"No student should miss out on attending class," WA Education Minister Tony Buti said in April 2024, when the Western Australian Government extended free period products to more than 570 public primary schools from Term 3 that year. The statement noted that cost and stigma can mean students do not have the items they need at school, and that periods can start before high school.
So can a menstrual cup help keep girls in school? Tasmania's education department makes the case for access: it says limited access to sanitary products can affect student wellbeing and be a barrier to learning. Here is where a period cup fits.
Quick answer: A period cup can help some students get through the school day with one reusable product, but it is not a fix on its own. In a Kenyan school study, girls given cups were no less likely to drop out, and newer users found emptying a cup at school difficult where toilets were in poor condition.
Which Australian schools hand out free period products?
Western Australia and Tasmania are two examples. In Western Australia, all public schools with primary students can get period products at no cost to the school or the students, with an initial supply in Term 3, 2024 and more through an online portal.
In Tasmania, every government school receives sanitary items each year, with the amount based on the number of female students in year 5 and above who are on the Student Assistance Scheme. Parents are asked to contact the school to find out how their child can get them. Our article on education and periods in Australia and New Zealand covers more of the local picture.
Can period pain keep students home from school?
It can. Healthdirect's page on painful periods estimates that period pain affects about 8 out of 10 people who have periods at some time in their life, and lists missing school or work among its possible effects.
Healthdirect suggests a heat pack or hot water bottle, a warm bath or shower, and regular gentle exercise of 45 to 60 minutes three or more times a week. A cup will not change pain, so if it is keeping a student at home, see a doctor.
What did a study of period cups in Kenyan schools find?
A safety study, published in BMJ Open in 2017, followed girls aged 14 to 16 at 30 primary schools in rural Siaya County. It found no cases of toxic shock syndrome over a median of about 11 months and concluded there was no evidence that the cups were hazardous for these schoolgirls.
It also recorded practical problems. Newer users found changing and emptying cups at school difficult, partly because of poor latrine conditions, and about 7% of cups had to be replaced after being lost, damaged, a poor fit or dropped in a latrine. The authors called for stronger hygiene education and better school water and sanitation.
Are period cups suitable for sport and swimming at school?
Jean Hailes says tampons and menstrual cups are safe and suitable for activities like swimming. It also notes that reusable products such as cups cost more up front but may save money over the long term.
When to see a doctor
Healthdirect recommends seeing your doctor if period pain stops you going to school or work, and also for:
- period pain you have not had in the past;
- pain that gets worse during your period or lasts longer than it used to;
- pain between periods or during sex;
- bleeding between periods, irregular periods, or pain when you pass urine or stool.
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero (000).
Frequently asked questions
Did period cups stop girls dropping out of school in research?
No. In the BMJ Open pilot that the 2017 safety study was part of, dropout was 11.2% among girls given cups, compared with 8.0% in schools with no products and 10.2% with pads. The researchers found no link between the products and dropout, and called for a larger trial of menstrual cups.
How long can a Lunette period cup stay in during school?
Lunette's Australian store gives a maximum of 8 hours for each wear. Healthdirect adds that you need to empty a menstrual cup when it is full and follow the product's removal instructions. If there is no sink nearby, our cleaning page suggests a Lunette Cup Wipe until the cup can be washed under running water at home.
Can a teenager use a period cup?
Yes. Lunette makes two sizes and names Size 1 as the one for teens. That cup is softer, 41 mm wide and holds 25 ml. Jean Hailes recommends reading the product instructions before first use, and Lunette suggests allowing 2 to 3 cycles to get comfortable with it.
Are free period products in WA schools only for secondary students?
No. The April 2024 announcement extended free period products to all public schools with primary students in Western Australia, because periods can arrive before high school age. Women's Interests Minister Sue Ellery framed the goal as making sure having your period "is not a barrier for school participation".
Packing a first cup into a school bag? The Lunette period cup comes in a softer Size 1 that Lunette suggests for teens, and our period cup cleaning guide covers washing it at home and when there's no sink nearby.
This is general information, not medical advice. If periods are affecting school, talk to your GP or school nurse, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
