Gynecologist Live : Dr. Kirti Jain
What is menstrual hygiene and health?
WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (JMP) defines menstrual health management as, “Women and adolescent girls are using clean menstrual management materials to absorb or collect blood that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of the menstruation period, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials”. However, menstrual health is a broad term that includes both menstrual health management and other systemic factors that link menstruation with health, gender equality, well-being, education, empowerment, equity and rights.
Why does menstrual hygiene matters?
Globally, at least 500 million women and girls lack proper access to menstrual hygiene facilities, as per the data published by The World Bank. According to a menstrual hygiene management guideline published by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation – Government of India, “About 113 million adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable at the onset of menarche in India”. Maintaining good hygiene during menstruation is of pivotal importance, especially in terms of increased vulnerability of reproductive tract infections. Therefore, it is imperative to recognise the importance of menstrual health and hygiene in women health.
What are the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene management?
Poor menstrual hygiene management practices such as inadequate protection, insufficient washing facilities may increase susceptibility to infection and may put girls at risk of being stigmatized. During menstruation, women are more vulnerable to the risk of infection (including sexually transmitted infection). Use of unhygienic materials to absorb menstrual blood can also cause vaginal infections and long-term effects on reproductive health.
Enhancing individual knowledge and social awareness
In low and middle-income counties, there is very limited education in schools regarding menstruation. Teachers are hesitant and unwilling to discuss menstrual hygiene due to taboo. Receiving comprehensive knowledge about menstruation and its management interventions with positive attitudes can make a lasting difference to the lives of every adolescent girl and woman.
Awareness can also be enhanced by comprehensive sexuality education and training. It is integral to include teachers, health workers, men and boys in training and education to increase their understanding and support. It will help to challenge existing socio-cultural taboos and discriminatory practices around menstruation.
Every year, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on 28th of May, to bring together the voices and actions of non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for all women and girls.
Ezyschooling is having a live session with a senior Gynecologist and infertility expert today at 8:00 P.M. where we will be discussing about "Menstural Hygiene" and parents can ask any questions related to menstural hygiene from 8:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Ezyschooling Facebook and Youtube page.
