Abstract

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health asserts that all individuals who menstruate should have adequate access to appropriate menstrual products and to facilities that support privacy, safety, hygiene, and sanitation for changing menstrual products, washing body and hands, and cleaning or disposing of used materials. As well, all individuals who experience menstruation should have access to accurate, timely, and age-appropriate information about the menstrual cycle, expected changes that occur from puberty through menopause, and related self-care and hygiene practices. Access to healthcare for timely diagnosis and care for menstrual-cycle related discomforts and disorders is important for menstrual health (MH). MH extends beyond physical wellbeing to include mental and social wellbeing. Menstruation should be free from stigma and psychological distress so that individuals can confidently care for their bodies, make informed decisions about self-care, and participate in daily activities without menstrual-related discrimination or exclusion and within their own cultural context.

Author Details

As a national professional membership organization, NPWH is the nation's leading voice for courageous conversations about women's health. In our clinics and in our culture, women's health nurse practitioners champion state-of-the-science health care that holistically addresses the unique needs of women across their lifetimes. We elevate the health issues others overlook and compel attention on women's health from providers, policymakers, and researchers.

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Lead Author Affiliation

National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, Washington, DC, USA

Type

Position Statement

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Expert Opinion (nationally/internationally recognized)

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Menstrual Health, Menstrual Equity, Women's Healthcare

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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Publisher's Version

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Review Type

None: Reputation-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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