28 May is recognised as Menstrual Hygiene Day. “Many of you probably do not know that 15-40 per cent of girls in the developing world do not attend school during their periods,” says Dr. Prathima Reddy, Director, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme Hospital, Bengaluru. Dr. Reddy further explains that this is due to a lack of access to sanitary napkins, toilets, sanitation, and adequate privacy. “In rural schools, female teachers, during their periods, perform less efficiently due to the lack of infrastructure and tend to take leave or go home early. In recent times, there have been several NGOs involved in spreading awareness and helping women manage their periods with dignity,” she adds.
One way to celebrate World Menstrual Hygiene Day is to break the taboos that surround periods. Dispelling myths about menstruation is meant to dismantle the stigma that comes with having a period, by educating the world about the difference between fact and fiction. Dr. Geeth Monnappa, Consultant at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme Hospital, shares some common myths.
Myth1: Menstruation is dirty and impure; women must refrain from cooking and visiting shrines till they are purified.
This myth dates back to Hindu mythology where it’s said that a sinned Indra redeemed himself after killing a Brahman Rakshas by transferring his “sins” partly to women in the form of menstruation.
Fact: Menstruation is a normal part of the reproductive cycle which occurs due to shedding of the inner lining of the uterus following a missed chance of pregnancy and signifies “a healthy and fertile woman”.
Myth2: Menstrual pain is aggravated by exercise.
Fact: Exercise relieves menstrual pain; elevates the mood through the release of serotonin and reduces bloating that women experience prior to periods.
Myth 3: Tampons can tear the hymen; [“a mark of virginity”] often thought to be a closed membrane covering vagina.
Fact: A Hymen is an elastic membrane with an “opening” that allows drainage of menstrual blood even in virgins.
Insertion of a small tampon is unlikely to cause tears in the hymen
Myth 4: Women cannot swim during periods.
Fact: Women who are leak free with tampons and menstrual cups need no additional protection during swimming.
Myth 5: Hot water baths increase blood loss during periods
Fact: Hot water baths can be relaxing and relieve menstrual cramps. They are not associated with an increased blood loss during menstruation.
