Introduction
University is an academic landscape filled with unexpected difficulties. Many challenges demand enormous support, and evoke emotional and physiological responses. Along with the challenges of our academics, there are many factors that play a role in the experiences of students. The many physiological and psychological effects of menstruation further complicate the challenges that university students experience(1). Here we discuss some of the many menstrual problems that university students face.
Problem 1: Inadequate Access to Menstrual Products
Period poverty is a global issue including at university campuses. As a menstruator, accessing menstrual products is an issue, however, as a student, this problem is exacerbated by period stigma, the pressures of academic requirements, and the psychological and physiological effects of menstruation. A study conducted in Australia with over 300 students showed that more than a quarter of students left campus to purchase menstrual products, instead of attending class(3). The students that took part in this study suggested that reasonably priced products in bathrooms would help to manage menstruation. This study highlighted how inadequate access to menstrual products is an issue on university campuses, leading to negative impacts on their academic schedule. In recent years, there has been an increase of student-led initiatives to address period poverty through the provision of free menstrual products(5). At the very least, providing free menstrual products in all restrooms on campus, especially in places like libraries and academic buildings(1), would tremendously help combat the inadequate access to menstrual products on university campuses.
Problem 2: Period Stigma
Another global issue that also appears on university campuses is period stigma. Period stigma and poor university sanitation facilities have made it difficult for students to manage their menstrual periods. Many fear of staining their clothes, leaking through their clothes, and being ridiculed by peers at university(3). In a study with nursing students, the students had low confidence in managing heavy unexpected menstrual periods and were distracted by concerns of leaking menstrual blood on their clothes while attending class(4). These preoccupied fears have adverse effects on their focus in class and feeling comfortable in their environment, which in this case would be at university. Many students also feel discomfort discussing their menstruation or menstrual-related concerns with others(4). The discomfort and fears that come with menstruation are due to period stigma and this is an ongoing issue that many are fighting to destigmatize. The development of support services, accommodations, and educational resources would empower students to manage their symptoms effectively while accomplishing their academic goals(1).
Problem 3: Academic Performance and Engagement
As stated above, inadequate access to period products and period stigma may cause individuals to be absent from many academic events. This may cause adverse impacts on the academic performance and engagement of menstruators. One of the many experiences that menstruators face during their periods is dysmenorrhoea(painful periods). This causes many students to miss class and are unable to focus on studying. Along with that, emotional and cognitive symptoms impact a student's academic performance(2). In a study conducted through student self-reports, absenteeism due to dysmenorrhea interfered with attending lectures, completing assignments, and missing examination days during the last 12 months. They also report a lack of concentration in class and a decrease in course grades(2). Recognizing these statistics, students suggest accommodations for students experiencing severe menstrual symptoms. Implementing policies to ensure reasonable accommodations, sick leaves, or allowing students to adjust their schedules due to menstrual discomfort(1) would be a great solution to prevent students from feeling punished by their menstrual experiences.
Problem 4: Gender Inclusivity
It’s important to remember that menstruation isn’t only exclusive to individuals who identify as women, rather, it is an experience of all identities. Many transgender men, non-binary individuals, and many other identities navigate the challenges of menstruation as well(1). Due to LGBTQ+ stigma and discrimination, many of these challenges go unnoticed.
Thus having sanitary products, resources, support services, and menstrual healthcare is important to all genders. Moreover, the menstruation experiences of trans and gender-diverse students are severely underresearched(3). Further research in this category would allow researchers to effectively address the problems of all menstruators.
Problem 5: Menstrual Healthcare Services on Campus
There have been many achievements made at universities in terms of addressing period poverty. However, there has been less attention to other aspects of menstrual experiences such as mental health and the availability of support services including menstrual healthcare services on University campuses(4). There are many psychological and physiological aspects of menstruation that many university students struggle with. This may have adverse impacts on an individual's university experience. Establishing wellness centres that include menstrual health, mental health counsellors and support groups can aid in the psychological impacts of menstruation(1). Offering counselling services that address such menstrual health-related issues creates an equitable healthcare service for all students to address their concerns.
References
Imad, M., & Maron, K. (2023, August 7). A month of highs and lows: The impact of menstruation on he. A month of highs and lows: the impact of menstruation on HE. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/month-highs-and-lows-impact-menstruation-he
Munro, A. K., Hunter, E. C., Hossain, S. Z., & Keep, M. (2021). A systematic review of the menstrual experiences of university students and the impacts on their education: A global perspective. PLOS ONE, 16(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257333
Does menstruation affect university students education?. The University of Sydney. (2021, November 25). https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/11/25/does-menstruation-affect-university-students-education.html
Munro, A. K., Keep, M., Hunter, E. C., & Hossain, S. Z. (2022). Confidence to manage menstruation among university students in Australia: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey. Women’s Health, 18, 174550652110706. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455065211070666
Gruer, C., Goss, T., Schmitt, M. L., & Sommer, M. (2021). Menstrual Equity Initiatives at USA Universities: A multiple case study of common obstacles and enabling factors. Frontiers in Reproductive Health, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2021.787277