We Must Educate Everyone About Menstruation — Not Just Women

I recently came across an article suggesting that cisgender women should explain their menstrual cycle to their cisgender male roommates, whether they are partners or friends, to ease any awkwardness and reduce the number of misguided questions. This approach needs rethinking. The responsibility of educating others about menstruation should not fall solely on those who menstruate; dealing with periods is challenging enough. All genders need to have a clear understanding of how menstruation functions, and this education should start well before individuals begin dating or living with someone who experiences it. Parents and educators must take the lead in discussing this topic early and often.

A YouGov and Bodyform study revealed that 72% of cisgender males were never educated about the menstrual cycle. Another study by INTIMINA reaffirmed this knowledge gap, showing that only 41% of male-identifying individuals could accurately explain menstruation, with many of their beliefs being incorrect.

Common Misconceptions

Common misconceptions highlighted by INTIMINA include:

52% of cis men believed the menstrual cycle lasts only 1-6 days, unaware that the entire cycle is approximately 28 days.
36% thought menstruation wouldn’t impact them at all, which is laughable.
65% were unfamiliar with menstrual cups, and many could not correctly identify the price of tampons.
42% believed pregnancy couldn’t occur during menstruation.
33% of fathers preferred a woman to explain menstruation to their daughters.
78% agreed that educating cis boys about periods is important.

Removing the stigma and inappropriate humor surrounding menstruation will make this education more effective. Many people become uncomfortable when the topic arises, often avoiding it altogether. Yes, periods can be messy and unpleasant, but so can eating BBQ chicken wings, yet people discuss that openly.

Due to this stigma, 90% of menstruators who identify as female reported being anxious about attending school during their periods due to potential teasing and shame. This is unacceptable and disheartening. We need to abandon the immature attitudes and engage in respectful, empathetic conversations about menstruation, ensuring that those who menstruate do not feel dirty or labeled as “crazy” or overly emotional.

This matter goes beyond just women. Nonbinary individuals and transgender men also menstruate, while many women—both trans and cis—do not. The key takeaway is that cisgender boys—and likely all assigned male at birth individuals—have much to learn.

Understanding menstruation is vital because it is rooted in science; education about bodies should not be confined to binary genders or personal experience. To teach about human reproduction, knowledge of the menstrual cycle is essential, so why exclude half the conversation just because cis men don’t menstruate?

Dr. Maria Thompson, a reproductive health expert, emphasizes the importance of educating cisgender boys and men about menstruation as a normal part of health, well-being, and fertility for those with a uterus. This education should be direct and nonjudgmental, including discussions about menstrual products.

Anyone assigned male at birth, particularly cis men, who are in sexual relationships with individuals capable of pregnancy need to understand that conception can occur during menstruation. This knowledge is crucial for family planning and preventing unwanted pregnancies, especially given the increasing number of states enacting restrictive abortion laws. For future generations experiencing their periods, it would be beneficial if all adults could discuss menstruation confidently and empathetically. Supporting a child without panic or passing the responsibility solely to a cis woman should be the expectation for all identities.

Cisgender men and those assigned male at birth must also recognize the financial challenges associated with menstrual products and the physical and emotional toll periods can take. Many individuals face period poverty and struggle to afford necessary products, which can lead to missed days at school or work due to pain. Dr. Thompson adds that it’s helpful for cisgender boys and men to be aware of PMS symptoms to better support those around them.

Having a male partner, friend, boss, or teacher who understands this can significantly alleviate the stress associated with menstruation. It’s essential to avoid being the insensitive individual who exacerbates someone else’s struggles. Instead, we should nurture a culture where menstruation is a topic of knowledge and understanding.

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In conclusion, it is imperative that we foster a culture of understanding about menstruation across all genders. Education should begin early, addressing misconceptions and removing stigma, allowing for informed discussions and support for those who menstruate.

Keyphrase: Understanding Menstruation for All Genders

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