Table 4.
Lesson format, delivery, information and supported requested by pupils relating to menstrual education and school for a period positive environment
| Lesson format and delivery | Requested school support |
|---|---|
| Mixed-sex classes with opportunity for girls only class after OR boys and girls separate and then a mixed-sex lesson after | Timing of delivery useful for pupils rather than convenient in the school year |
| Frequent lessons to recap or talk/ask questions | Avoid lessons being a ‘tick box’ exercise |
| Smaller class size | Aim to dispel myths e.g. not being able to do handstands whilst on periods! |
| Female teacher to deliver lessons | Access to toilets during lessons |
| Teachers to be confident delivering | Access to period products in toilets |
| Lessons delivered at a younger age (year 10 too late) | Male teachers having increased understanding |
| Anatomy diagram where the reproductive system is and what this includes e.g. where does a tampon go and how to insert a menstrual cup | Teachers to receive education |
| PE lessons to include slower exercise or options e.g. yoga across all school years | Empathy from PE teachers |
| Information requested | |
| How to know when your periods start | Teachers listen and acknowledge individual differences |
| Why do females menstruate and what happens throughout the cycle | Develop an open culture and normalising conversations amongst boys and girls |
| How much blood is lost and how to manage heavy bleeding | Peer support |
| Menstrual irregularities, what is normal and abnormal including menstrual dysfunction | Boys to receive lessons |
| Causes of absent or missed periods | Include parents in increased knowledge and support of the menstrual cycle |
| Causes of different colour of period blood | |
| Causes of menstrual cramps and management strategies including exercise | |
| Causes of mood swings | |
| How to track the menstrual cycle | |
| Understanding of different menstrual products | |
| Management strategies for periods and staying physically active | |
| Who to talk to about the menstrual cycle and any issues | |
| Other management strategies available such as diet and medication | |