Part 3:

Menstruation

The Menstrual Cycle

At the end of this unit students should be able to: - Understand the stages of the menstrual cycle - Recognise and understand the different products needed for menstruation

If the boys are present for this topic, it is suggested that there is a discussion about the importance of boys learning about menstruation. Consider discussing the number of significant women in a boys life, both now and in the future e.g. Mum, sisters, future girlfriends, wives and daughters will all experience menstruation. Its important for boys to know how this will affect both themselves, and these women.
Note: The students should understand the reproductive systems in both sexes before the menstrual cycle is discussed. This will help put the menstrual cycle lesson in context.

What are periods?

Brainstorm what we think we know about periods:

What are periods?

To explore your knowledge of periods, discuss

the questions on the following two pages and answer true or false.

What are periods?

Talking about periods can sometimes make people feel embarrassed. True False

x X

When females get their period, they'll notice that a small amount of blood will leak from their vagina. True

False

x x

What are periods?

Bleeding usually lasts for a month.

True

False

X x

Every female loses the same amount of menstrual fluid. True

False

Why do girls get periods?

As women, one of the things that your bodies have been designed to do is have babies. The whole baby making process has been around for donkeys years. So what? Well getting your period means that your body has prepared itself to be able to hold a fertilised egg and make a baby. Womens bodies are amazing, and the idea that they can grow a baby from nearly nothing is something that makes them special!

What is a period?
Girls are born with thousands of tiny ova (eggs) inside their ovaries. When puberty starts:
Your body begins releasing a hormone called oestrogen (which controls menstruation) Your ovaries ripen the eggs and one egg is released each month this is called ovulation. The egg travels from the ovaries, down the fallopian tubes, and into the uterus (womb). While this is all going on, the lining of the uterus is thickening so that if the egg is fertilised by sperm (during sex), the egg can attach itself to the uterine lining and develop into a baby. The lining thickens so that it can provide nutrients for a fertilised egg. If the egg is not fertilised, the extra lining of the uterus is no longer needed, so it breaks down and comes out through the vagina. THIS IS YOUR PERIOD

The Menstrual Cycle

On average, a menstrual cycle lasts around 28 to 30 days, but because were all different, a cycle can range from 21 to 35 days.

The Menstrual Cycle

The period is considered the beginning of the menstrual cycle. A period normally lasts for around five days, but can be as short as two days or as long as seven. There will usually be around 2-6 tablespoons of blood lost during each period, depending on the heaviness of the flow. A period occurs because the uterus will shed its lining if an egg (ovum) is not fertilised.

The Menstrual Cycle

One of the ovaries releases an egg and the uterus begins to rebuild its lining. Only one egg is released each cycle. The egg will slowly travel down the fallopian tube from the ovaries towards the uterus. If the egg is fertilised by a sperm before it arrives in the uterus, a girl will fall pregnant.

The Menstrual Cycle

If the egg isnt fertilised, the uterus wall will continue to thicken until there is a sudden drop in hormone levels. The lining will then break down, and another period will begin.

The Menstrual Cycle

Follow the link below to view a flash version of the menstrual cycle.
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Interactives/He alth/WomensHealth/zFlashAssets/menstrual_cycle_dw2%5B1%5D .swf

NB: Copyrights were not obtained for this material, so web links have been supplied for ease of reference

The Menstrual Cycle

Draw a line to match the description to the word.

This releases an egg

Allows the egg to move towards the uterus The process of releasing an egg These are tiny eggs Controls menstruation When the extra lining of the uterus is no longer needed it comes out through the uterus

Ovary Fallopian tube Period Oestrogen Ova Ovulation

The Menstrual Cycle

ANSWER SHEET This releases an egg: Ovary Allows the egg to move towards the uterus: Fallopian tube The process of releasing an egg: Ovulation These are tiny eggs: Ova

Controls menstruation: Oestrogen

When the extra lining of the uterus is no longer needed it comes out through the uterus: Period

The Menstrual Cycle

Draw a line to match the time period with the process.
Period begins 2-6 tbsp blood loss Uterus sheds its lining Drop in hormone levels Day 8-14

Day 1-7

Egg travels down the fallopian tube

Uterus wall continues to thicken

Day 15-28

An ovary releases an egg

Lining begins to break down

The Menstrual Cycle

ANSWER SHEET:
Period begins: Day 1-7 2-6 tbsp blood loss: Day 1-7

Uterus sheds its lining: Day 1-7

Drop in hormone levels: Day 15-28 Egg travels down the fallopian tube: Day 8-14 Uterus wall continues to thicken: Day 15-28 An ovary releases an egg: Day 8-14 Lining begins to break down: Day 15-28

Getting your first period

Getting your first period

Getting your first period can be quite a surprise. Q: How will I know when I get my first period? A: Usually, when you go to the toilet. Q: What will I see ? A: Dark colouring in your undies, menstrual blood. Q: What colour is normal for menstrual blood ? A: Anything from bright red to dark brown. Q: How much menstrual blood is there ? A: The amount differs for each woman. Hint: The beginning of the period usually has heavier bleeding and it gradually lightens up until it is finished.

