Sexual Health >> Menstruation
Menstruation
A Note on Language:
This guide is for anyone who menstruates—including women, trans men, and non-binary people. To aim to use inclusive and respectful language throughout, and welcome everyone who needs support.
This guide is for anyone who has a period — not just women.
That includes:
👉 If you have a uterus and ovaries, you might get your period - no matter what gender you are.
Cycle Phases & Pregnancy Risk
How do the different phases of the menstrual cycle affect fertility and pregnancy likelihood?
| Stage | Description | Common Side Effects | Days in Typical 28-Day Cycle | Pregnancy Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menstrual | Shedding of uterine lining | Cramps, fatigue, mood changes | Days 1–5 | Unlikely |
| Follicular | Egg matures, uterus lining thickens | Increased energy, improved mood | Days 1–13 | Low to moderate |
| Ovulation | Egg released, peak fertility | Mild pain, spotting, increased libido | Day 14 (varies) | Most likely |
| Luteal | Uterus prepares for pregnancy | PMS: bloating, mood swings, breast soreness, cravings, insomnia | Days 15–28 | Unlikely, but possible |
Why is the “safe period” method unreliable for preventing pregnancy?
While the “safe period” refers to times in the cycle when pregnancy is less likely, it's important to note that no time is entirely risk-free. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and ovulation can vary, making it possible to conceive even during perceived “safe” times.
Key Points:
Menstrual Hygiene Products
Menstrual Hygiene Products Comparison
| Product | How It Works | Reusable? | Comfort Level | How Long You Can Wear It | Where to Buy / Get Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disposable Pads | Stick onto your underwear to absorb blood. Comes in day, night, light, or heavy flow types. | No | Easy to use | 3–6 hours (change more if heavy flow) | Supermarkets, pharmacies, some uni bathrooms (free) |
| Tampons | Inserted inside the vagina to absorb blood. Available with or without an applicator. | No | May take practice | 4–8 hours (never more than 8 hrs) | Supermarkets, pharmacies, some universities (free) |
| Menstrual Cups | Silicone cup inserted in the vagina to collect blood. Empty, wash, and reuse. | Yes | Comfortable after practice | Up to 12 hours | Pharmacies, online, community health giveaways |
| Reusable Pads | Cloth pads that can be washed and used again. Use it like a regular pad. | Yes | Soft, eco-friendly | 4–6 hours | Online, eco-stores, period charities |
| Period Underwear | Underwear with built-in absorbent layers. Just wear like regular undies. | Yes | Very comfy | 6–12 hours (varies by brand) | Modibodi, Bonds, Big W, online stores, some free programs |
Vocabulary Tips:
Pads are soft absorbent sheets that you stick to the inside of your underwear to catch period blood. They stay on the outside of your body (you don't insert them). There are different types:
* Pads are a good starting option if you're new to periods because they're easy to use, and you don't need to insert anything. Just change them every few hours depending on your flow to stay clean and comfortable.
Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. They come with or without applicators:
Usage Tips:
Menstrual Cups are flexible, reusable cups made of medical-grade silicone inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid.
Usage Tips:
Reusable Pads
Description: Cloth pads that can be washed and reused.
Usage: Used similarly to disposable pads but are environmentally friendly and cost-effective over time
Benefits: Available in various sizes and absorbencies.
Ensure proper washing and drying to maintain hygiene.
Discharge & Reproductive Health
What types of vaginal discharge are normal, and what might indicate pregnancy or infection?
| Discharge Appearance | Likely Meaning | Action Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Clear, stretchy, slippery | Normal, especially around ovulation | None |
| White, creamy, mild odor | Normal, varies with cycle | None |
| Thick, clumpy, like cheese | Possible yeast infection | See a doctor |
| Yellow/green, foul odor | Possible bacterial or STI infection (including STI) | See a doctor |
| Pink/red/brown | Blood present normal around period | If persistent or unrelated to period or unsure, see a doctor |
| Gray, fishy odor | Possible bacterial vaginosis | See a doctor |
| Increased, clear/milky | Normal in pregnancy | None, unless odor or irritation |
Vaginal discharge (fluid from the vagina) is normal and helps keep your vagina clean and healthy. The amount, colour, and texture can change during your menstrual cycle.
Normal discharge is usually:
Clear or white
Slightly sticky or slippery
Doesn't have a strong smell
Can become stretchy and egg-white-like around ovulation (when your body is most fertile)
Unusual discharge might be:
Yellow, green, or grey
Thick and chunky (like cottage cheese)
Bad-smelling or fishy
Accompanied by itching, pain, or burning
These could be signs of an infection, like a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some people may also notice changes in discharge if they are pregnant.
💬 If you're not sure whether your discharge is normal or not — it's totally okay to ask a doctor or nurse. You don't have to figure it out alone. It's better to ask early than to worry or wait.
