As a sexuality educator I have many opportunities to teach and hear about all aspects of puberty, sexuality and menstrual health. Through Sexpressions, I have the opportunity to provide educators with new resources and to tour around Canada for training. One thing I have learned over the years is that I always need to be aware of the concerns youth have concerning puberty, and for the young women I speak to, the menstrual cycle.

“What often gets missed in conversations around youth sexual health is how much our bodies change over the years and that there are no ‘right’ or ‘normal’ things to do or not do, only healthy and unhealthy.”

Being a sexuality educator can be like walking a tight rope at times. With everything we teach, we have to consider not only how our students will react, but if there will be complaints from parents, community groups or administrators. With generational distances pulling some teachers away from what is necessary for a class, not all students receive the information they need to be the healthiest they can in this area of their lives.

Sexpressions Sexuality Teacher

Like it or not, health class is one of the few places where youth really hear the facts about menstrual health, and what is and isn’t covered has a major impact on students’ perceptions. The teacher also plays a vital role in modeling acceptance or disapproval of the issues being raised. Teachers showing surprise, disgust or confusion can make many girls not consider options that could work for them. It is also important to point out that one reaction like this can make it very difficult for students to ask any questions at all!

Sadly, sustainable menstrual care and discussion of the DivaCup and cloth pads are often not included in health classes because the people doing the teaching are not aware that they even exist. Often, we teach what we know. And sometimes, even some of the best teachers are missing information in this area.

As a trainer, I have the incredible opportunity of introducing the topic of sustainable menstrual care when I work with teachers. The good news is that when teachers do introduce menstrual cups, it can help sexual health education programs as a whole. Even a simple explanation of how DivaCups work includes a discussion of sexual anatomy, toxic shock syndrome, other menstrual products, variations in menstruation, and potentially a whole host of other topics that can come up! We need to introduce all options to our students, and help our youth, in a non-judgmental way to make the best decisions for their bodies and lives.

Are you an educator, public health nurse or health care provider interested in sharing the DivaCup with the young women you work with? Visit our Health Professionals & Educators webpage or contact us at [email protected] to receive your DivaCup Educational Kit and start sharing Diva today!

Stephanie Mitelman, M.A., CSE

Sexpression Sexuality Teacher

Stephanie is Montreal’s only certified sexuality educator and a national trainer on issues of sexual health and youth sexuality. She teaches at McGill and Concordia Universities, and is a founding member of The Sexual Health Network of Quebec. In 2000, she started Sexpressions, which offers sexual health resources and training for teachers and front-line healthcare workers. She also regularly trains and consults in Aboriginal communities across Canada and on sex education for youth with special needs, particularly those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Visit Sexpressions today to learn more!