to know this information too as they may have a mother, sister, girlfriend, female friend or wife and that it is important for them to
grow up well informed.

Please Note: It is important to note that all bodies are different. This can include differences in how someone's body looks or how someone feels about their gender. When we discuss bodies, we often separate them into two categories – male and female. People who are intersex, transgender or non-binary may not fit exactly into either of these categories. Because of this, where possible, the word ‘typically’ is used when referring to specific sexes or genders. Students should be encouraged to apply the information that is fitting for them and their individual body.

Use the diagram of the female reproductive system to revise the female reproductive anatomy I.e., the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina.
Explain that, once a month, an ovum (or egg) matures in the ovary. The ovum is released from the ovary and moves through to a fallopian tube. The egg lives for 24 hours on average.
A special lining (consisting of blood, fluid and cells) builds up at the same time inside the uterus in case the egg will be fertilised by a sperm. If fertilisation happens, then there will be a rich lining in which the embryo (bundle of cells) can implant itself.
If fertilisation does not occur, the ovum dissolves in the uterus. The special lining begins to break down and, about 14 days after ovulation, the lining falls away from the walls of the uterus and exits out through the cervix and vagina. It looks like blood although it is not the same as the blood in your veins. It can vary in colour and consistency ranging from dark red/brown/black. This bleeding is what we call menstruation or having a period. This happens for approximately 2-7 days each month.
Once the lining has shed, the uterus appears as it was before.
The whole process starts again.
Note: It is important to expel any myths the students may have heard about menstruation. For example, it is not bad blood, or a reason for a girl to be excluded from any activity.

What is the menstrual cycle?
When, why and who does this occur to?
How can we support people who get their periods?
What people or sources of information can an individual access if they have any further questions?