Understanding Menstrual Hygiene
Managing periods with dignity is vital. Sustainable sanitary products, dealing with cycle pain, and tracking indicators to monitor underlying health safely.
Menstruation is normal
Over half of the world's population experiences menstruation at some point in their lives.
Source: WHO
Menstruation is a normal and natural part of physical development, and it should not be treated with secrecy or stigma.
Source: WHO
WHO advocates for the term "menstrual health" rather than "menstrual hygiene", to reflect that this is about health and well-being and not only about cleanliness.
Source: WHO
What a normal cycle is
WHO states that menstruation is a normal and natural part of physical development, and that adolescents should receive timely, comprehensive education about puberty and menstrual health.
Source: WHO
WHO's published guidance does not define specific cycle lengths, period durations or flow volumes, so this page does not state any. Those figures will be added once a named clinical source has been reviewed by a qualified provider. If you are unsure whether your cycle is typical for you, speak to a health provider.
Managing menstruation safely
Managing menstruation safely requires access to menstrual products, running water, functional toilets and privacy.
Source: WHO
That means clean, safe and private toilets, spaces to change and wash, and effective systems for disposing of used materials.
Source: WHO
Menstrual hygiene management is a matter concerning the health, well-being and dignity of girls and women — not a private inconvenience.
Source: WHO
The high cost of menstrual products causes menstrual poverty, which is why WHO emphasises making products freely available.
Source: WHO
Your rights in Kenya
Kenya's Ministry of Health published a national Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy covering 2019 to 2030 — the country's first — setting out government commitments on menstrual hygiene information, products, services, facilities and safe waste disposal.
Source: Kenya Ministry of Health
Irregularities and when to seek care
WHO notes that menstrual health tools and services need to address pain associated with menstruation and irregularity, among other concerns.
Source: WHO
WHO's published guidance does not set clinical thresholds for when menstrual pain, heavy bleeding or irregular cycles need medical attention, so this page does not invent any. This section will be completed from a named clinical source and reviewed by a qualified provider. In the meantime: if bleeding or pain is frightening you, disrupting school or work, or feels different from what is usual for you, see a qualified health provider. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency or GBV support services.
Content on this page is sourced from publicly available guidance published by the World Health Organization (who.int) and the Kenya Ministry of Health, and from legislation published by the National Council for Law Reporting (kenyalaw.org). All sources are attributed inline and in the sources section below. This content is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. SheFirst is a program of Be Well and Green Network.
Sources
- Menstrual health, not just hygiene: The path toward a strong cross-sectoral response
World Health Organization — 28 May 2023
https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2023-menstrual-health-not-just-hygiene-the-path-toward-a-strong-cross-sectoral-response
- Menstrual health is a fundamental human right
World Health Organization — 15 August 2024
https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/15-08-2024-menstrual-health-is-a-fundamental-human-right
- Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy 2019-2030
Kenya Ministry of Health — Launched 28 May 2020
https://repository.kippra.or.ke/handle/123456789/2045