One in 4 Gen Z adults ‘weren’t shown how to use sanitary products’ before period

ONE in four Gen Z adults were not taught how to use menstrual products prior to experiencing their first period, according to research.

A study of 1,000 adults who have periods found 23 per cent of those aged 25 and under were left to discover it by themselves, with 27 per cent turning to the internet for help.

While a third simply figured it out “through trial and error”, and 40 per cent relied on instructions on the packaging of sanitary protection.

However, modern young women are faring slightly better than their older counterparts, with 34 per cent of millennials claiming they weren’t taught about period protection before they had their first one, along with 56 per cent of Gen X.

As a result of the lack of instruction on period products, 25 per cent had an embarrassing leak through their clothes in public, while 16 per cent were left in pain due to not using protection properly.

While others were forced to leave school (eight per cent) or a social occasion (seven per cent) early.

The study was commissioned by Initial Washroom Hygiene, which has teamed up with obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shazia Malik, to create educational videos to help close the knowledge gap.

Dr Shazia Malik said: “A lack of education on period products and menstruation can be detrimental at any age and can be daunting for those who haven’t been taught fully growing up.

“No one should have to face embarrassment or shame from starting their periods”.

The study also found 16 per cent weren’t aware of disposable sanitary pads before starting their periods, while 29 per cent hadn’t been told about tampons.

Among the topics respondents wish they had been taught more about before starting their periods included how they would feel and PMS (40 per cent), what to do if they leaked (39 per cent) and what was happening to their body (32 per cent).

More than a fifth (22 per cent) would also have liked more information on the consequences of using the wrong products, while 21 per cent wish they were simply told the age at which they would start.

But 53 per cent admit they would have been too embarrassed to ask their teachers for help answering some of the questions they had, while 36 per cent even said the same of their parents.

As a result, many of those polled, via OnePoll, admitted to believing various misconceptions around menstruation, with 37 per cent under the impression you can’t swim while on your period.

While 27 per cent mistakenly thought a period comes every 28 days for all women, and 26 per cent believed you couldn’t have sex during that time of the month.

Other wrongly believed statements included not being able to get pregnant on your period (24 per cent), that people can tell when you are menstruating (14 per cent) even that you cannot bath (12 per cent).

Sian Walkling, from Initial Washroom Hygiene, said: “There is a clear gap in the education that young women are receiving regarding their menstrual cycle, which is having a serious effect on their first period experiences.

“We’re determined to help bridge this gap and make using period products easier, and less intimidating for menstruators of all ages.

“And as older women will hopefully become a source of knowledge for their daughters, nieces, and grandchildren this education must be available to all.”