Informational needs related to menstrual literacy among Dutch women: a focus group study

Menstruation remains a taboo topic that is rarely discussed openly, even though nearly half of the world's population experiences it. Studies have shown that women wish to have more information about menstrual care worldwide. It is therefore crucial to break the taboo and support women in their quest for information. This study aims to investigate informational needs related to menstruation among Dutch women, in order to improve menstrual literacy.

A qualitative exploratory design with focus group discussions was used. Participants were recruited at the gynaecology outpatient clinic of Máxima MC and through social media posts. A total of 24 Dutch women (aged between 20 and 62 years), who currently menstruate or have menstruated, participated in three focus group discussions. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Participants indicated that schools or family members had not provided them with sufficient information about menstruation prior to their menarche. This lack of information resulted in shame, taboos, and bullying. Furthermore, difficulties in communicating about menstrual complaints with friends, family and medical professionals were reported, resulting in a lack of information about which complaints are normal and when to seek help. Participants suggested creating an easily accessible online platform, categorized according to life stage (for example, menarche, midlife, towards menopause).

This qualitative study shows that Dutch women perceive information regarding menstruation as inadequate. It is recommended to re-evaluate menstrual education in school and combining information in one practical, patient-oriented website. For clinicians, it is important to realize menstrual knowledge of patients may be minimal and thus to support their patients in accessing reliable sources.