Lack of education leaves a third of Gen Z learning about sanitary products 'through trial and error'

A survey of 1,000 adults who menstruate discovered that 23% of those aged 25 and under had to figure it out on their own, with 27% resorting to online resources for guidance.

A third managed to navigate "through trial and error", while 40% depended on the instructions provided on the packaging of sanitary products.

Shockingly, the study revealed that 16% of participants were unaware of disposable sanitary pads before they began menstruating, and 29% hadn't been informed about tampons.

Due to this lack of instruction on menstrual products, 25% experienced an embarrassing leak through their clothes in public, and 16% suffered pain due to incorrect usage of protection.

Many of those surveyed, via OnePoll, confessed to holding several misconceptions about menstruation, with 37% mistakenly believing that swimming during your period is not possible.

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While 27% incorrectly assumed that all women have a period every 28 days, and 26% thought that sex during menstruation was not possible.

Other misconceptions included the belief that you can't get pregnant while menstruating (24%), that others can tell when you're on your period (14%), and even that bathing is not possible (12%).

The study was commissioned by Initial Washroom Hygiene, which has collaborated with obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Shazia Malik, to produce educational aimed at bridging this knowledge gap.

Dr Shazia Malik commented: "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."

"No one should have to face embarrassment or shame from starting their periods."

Those who took part in the survey wished they had received more education on various aspects of menstruation, including understanding their feelings and PMS, how to handle leaks, and the changes occurring in their bodies.

Over a fifth would have appreciated more details on the implications of using inappropriate products, while 21% simply wanted to know the age at which they would begin menstruating.

However, 53% confessed they would have felt too shy to ask their teachers for assistance with some of their queries, and 36% even felt the same way about their parents.

Sian Walkling, from Initial Washroom Hygiene, commented: "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."

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.

"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."