Why are we still stigmatizing menstruation?

Menstruation is a normal physiological process and a key sign of reproductive health in women in the reproductive age group. Poor menstrual hygiene affects the educational activities as well as the day-to-day activities of women. Though there are advancements in field of science, technology and awareness of menstruation and menstrual products these days, yet the process of menstruation and occurrence of “periods” in women remains a taboo in society even today.Menstrual hygiene encompasses all measures taken by health care workers, teachers, and doctors to ensure that the girl who is just starting her reproductive journey has a smooth and hygienic course on a monthly basis and is free from unhygienic practices that can provoke infection and impair her health in the long term. Some of the do’s we advise include-Educating young girls about the process of menstruation- why there is monthly shedding of the endometrium and what changes happen in the body in that phase Explaining to the girl and her family that this is a perfectly normal physiological change that her body is going through hence she need not be anxious or stigmatized by it , rather she should embrace itCounselling regarding all available options of products that can be used during periods- cloth pads, tampons, sanitary pads and menstrual cups – advantages and disadvantages of each and which would be ideal for them depending on age, parity and menstrual flow Explaining the importance of maintaining a clean body and environment during periods- this includes educating girls to bathe daily, washing the pelvic area to make sure its clean and dry and avoid sweating and moisture that can predispose to infectionsMaking sure that products are changed every 4-6 hours (in case of sanitary pads or cloth pads) and every 6-8 hours(in case of tampons or menstrual cups) depending on the flow and day of periods Use the product which best suits your menstrual flow and absorbency and avoid the need to go with what’s trendingExplaining the need for proper disposal of sanitary pads in designated bins and thorough washing and sterilizing in case of menstrual cups Washing hands with soap and water before and after using any menstrual productWear light weight breathable cotton clothing during periodsHydrate well with plenty of fluids during periodsGet periodic check ups done- once a year- to ensure optimum health of female reproductive system HPV vaccination- advised to protect girls from high risk HPV infections and cervical cancer Identify and pick up signs of infection- such as vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling, pelvic pain, problems in urination and seek medical help as soon as possibleDon’tsEvery year, we celebrate Menstrual hygiene awareness day on 28th May- this is a day where the health department, health care workers and doctors all strive to raise awareness regarding the importance of menstrual hygiene, ensure access to safe and good quality menstrual products especially in rural areas so that the stigma surrounding menstruation is largely prevented and school drop out rates due to menstruation are reduced. This ensures that there is no break in the journey of education and schooling in young girls so that we give our girls the confidence to be proud of their body and embrace their journey of womanhood all through their life. Dr. Sahana K P, MBBS, MS (OBG) FMAS, PGDMFM (Germany), Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Apollo Hospital, Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru