Let’s Talk About Periods and Sports: Breaking the Silence
Periods are a natural part of life, yet, for many, they remain a significant barrier to sports. In fact, a study of 1000 Kiwis and Aussies by Hello Period revealed:
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58% avoid sports during their period.
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66% consider their period when deciding to stop playing sports.
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71% avoid swimming while menstruating.
These statistics highlight an issue that isn’t being talked about or addressed enough: menstruation is sidelining athletes, especially young girls, from the activities they love. Yes, we have come a long way when it comes to reducing period stigma - but there’s a lot of education and work that still needs to be done to really knock down barriers.
Understanding the Barriers
Several factors contribute to this trend:
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Physical Discomfort: Cramps, fatigue, and bloating can make physical activity challenging.
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Fear of Leaks: Concerns about visible leaks or staining can deter participation.
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Lack of Access to Products: Not having the right menstrual products readily available can be a significant obstacle.
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Stigma and Embarrassment: Taboos around menstruation can lead to feelings of shame, making individuals hesitant to engage in sports.
The Impact on Young Athletes
The repercussions are profound. Many young athletes drop out of sports during adolescence, coinciding with the onset of menstruation. This dropout not only affects physical health but also impacts self-esteem, learning to work as part of a team, and overall well-being.
Changing the Narrative
It's essential to foster an environment where menstruation is openly discussed and not seen as a barrier. So what can we do to turn these stats around?
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Education: Schools and sports programmes should provide comprehensive education about menstruation and its effects.
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Product Accessibility: Ensuring access to a variety of menstrual products, including tampons, pads, menstrual cups, menstrual discs and period underwear, can empower individuals to choose what works best for them and gives them confidence that they won’t leak and can perform without having to worry about their period.
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Supportive Environments: Coaches and teammates should cultivate a culture of understanding and support, normalising conversations about periods and the impact that they can have.
Empowering Through Knowledge
Understanding your own menstrual cycle can also be a tool to get the best from your training and performance. Some athletes find that tracking their cycle helps in planning training and competition schedules, turning a perceived obstacle into an advantage. You’ll find lots of online training tips to help you tailor your training around your cycle so you can always be on your ‘A game’.
How Can We All Help Ensure Periods Aren’t A Barrier To Sport?
Let’s ensure that periods aren’t a barrier to future generations. By openly addressing the physical, emotional, and societal barriers that often come with menstruation, we can help create inclusive sports environments where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully, regardless of the time of the month. Providing access to quality, reusable period products that are both comfortable and high capacity - such as the Hello Disc or Hello Undies will also help because not only do they last for years but they hold more than tampons and pads so even players with a heavy flow can go a full game (or run a marathon!) without having to change their period product. Now that’s a win!
