Sharing simple facts : useful information about menstrual health and hygiene

This guidance booklet in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) form has been prepared to support girls and women in providing basic factual information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene management (MHM). It aims to clarify some of the myths and taboos centred on this issue. The booklet provides information on how to handle menstruation, improve knowledge of personal hygiene and boost confidence by answering unanswered questions. It also provides information on the facts, myths and taboos surrounding this issue. The booklet is meant to serve as a self reference for adolescent girls and to help them to be better prepared to cope with the physical changes in their bodies and practice safe and hygienic ways of dealing with menstruation. The following issues are discussed: physical and emotional changes during puberty; dealing with menstruation; managing menstruation, with a special section on managing menstruation in school; disposal of napkins; and a few facts about HIV/AIDS. The booklet also aims to help parents and teachers to understand and appreciate the requirements for hygienic management of menstruation at homes, in schools and the community.