Variations in the Menstrual Cycle: Get to know your cycle
This video reviews the stages of the menstrual cycle and talks about how it can vary in terms of how long it lasts and how often it comes, especially when girls are first getting their periods, which is totally normal! It talks about how the fertile period is not always in the middle of a cycle and that cycles vary and can be anywhere from 21 to 50 days (or even shorter or longer!) versus just the 28-day cycle that is often talked about. The video points out how fluctuations in the menstrual cycle can make predicting when you are less likely to get pregnant difficult to do, increasing risk for unintended pregnancy, and that using male or female condoms is always the best way to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV. The video also emphasizes the importance of getting to know your own cycle in order to be able to know when to expect your period and be ready for it.
[ISS-014]