Disorder/Syndrome
What does PMS stand for and what is it?
Premenstrual Syndrome; a common syndrome that causes mood swings, irritability, fatigue, depression, tender breasts/other areas of physical pain, and food cravings.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
It is dangerous to leave a tampon in for too long.
True. Leaving a tampon in for more than 8 hours is a risk factor for Toxic Shock Syndrome, which can cause organ damage.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toxic-shock-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355384
Name 3 uses of birth control outside of contraception
Is the average age of a first period higher or lower than 10 years old?
Higher. The average age of a first period is 12.4 years old.
Which popular organization provides a wide variety of menstrual and reproductive health care?
Planned Parenthood; They provide many services including but not limited to birth control, mental health support, Wellness checks (including Pap smears that are free with insurance) and help with sexual and reproductive concerns (including PMS).
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a menstrual disorder during which cells that typically grow in the uterus to form its lining get displaced AND/OR cells similar to these cells grow outside of the uterus.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
Everyone experiences PMS during their menstrual cycle
False, 3 out of 4 people experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms during their menstrual cycle.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780
Name the full name of the virus that when exposed to can put you at risk for cervical cancer
Human Papillomavirus (HPV is 1/2 points)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus
Is the average number of tampons used per cycle higher or lower than 12 tampons?
Higher. The average number of tampons used per cycle is 20 (between 3-6 per day)
https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/period-poverty-in-the-united-states
Which non profit organization provides free menstrual products to those in need?
The Pad Project is a non profit organization that provides free menstrual products to those in need, challenges period stigma, and advocates for menstrual equity (they have supplied nearly a half a million period products, developed 12 pad-making machines in India, Nepal, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, have partner with more than 55 schools in the U.S., and more!)
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous growths of the uterus. They can cause pain and irregular menstrual cycles. Their sizes can vary widely.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
Large and excessive blood clots during menstruation are normal
No. Although having small and less than 3 blood clots during menstruation is normal, large and excessive blood clots are not and are often a sign of menstrual dysfunction.
What is the name of the procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing, typically for cervical cancer?
A Pap smear or Pap test. It is recommended to receive your first Pap test at age 21.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pap-smear/about/pac-20394841
Does endometriosis affect more or less than 100 million people?
More— Endometriosis affects approximately 190 million people globally (10%)
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis
What is the name of the resource helpline that answers questions people may have regarding their menstrual health?
The OWH, Office on Women’s Health, helpline (1-800-994-9662) and website provides answers for those with questions regarding not only their menstrual health but also anything reproductive health-related.
What does PCOS stand for and what is it?
Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome; affects hormones (it is a hormonal imbalance) which then causes irregular menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne and infertility. Although “poly-cystic” is in the name, you do not need to have ovarian cysts to have PCOS.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8316-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos
Severe cramps during menstruation are normal
False; although mild cramps/pain is normal during menstruation, severely painful cramps are not and may indicate an underlying health condition.
When should you start seeing a gynecologist regularly?
The American college of Obstetricians recommends between the ages of 13-15
On average, does someone who menstruates spend higher or lower than $5,000 on period products during their lifetime?
Higher. "In the 40 years on average that a person menstruates, they will spend $13.25 a month and $6,000.00 total in those years on menstrual products before tax."
https://ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/period-poverty-in-the-united-states
Where can one go when they cannot afford reproductive health care?
Title X clinics are federally funded clinics that can be found throughout the U.S.. Their aim is to provide affordable reproductive health care to those with low income or lack health insurance.
What does PMDD stand for and what is it?
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; more serious form of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) causing irritability, anxiety, depression, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9132-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
Heavy bleeding during a menstrual cycle is normal
False, heavy bleeding (Menorrhagia) is not considered normal and can cause anemia. It may also be a symptom of an underlying health condition including endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS and more.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menorrhagia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352829
Name 2 menstrual disorders and at least 5 symptoms of menstrual dysfunction
Women and racial and ethnic minorities are at the highest risk, about 15% more likely than white men to experience a misdiagnosis. Guess higher or lower for the actual percentage!
Higher; 20-30%!
What does Massachusetts bill H.565 entail?
Massachusetts bill H.565 requires all public schools (grades 6-12th) to provide free menstrual products to students.