📍 Tip: You can visit a GP, sexual health clinic, or use the free 1800 My Options service to find help near you.
Menstrual Irregularities & Pain
What makes a period abnormal? When should students seek medical advice for irregular bleeding, timing, or volume?
| Symptom | Normal Range | Unusual/See Doctor If... |
|---|---|---|
| Pain | Mild-moderate, 1–3 days | Severe, worsening, lasts longer, disrupts life |
| Duration of bleeding | Period duration: 2–7 days | Period duration: More than 7–8 days |
| Blood volume | 5–80 ml per period (A regular pad holds ~ 5 ml) | Between periods, during sex, or after menopause |
| Pain timing | With period only | Soaking pad/tampon every 1-2 hours, large clots |
| Other symptoms | Mild discomfort, bloating, headache, breast tenderness, mood swings | Fever, dizziness, nausea, tireness, pain with heavy bleeding |
If you have concerns about your period pain or bleeding, keep a record of your symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and management.
What is spotting, and how is it different from a normal period?
Spotting is light bleeding between periods. It can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, or other factors. If it happens often, talk to a doctor.
Emergency Care & After-Hours Help
What should a student do if they experience extremely heavy or sudden and extreme menstrual pain/bleeding after hours?
If you're experiencing heavy bleeding or severe pain after hours, you can call Nurse-on-Call at 1300 60 60 24. This free service connects you with a registered nurse who can provide professional health advice 24/7.
How can international students contact Nurse-on-Call or access urgent care centres in Victoria for menstrual health issues?
How Periods Can Affect Your Mood or Mental Health
It's very normal to feel emotional, tired, or moody before or during your period. These feelings are caused by hormones (chemicals in your body that change during your cycle).
You might feel:
This is called PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome). It usually goes away after your period starts.
What if it feels worse than PMS?
Some people feel very, very sad, angry, or have big mood changes before their period. It can affect your daily life, school, and relationships. This might be PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder). PMDD is like PMS, but more serious. It's not your fault. Your brain and body are reacting to hormone changes.
Period Myths: Let's Talk About What's True
Hey! Let's talk about some things many people think about periods, but are actually not true. If you've heard these before, don't worry. Many of us have. Let's clear them up together
What people say (Myth) | What's actually true |
|---|---|
| “You can't get pregnant if you're on your period.” | You can still get pregnant during your period. Sperm can stay in your body for a few days, and sometimes you can release an egg soon after your period ends. So, there's no completely safe time. If you don't want to get pregnant, use protection like condoms or contraceptive pills. |
| “You can't swim or take a bath during your period.” | You can swim or take a bath when you're on your period. It's safe. If you go swimming, you can wear a tampon or menstrual cup so blood doesn't leak. |
| “Tampons break your virginity.” | Tampons do not take your virginity. Virginity is a personal or cultural idea, not something physical. A tampon may stretch the skin inside a little, but that doesn't change who you are. Your body is still yours. |
| “Period blood is dirty.” | Period blood is not dirty. It's just blood and tissue from your uterus (the place in your belly where a baby can grow). It may smell if left too long in a pad or tampon, but it's not bad or dangerous. |
| “You should not do sports or exercise during your period.” | You can move your body when on your period! Gentle exercise like walking, dancing, or stretching can help you feel better and reduce cramps. But if you're tired, it's okay to rest too. Listen to your body. |
| “You can't pray or go to a temple during your period.” | This depends on your culture or religion. Some people follow this rule, others don't. From a medical view, your period is not unclean. It's a normal part of life. It's okay to do what feels right for you. |
| “Only women get periods.” | Not everyone who has a period is a woman. Some trans men or non-binary people also get periods. Everyone who has a period deserves respect and care. |
| “You must hide your pads or tampons.” | You don't need to hide your period products. It's normal to have a period, and taking care of yourself is nothing to be ashamed of. Be proud of your body. |
| “If your period isn't regular, something is wrong.” | Sometimes your period can come late or early. That's normal, especially if you're stressed, not sleeping enough, or just moved to a new place. But if your period is painful, very heavy, or stops for a long time, see a doctor. |
Final Tip
Feeling low or overwhelmed during your period doesn't mean something is wrong with you.
You deserve care, comfort, and someone to talk to. Please don't keep it all inside.
If you ever feel like crying or giving up, it's okay to ask for help. That's a strong thing to do
You're not alone in this.
Disclaimer
This guide was written and compiled by an individual who is cisgender (a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth). Every effort has been made to ensure the content is inclusive, respectful, and supportive of all individuals who menstruate including women, trans men, non-binary, and gender-diverse people.
However, I acknowledge that my lived experience may limit my understanding of the diverse and unique challenges faced by those outside the cisgender experience. If you identify as trans, non-binary, or gender-diverse and notice anything in this guide that could be improved for inclusivity or accuracy, we genuinely welcome your feedback.
This resource is intended for educational and support purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance.
