One in four Gen Z women were not taught how to use menstrual products before starting their periods

One in four Gen Z women were not taught how to use menstrual products before experiencing their first period, according to new research. 

The survey of 1,000 adults who have periods, commissioned by Initial Washroom Hygiene, found that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of those aged 25 and under were left to their own devices to discover how to use menstrual products.

This led to 27 per cent turning to the internet for help, a third (33 per cent) simply figuring it out “through trial and error” and 40 per cent relying solely on instructions on or in the packaging of menstrual products.

However, modern young women are faring slightly better than their older counterparts, with 34 per cent of millennials claiming they weren’t taught about menstrual products before they began menstruating, along with 56 per cent of Gen X.

The consequence of this lack of education can have a negative effect on young women and girls.

25 per cent of those polled have experienced an embarrassing leak through their clothes in public as a result of a lack of knowledge about menstrual products, while 16 per cent have been left in pain due to not using them correctly.

Nearly one in ten (8 per cent ) have been forced to leave school or a social occasion (7 per cent) early to deal with their period.

To help close this education gap, Initial Washroom Hygiene has teamed up with Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Shazia Malik, to create educational videos, that provide advice and tips on how to safely use the most commonly used period products, and bust some of the most common menstruation myths.

The videos will be made available for women and girls to discreetly access for free, via QR codes on posters in toilet cubicles and social media links.

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.

“That’s why I’ve worked with Initial Washroom Hygiene to create these simple guides to give helpful insight on how to use some of the most common period products, as no one should have to face embarrassment or shame from starting their periods”.

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

Among the topics women wish they had been taught more about before starting their periods were how they would feel and the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (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 range at which they would be likely to start menstruating. 53 per cent admitted they would have been too embarrassed to ask their teachers for help answering some of their questions, while 36 per cent even said the same about their parents.

As a result, many of those polled admitted to believing various misconceptions about menstruation.

37 per cent were under the impression you can’t swim while on your period, 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) and even that you cannot have a 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.”