De Groene Cup#KanaOyama, a former member of the Japanese women's national volleyball team called on high school students and teachers to gain correct knowledge on how female athletes should deal with #Menstruation, in a lecture late last month.
Acceptability of and experiences with menstrual hygiene cups among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 in two communities in Lusaka, Zambia: an exploratory study nested in the Yathu Yathu trial
https://reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-024-01901-2
Acceptability of and experiences with menstrual hygiene cups among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 in two communities in Lusaka, Zambia: an exploratory study nested in the Yathu Yathu trial - Reproductive Health
Background Menstrual cups could be a sustainable menstrual material for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. Yathu Yathu was a cluster-randomized trial of community-based delivery of HIV and sexual and reproductive health services to young people in Lusaka, Zambia. Among services available through the intervention were menstrual products, including menstrual cups. We explored knowledge of menstruation and menstrual products, acceptability, and experiences of using cups among AGYW aged 15–24. We share lessons learned on how to distribute cups through community-based strategies to AGYW in urban communities. Methods Through community-based, peer-led spaces (hubs), AGYW could access menstrual products, including pads and menstrual cups. We conducted four focus group discussions, two with AGYW aged 15–19 (n = 9) and 20–21 (n = 8) who had accessed different menstrual products through Yathu Yathu and two with AGYW aged 15–19 (n = 5) and 20–24 (n = 9) who had accessed menstrual cups. Four interviews were conducted with four AGYW (15–19, n = 2; 20–24, n = 2) who had accessed cups, and four with two AGYW who were enrolled in a qualitative cohort. Data were analyzed thematically. Results ‘Surprise’ and ‘fear’ were initial reactions from most AGYW who saw the cups for the first time at Yathu Yathu hubs. Misconceptions that cups cause cancer and fears that they could get stuck in the vagina, cause sore, vagina enlargement, and loss of virginity were raised by AGYW. The desire to try the cup, use an alternative menstrual product and information gained at the hubs facilitated access. Use of the cup was comfortable, and cups were said to be cost-effective and durable. Advantages over pads included: the absence of odor, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly: “it is hygienic, and it is even easy to maintain”. Challenges included pain, discomfort, and failure to or incorrectly inserting the cup at initial use. When faced with challenges using the cup, AGYW reported going back to the hub for additional information and demonstrations on use. Conclusion Despite concerns, misconceptions and initial challenges, cups were acceptable among AGYW. Free distribution of cups provides an opportunity to address menstrual health challenges among AGYW. However, as a new product, there is need to increase awareness and provide detailed information on use.
#UEFA at the forefront of #MenstrualCycle research
The menstrual cycle isn’t only a topic that remains #MenstrualTaboo in sport but also a significant barrier to participation. According to research from UEFA partner adidas, 65% of those who menstruate say that period 'leaking' is their number one concern when playing sport.
https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0295-1ceddb3ee74c-a451ed3df32e-1000--uefa-at-the-forefront-of-menstrual-cycle-research/
#MenstrualHygieneManagement #Sports #Womensfootball
Should You Be #Traveling According to Your #MenstrualCycle?
https://www.vogue.com/article/cycle-syncing-travel
Our #MenstrualCups are the #MenstrualHygieneManagement of choice for practical female travelers that don’t want to haul around a week’s worth of pads and tampons. Can can be worn for up to 12 hours.
The #UNICEF lists #MenstrualHealth and hygiene (#MHH) as one of the primary factors when talking about #FeminineHygiene. This would entail maintaining cleanliness while you are on your period with the help of the right #MenstrualProducts as well as guidance. Read on to learn how to maintain feminine hygiene and what to avoid doing..
Impacts of a #Puberty and #Period education intervention among 9- to 12-year-old girls in the New York metropolitan area: a randomized trial.
Knowledge scores were significantly higher among girls of pre-menarche status compared to girls who had already experienced their #FirstPeriod (p = 0.05).
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-21167-4
#Menstruation #Menarche #MenstrualHealth #MenstrualHygieneManagement
Impacts of a puberty and period education intervention among 9- to 12-year-old girls in the New York metropolitan area: a randomized trial - BMC Public Health
Objectives To evaluate the immediate impacts of an illustrated book on puberty and periods for girls in the United States (US). Methods We conducted a randomized educational intervention between February–May 2023 among girls ages 9–12 years in after-school programs in the New York metropolitan area (n = 123). Girls were assigned to read a book on puberty and periods or an alternative book on healthy eating. We conducted multivariate linear and logistic models to examine changes in knowledge, beliefs/attitudes, and comfort in communicating about puberty and periods between treatment groups using pre- and post-test surveys. We also examined for effect measure modification to assess if changes in knowledge about puberty and periods significantly differed by menarchal status. Results The intervention produced an increase in knowledge score (p < 0.05). Girls in the treatment group compared to the control group were more likely to report positive shifts in beliefs/attitudes towards physical activity during their period and asking questions about periods. Knowledge scores were significantly higher among girls of pre-menarche status compared to girls who had already experienced their first period (p = 0.05). Conclusion Findings from our educational intervention demonstrated that a simple distribution of an illustrated puberty and period book, without the support of formal instruction, had positive attitude shifts and educational impacts among girls ages 9–12 years. The intervention was efficacious in improving knowledge, particularly among girls who had not yet experienced their first period. Follow-up is needed to assess long-term health and social impacts of simple delivery of pubertal content to adolescents. Our study contributes to filling the gap in understanding the utility of puberty education in the US and our findings underscore the importance of appropriately timed puberty education.
#MenstrualHygieneManagement is crucial to a woman's physical, social, and mental well-being. The #MenstrualCup offers a safe and effective solution but still requires wider adoption.
This study aims to assess awareness, practices , and barriers regarding the use of menstrual cups among women of reproductive age.
Influencer’s ‘menstruation day’ toilet set-up slammed
A woman’s “#MenstruationDay” bathroom set up has caught the attention of social media, with many questioning every aspect of it.
#Menstruation affects approximately half the global population, yet it is shrouded in #MenstrualStigma and neglect.
Sanitation is a fundamental pillar of public societal well-being. #MenstrualHygieneManagement (MHM) and access to clean toilets are pivotal among its many facets. Addressing these issues holistically can lead to healthier individuals and more empowered communities.
#MenstrualCups may result in fewer infections and improve #VaginalHealth, a new trial led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine shows.
Researchers from LSTM, in collaboration with researchers in Kenya and the USA, have been investigating options for girls and young women in low- and middle-income countries to manage #Menstruation with comfort and dignity and to improve health outcomes.
#MenstrualDignity #PeriodDignity
#MenstrualHealth #MenstrualHygieneManagement
