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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe what menstrual products are available and evaluate their suitability.

      Key learning points

      1. There are internal and external menstrual products.
      2. There are disposable and reusable menstrual products.
      3. The menstrual cycle can affect other parts of the body.

      Keywords

      • Reusable menstrual products - products that are designed to be cleaned and used again

      • Disposable menstrual products - products that are designed for a single use

      • Internal menstrual products - products worn inside the vagina

      • External menstrual products - products worn outside the vagina

      • Menstrual flow - used to describe how much blood and tissue is being shed during a period; described as lighter or heavier

      Common misconception

      Lots of blood is lost every cycle.

      Between two to six tablespoons of blood is lost each cycle.

      Teacher tip

      Check where pupils might be able to access free period products in your school.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      There are phases in the menstrual cycle.

      Correct Answer: 4, four

      Q2.
      Menstruation can last anywhere between...

      Correct answer: 2-7 days
      7-14 days
      14-21 days
      21-28 days

      Q3.
      Menstruation is the shedding of the

      endocrine
      endoskeleton
      Correct answer: endometrium

      Q4.
      A diary or calendar can be used to menstruation.

      Correct Answer: track, trace, follow

      Q5.
      Some symptoms that people might get before menstruation include...

      earache
      Correct answer: abdominal cramp
      Correct answer: lower back ache
      eye infection

      Q6.
      Menopause is when menstruation , usually in the mid-50s.

      Correct Answer: stops, halts, finishes, completes, ends

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Menstrual flow is how much and tissue is shed during menstruation.

      Correct Answer: blood

      Q2.
      During menstruation, the menstrual flow is usually...

      lighter for the first few days
      the same throughout
      Correct answer: heavier for the first few days

      Q3.
      Match the word to the description for the following menstrual products:

      Correct Answer:tampon,a cotton tube with string on the end which is worn inside the vagina

      a cotton tube with string on the end which is worn inside the vagina

      Correct Answer:towel,absorbent material which sticks to the inside of underwear

      absorbent material which sticks to the inside of underwear

      Correct Answer:period pants,reusable underwear with absorbent fabric inside

      reusable underwear with absorbent fabric inside

      Correct Answer:menstrual cup,made from silicone and put inside the vagina to collect flow

      made from silicone and put inside the vagina to collect flow

      Q4.
      True or false? Disposable menstrual products are better for the environment than reusable menstrual products.

      True - disposable products are more convenient so they're better.
      Correct answer: False - reusable products create less waste and are better for the environment.
      True - anything reusable requires too much effort to be worthwhile.

      Q5.
      Choosing the right menstrual product is a personal ...

      Correct Answer: choice, decision, judgement, preference

      Q6.
      Menstrual products should:

      be uncomfortable
      Correct answer: suit the menstrual flow
      Correct answer: suit the lifestyle and activity

      To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Managing menstruation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...