New Delhi|Ekta Purohit
Menstruation, its significance and most importantly, it is a normal cycle and is nothing to feel embarrassed about. It a phenomenon in every woman aged 15-55.
There were many taboos during the period of menstruations in many countries including India. Women are not allowed to enter temples, kitchen and even in public places. Bangladesh, Pakistan some African countries are also following some taboos. In Nepal ‘Chupadi’ is a exercise performed during the periods, which women are not allowed to present in any worships and public activities.
The World Menstural Hygiene Day is marked on May 28 to break the taboos and superstitions .
The major issue is not that women use clothes, the issue is cloth is not properly cleaned and is re-used in an unhygienic way. Clothes are not dried in the sun as women fear and are ashamed. This will lead to major infection
The main aim of this day is to raise awareness about the issue. Since, the hygiene in these days is very important. Bad hygiene during menstruation not only lead to short term issues like rashes and infections but it could magnify in some cases into reproductive tract infections said Dr. Bani Sarcar, Consultant at Gynecology Department, Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi.
According to Dr.Sarkaar if proper hygiene is not taken during the periods can cause infectious diseases, blockage in fallopian tube and may raise the chances of infertility. Secondly it also causes Urinary infections, chronic kidney problems.
While talking with HealthLive Dr.Bani said I would like to highlight some important measures for the awareness:
• There should be proper counseling given to each girl and woman on the subject of the hygiene during periods .
• Availability of Sanitary napkins in low cost.
• Knowledge about how to use and dispose the napkins.
• There will be easily accessibility of toilets at home, schools and in public places.
While during the counseling workshops, the government should provide sanitary napkins for free of cost so that they can easily understand the importance of hygiene, and it is a better way to aware the women added Dr. Sarkar of RML hospital.
Like Government’s “Swacha Bharat Abhiyan, there should be certain programmes initiated by government on the menstrual hygiene in our country.
