It is important for Leaders to advise female volunteers that the change in environment on project can have effects on their menstrual cycle, with key points for the discussion as:
- Due to changes in climate, diet and weight, menstrual cycles can be affected. It can be common to have more than one cycle in a month, have a cycle whilst on a pill, or not have one at all. Ensure volunteers know to keep leaders updated of any usual changes especially if painful or worrying.
- If abnormal changes to periods continue for over 14 days seek medical advice. i.e. Island Nurse (however most issues resolve themselves when body has acclimatised)
- If a volunteer’s period starts (unusually) while still on the pill, advise to check with pill information or nurse / doctor on whether to continue taking the pill, or come off the pill whilst the cycle is completed.
- If a volunteer is on the contraceptive pill and is vomiting/diarrhoea the pill may not be effective, be vigilant of this.
- Make sure volunteers have lots of sanitary supplies (can be bought during shopping day). Buying hygiene or nappy bags to put used sanitary items in is advised.
- Don’t flush any sanitary items down village toilets. Put in bags, fire pits or drop toilets. Best to ask Fijian mum on what is best for their home environment.
- With regards to implants and coils, ask the team to make the leaders aware of this (in private)
NB: Leaders must be calm, confident and mature in delivering this discussion to the group as a whole so that all volunteers feel comfortable raising any issues with them. And remind volunteers to be open and honest to all leaders regardless of gender as their health is imperative!