What Are Period Stigmas And How To Combat Them: Know From Health Expert

Menstruation, also known as periods, is a natural biological process that every female between the ages of 10-55 undergoes every month. This results in the shedding of uterine walls and heavy blood flow through the vagina. This natural process has been appalled for ages due to the myths around it. This not only results in poor health of menstruating women but also impedes gender equality on many levels.

We spoke to Dr Dhivya Chandrasekar, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Sarjapur, Bengaluruto learn about menstrual stigmas and how to combat them.

How To Combat Period Stigmas

Education Programs

Menstrual health education must be added to the school curriculum for children to learn, regardless of their gender, to normalise this phenomenon. Teachers must educate children without hesitation. Authorities must conduct workshops in rural areas to foster acceptance and spread knowledge.

Policy and Infrastructure

Schools and public spaces can promote menstrual hygiene by incorporating free sanitary products and proper disposal mechanisms. With such policies, the implementation, monitoring, and investment can make a massive impact.

Media and Public Campaigns

Media campaigns can help bring positive changes by educating the masses about menstruation. “Engaging celebrities and influencers in menstrual health campaigns can also draw attention, reduce stigma, and normalise conversations about menstruation,” suggests our expert.

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Community Engagement

Local leaders and influential figures can have conversations or share videos to break the taboo. Supporting women’s groups and NGOs working for menstrual health can amplify efforts too. “These organisations often are trusted by communities and can be effective in spreading awareness and providing support,” says Dr Chandrasekar.

Care should be taken to design programs with cultural sensitivity in mind, respecting local customs while gently challenging harmful practices. Target traditional beliefs that restrict menstruating women from participating in religious ceremonies or touching certain objects.

Healthcare Access

Our expert says, “Healthcare providers should be trained to handle menstruation-related issues with sensitivity and without judgment. This includes providing accurate information and busting myths.” Period poverty is a major barrier which can be ended by providing affordable menstrual products. Schoolgirls must be provided with these for free.

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