How do you broach the subject of menstruation with your parents, especially your father?
Menstruation is a natural phenomenon that begins at puberty and continues throughout the lives of menstruating people until the menopause. They arrive every month, lasting an average of 2 to 7 days. Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman, lasting between 20 and 40 days.
The first menstrual period is an important milestone in a young woman's life, but we mustn't overdramatize its arrival: it's certainly a momentous occasion, and many women remember the moment when they had their first period, but it's above all a natural phenomenon. Even though 72%* of French people believe that menstruation is no longer a taboo subject, many young women turn to their mothers or a female family member (sister, cousin, aunt...) when it comes to their first period. But menstruation is a completely natural phenomenon, which concerns both men and women. You shouldn't be afraid to talk about menstruation with your father, and vice versa, with your daughter. Men are aware of what menstruation is, and have an equally important role to play in support and prevention. It's also important to talk to boys, from an early age. The more we talk about it, the less taboo it will be!
At school, menstruation is discussed, for example with the school nurse or in science lessons, but support and prevention is above all a family affair.
How can parents best prepare for the arrival of menstruation?
To best prepare for the arrival of menstruation, you need to support young girls by explaining what it's for, how the body works and how to protect yourself when you're menstruating.
For example, provide a garbage can in the bathroom and sanitary pads in the toilets, freely available to young girls. All this helps to break down the taboos surrounding menstruation, and helps them to make the most of this time. What's more, support also includes going with your child to buy sanitary pads, to show her that it's something normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Menstruation isn't dirty!
In the same vein, it's important to show the different types of protection and their differences: there are not only tampons and disposable pads! There's the cup, but also menstrual panties: simple to use, they can be slipped on like conventional panties in the morning and taken off at night!
For the first few cycles, menstrual pants can be tested at home, especially for the first periods when you don't yet know your flow.
Another important point is to dissociate menstruation and sexuality. Some people may be embarrassed to talk about menstruation because it's sometimes wrongly associated with sexuality, but it's not, and you need to differentiate between the two.
If you're having trouble talking to your parents about menstruation, sexuality or other subjects that affect your intimate or sexual life, there are professionals who can help: your doctor, midwives, gynecologists, etc. You can also visit a family planning center.
Don't hesitate to tell us in the comments what advice you'd give your dad about menstruation!
*Figures: Baromètre Règles Elementaires x Opinion Way
