If you suffer from severe menstrual pain, it might be difficult to cope with school but there is help and you are in your right to receive it. Here are some tips on what you can do!
Student healthcare
Those who attend school should be able to meet with a school nurse, doctor, counselor and psychologist.
The student healthcare should help to create a school environment that is good for the students' health, learning and development. It can also be a good place to turn to for issues regarding menstruation. If those who work there can't help you, they can inform you of where to go. In some cases, they can also write referrals, which means contacting others within the healthcare system to receive you there. Return to the student healthcare if that doesn't work, to hopefully come up with a solution together.
Your school has a responsibility to make sure that you get your education even if you're absent a lot because of health issues.
The school has a responsibility to make sure that you get your education even though you are absent a lot due to menstruation. The school must also, according to law, promote equal rights and opportunities for all children and students. Nobody can be treated unfairly due to their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Regarding menstruation that means that the school must work to minimize the risks of it becoming an obstacle to participate in the education. There should be toilets, waste bins and and the possibility to change or empty your hygiene products when needed. It's also beneficial if the school can provide painkillers and hygiene products when needed urgently.
Your rights if you can't attend
If you cannot attend school because of heavy pain or other issues connected to your menstruation, you still have the right to support from school to be able to complete your education. This applies if there is a chance that you may not get passing grades because of your missing school days. You can, for example, attend a special study group or receive extra help to be able to catch up from home.
Stand up for your right to an education!
Talk to your teacher about it! If your teacher is unaware of these policies you may have to turn to your principal.