Interesting Facts About Menstruation: An Account of an Experience At a School in the Maré Community

Abstract

This article reports an university extension activities carried out at a private school in the Maré community, where a discussion circle was organized to address the topic of menstruation. Participants included members of the outreach project, as well as teachers and elementary school students. The questions that arose were grouped into categories covering menstruation, cramps, intimate hygiene, sexuality, pregnancy, contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infections, and other related topics. The initiative demonstrated the potential of discussion circles to bridge the gap between society and university, expand places for dialogue, share reliable information, and promote self-care. The topic of menstruation was addressed with the aim of breaking down taboos, stigma, and discrimination. The educational impact on the medical student formation is particularly noteworthy, as they were able to experience the practice of listening, empathy, and health education as tools for social transformation.