Menstrual and sexual education in public schools in cuiabá: experience report of the menstru(action) project

Health education actions for children and adolescents are powerful tools for preventing vulnerabilities and health problems. The "MenstruAção" extension project was developed by the Tutorial Education Program group of the Medical School at the Federal University of Mato Grosso with the purpose of developing health education actions in schools in the city of Cuiabá-MT. The topics addressed were divided into three main areas: menstrual education, sexual education, and prevention of child and adolescent sexual abuse. Between 2022 and 2024, 19 activities were carried out in seven schools, reaching a total of 2,126 girls aged between 8 and 18 years. Throughout the activities, it was possible to clarify students' doubts and taboos regarding menstruation, expand knowledge to mitigate early sexual initiation, promote the use of contraceptive methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, and prevent child and adolescent sexual abuse. It is concluded that the integration of the Menstru(Ação) project with schools is an important and effective strategy for preventing vulnerabilities and health issues among children and adolescents.