ooia Community Survey
We wanted to find out more about the experience of the first period. What does the first period feel like today - and what was it like in the past? Does perception change with the generations? Who or what provides information and how? We asked our community and received more than 4,500 answers.
If you are one of a teenager's confidants, our insights may give you some helpful ideas for conversations about periods and everything that goes with them. You can find even more tips in our article The first period: Advice for parents .
According to our survey, the time of the first period is now more likely to come before the 13th birthday than it was 20, 30 or 40 years ago.
6% of those under 18 even said that they had their first period when they were "younger than 10". We therefore recommend that parents and trusted people prepare themselves emotionally and in terms of content in good time.
A maximum of three answers could be chosen for this question. "Uncertainty", "shame" and "fear" are the most frequently chosen answers. If you look at the different age groups of the participants, it becomes clear that shame and uncertainty in connection with the first period are felt less today than in the past - unfortunately fear and sadness are increasing. What can we do about it?
Mothers are by far the most important people here. Exciting! Because how do the answers change over the decades? Whether mothers or fathers, other family members, friends or teachers - personal contacts are playing an increasingly greater role in educating people today than they used to.
Not surprisingly, books and magazines are declining and are being replaced by the internet, social media and influencers.
It's nice to see that the proportion of people who chose "I couldn't talk to anyone about it" is getting smaller and smaller.
We received over 3,000 responses to this question from our community and have categorized the 5 most common answers. If you're a confidant for a teenager, maybe they'll help you have a conversation about periods!
Because we want insecurity, shame and fear to be replaced by security, curiosity and trust.
This topic was mentioned most often by far. What products are available? How do I use tampons and sanitary pads correctly? And what alternatives are there, such as period underwear?
Will I be in pain? What physical side effects can I expect? To what extent is pain normal? What diseases are there, e.g. endometriosis?
What does PMS mean for me and my performance? What symptoms can I expect? What are mood swings all about? And how can I do something good for myself during my period?
What happens to me and my body in the individual phases of my cycle? And why? When can I get pregnant – and what contraceptive options do I have?
Many participants would have liked the following above all: "Periods are completely normal and you don't need to be ashamed of them. You will learn to deal with your period and it will get easier. You can ask me anything and I will be there for you."
