Why boys are not getting periods?

Why boys are not getting periods?

A curious question from a 6th-grade child, made other children look at me with more interest.

Being in adolescent age, they have lots of questions in their mind regarding their own physical changes and growth. But are they given a proper platform to clarify or get information or discuss such issues? A perfect space was set, where 50 girls from grades 6 and 7 were made aware of their body growth, pubertal changes in their body, diet practices and all associated topics related to menstruation like why menstruation occurs, maintaining personal hygiene during this period, etc. using storytelling as a learning tool.

The most surprising moment during pad demonstration session was when they are asked to help each other on how to use sanitary napkins, most of the higher grade students declined to do it. A sixth-grade child came out boldly and clearly gave out the practical instruction on the correct usage of a sanitary napkin in detail. She received a huge applaud from her friends, which elicited further discussions. The questions that arose were concrete and provided a platform to express themselves without any hesitation.

“What happens if I don’t get periods for two months?”

“I am bleeding just for a day. Is it normal?”

“My skin is used to be a clean slate in my childhood. Now the face has more pimples. How it grows?”

“Why girls don’t have beard and moustache?”

Another interesting moment when I was drawing female reproductive part on the board to explain how menstruation occurs, a girl asked me seriously, “Is that urinary bladder?” pointing out the uterus. I appreciated her application of knowledge in relating things and explained all the parts in native language at first, then followed by the scientific language. The question also paved a way of addressing their misconception of thinking urine and menstrual blood is coming out through the same path. They were really surprised when they came to know that they have three separate passages.

“Shall we have this class  every Monday?”

“This girl has one more doubt”, a girl said when I announced that the session was over.

It was obvious that they don’t want to end the session in one hour. I encouraged them to approach me anytime to clarify their doubts.

                                        – Karunya, Team Vidhya Vidhai