Beyond Biology: Integrating Menstrual Health into Sexual and Reproductive Health Programs

Menstrual Health (MH) is a key component of Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (AYSRH). Many have now recognized menstruation as a human rights issue, since neglecting this area can mean depriving menstruating youth of opportunities to fully enjoy their rights to education, employment, and health. In order to make progress on the UN’s Youth 2030 Agenda—which centers on empowering youth via strategic priorities like supporting relevant education and health services access—we must take an approach to AYSRH programming that proactively and meaningfully addresses MH needs.

Here are 9 valuable recommendations presented by UNFPA’s recent “Technical Brief on the Integration of Menstrual Health into Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policies and Programmes” that are immediately doable, use tools that many AYSRH initiatives already have at their disposal, and are particularly relevant to adolescents and youth:

1) Go beyond just providing broad biological information – emphasize “menstrual choice”
2) Consider working with menstrual product manufacturers
3) Assess availability and accessibility of relevant sanitation and hygiene resources
4) Work with a diversity of stakeholders to help ensure activities are accessible for all youth
5) When possible, bring parents and caregivers into programs’ conversations
6) Include people who do not menstruate (including men and boys) in activities on menstrual health
7) Start education and programming at an early age, with age-appropriate activities that evolve over time
8) Use social media and other communication platforms to promote related information, resources and services
9) Ensure that partners recognize the link between family planning and menstrual health

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