Getting your first period

Are there and early warning signs to indicate, that you are about to get your first period? You may notice underarm and pubic hair growth White vaginal discharge You may feel bloated or experience cramps

Your mood may change without reason

You may become more sensitive to emotions

Myths & Misconceptions

Most girls have been told at least one myth about menstruation. Discuss with the class some of the myths and misconceptions associated with menstruation.
Some myths and misconceptions are: Dont participate in sport (strenuous activity) & swimming while you menstruating Dont use Tampons when you are a virgin because you might break your hymen. Tampons are bad for you because they go inside your body and could get lost. Its impossible to get pregnant while you are menstruating Dont wash your hair while you are menstruating Its unhealthy to have sex while you are menstruating (a student may bring this up so be prepared) Swimming in the ocean when you have your period will get you eaten by a shark. Visit www.ubykotex.com/real_answers/education/article?id=50289 for more myths.

Sharing an experience
Getting your period for the first time is different for every girl. Sharing your experience with your close friends of family may help other feel that they are not alone. Erin would like to share her experience with you.

PLAY Erins Experience as found on ubykotex.com.au/teacher-resources

Being prepared
Dont want to be caught unawares by your first period ? Have a few products on hand just in case!
Q: Where can I buy sanitary products?
A: 1. Ask your mum, OR 2. Buy your own at a convenience store, petrol station, chemist or supermarket

Q: What should I buy?

A: You will notice there are two options: pads and tampons. 1. Pads = an easy option for getting started Eg U by Kotex Ultrathin Pads. 2. Tampons = to start with, try the smaller ones (called minis) as they are usually easier to insert.

Buying your new product

It may seem embarrassing buying tampons or pads at first. In fact, in most circumstances it is even harder for males than females to purchase tampons or pads. Follow the link below and see what you think!
http://www.youtube.com/user/kc10ubykot

NB: Copyrights were not obtained for this material, so web links have been supplied for ease of reference

Pads & Tampons

Pads and Tampons are designed to absorb menstrual blood during your period. They are made from absorbent materials, that effectively absorb blood during your period The major difference between pads and tampons, is that a tampon is worn inside the vagina and pads and panty liners are worn outside the vagina, in your underpants. Whatever you choose to use, both pads and tampons are healthy and safe ways to absorb your menstrual flow.

How do pads work?

Pads are made of absorbent material and are designed to soak up the menstrual fluid. Many girls prefer to use pads when they first get their period, but you can choose pads or tampons.

Which pad is for when?

U by Kotex Ultrathins are available in Regular, Super and Overnight absorbencies: Use regular absorbency is great for everyday regular-flow Super and Overnight absorbency is perfect for heavy flow and overnight use.

View the video experiment before conducting it yourself.

Tampons
Q: How do tampons work? A: The great thing about using tampons is that theyre really discreet and they provide you with loads of freedom so you can get on with whatever you want to do. The muscles inside your vagina will hold the tampon in place so it cant fall out. Q: How often do I change a tampon? A: This will depend on the heaviness of your flow. However, it is recommended that you change a tampon every four hours.

Q: When can I use tampons? A: Any time! You wont have to cancel that trip to the beach or dodge that pool party, because you can even wear tampons when you go swimming. Now and then tampons may absorb some water, but dont worry, this will only cause the tampon to become a little wet and youll just need to change it for a fresh one after youve dried off.

How much can a tampon absorb?

Mini tampons will absorb about two teaspoons. Use Mini tampons when your flow is light. Regular tampons can absorb about 2.5 teaspoons. Regular tampons are great for when youre experiencing medium flow. Super tampons can absorb about 3.5 teaspoons. Super tampons are perfect for when your flow is at its heaviest, particularly in the middle of your period.

Tampons
How do tampons absorb menstrual fluid? Touch the picture, watch a teacher conduct the experiment and then have a go yourself.

Final Activity
Each student writes down at least one question relating to puberty or menstruation and places it in a box at the front. This activity is an anonymous exercise and it is advised the teacher endeavours to ensure no one can recognise who wrote the question. The aim of this activity is to give the students a safe way to ask any questions that might have arisen from the unit of learning. The teacher pulls the questions out of the box and the class discusses the question and thinks through best responses.

If nobody can answer the question (the teacher will find out before the next lesson).

Reference links:
Flash version of the menstrual cycle

Online References: http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Interac tives/Health/WomensHealth/zFlashAssets/menstrual_cycl e_dw2%5B1%5D.swf

NB: Copyrights were not obtained for this material, so web links have been supplied for ease of reference