--- title: How Menstrual Education Can Shape Body and Sex Positivity date: 2022-11-30T03:00:00-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-menstrual-education-can-shape-body-and-sex-positivity" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# How Menstrual Education Can Shape Body and Sex Positivity This essay explains why menstrual education can impact how girls feel about their genitals, genital areas, and sexuality overall. Menstrual cycle experts Drs. Peggy Stubbs and Evelina Sterling offer that menstrual education is a valuable opportunity to provide girls with a more accurate, positive, and embodied view of their genitals as they develop a sexual sense of themselves. > As menstrual education presents mostly negative expectations for girls, the authors argue that it is a key contributor to girls’ negative attitudes about ‘down there.’ Instead, Stubbs and Sterling offer that menstrual education is a valuable opportunity to provide girls with a more accurate, positive, and embodied view of their genitals to access as they develop a sexual sense of themselves. [Read the full article ](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-15-0614-7_20) SOURCE: The Palgrave Handbook of Critical Menstruation Studies • AUTHOR: Margaret L. Stubbs and Evelina W. Sterling • LAST UPDATED: July 25, 2020 ![pexels-karolina-grabowska-7281538](data:image/png;base64,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) Karolina Grabowska/Pexels ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle) - [ destigmatizing the menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/destigmatizing-the-menstrual-cycle) - [body positivity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/body-positivity) - [sex education](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sex-education) - [sex positivity](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sex-positivity) - [youth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/youth) - [genitals](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/genitals) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## The Problem of Low Menstrual Health Literacy Textbooks still don't accurately describe why we menstruate, focusing only on hormonal shifts while ignoring period pain and blood loss. ![A girl reads a book on the floor of a library](data:image/png;base64,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) Textbooks still don't accurately describe why we menstruate, focusing only on hormonal shifts while ignoring period pain and blood loss.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-problem-of-low-menstrual-health-literacy) [ResourcesRead ## The Menstrual Cycle What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel? ![A drawing of a person riding a surfboard, the background is red and the wave is light pink, like they are "riding the crimson wave”.](data:image/png;base64,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) What is the menstrual cycle? What happens in our bodies and how do the different stages of menstruation feel?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-menstrual-cycle) [ResourcesRead ## Menstrual Equity and Schools A resource for teachers about how schools can be a space to advocate for better menstrual policies and services. ![Equity Period scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) A resource for teachers about how schools can be a space to advocate for better menstrual policies and services.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstrual-equity-and-schools) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts. ![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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) CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## My Changing Body Image LL talks about how her skin condition, and her involvement in theatre in high school, both affected her body image. ![Lauren](data:image/png;base64,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) LL talks about how her skin condition, and her involvement in theatre in high school, both affected her body image.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-my-changing-body-image) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Sex Ed in School SA describes her experience learning about sex and relationships while growing up and in college. ![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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) SA describes her experience learning about sex and relationships while growing up and in college.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-learning-about-sex-ed-in-school) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with the Stigmatization of Sexuality SA shares how gaps in her sex education curriculum growing up failed to prepare her for sex. She discusses her desire for sex-positive sex education. ![Steph](data:image/png;base64,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) SA shares how gaps in her sex education curriculum growing up failed to prepare her for sex. She discusses her desire for sex-positive sex education.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-the-stigmatization-of-sexuality)