School taught me about bank accounts but not breast exams

"As a person from an ethnic minority background, in some communities it's actually taboo and quite a sensitive topic to talk about, so if you're not able to learn about these things in school, then where do you learn? said 23-year-old Athika Ahmed. She was among the young people across Wales involved in the design of new school resources to increase understanding of the most common women's health conditions."

"She said she was nervous about speaking to her parents when she started her periods at a very young age, but not being able to get support in school also left her feeling "a step behind". She was left with questions such as "when to change your pad, what type of pad you want to use, or the different types of products". "I didn't know the difference between a pad and a tampon," she said."

Secondary schools in Wales will receive leaflets and posters covering menstrual health, endometriosis, pelvic health, and menopause. Young people contributed to designing the materials through a health board youth panel. Identified practical gaps include how to change tampons, product choices, menstrual hygiene, and recognizing cancer signs. Cultural taboos in some communities can inhibit conversations about menstrual health and reduce access to information. The resources provide basic facts and signposting to online support such as Sexual Health Wales, Brook, Bloody Brilliant, and Endometriosis Cymru. Endometriosis affects about 155,000 women in Wales.

Read at www.bbc.com