When a girl enters the new phase of puberty, there are some changes that occur in the body. After these changes, she enters a new phase of life, which often leads to menstruation. However, it is a natural thing, and there is nothing to hide. Menstruation is a part of the menstrual cycle  which takes place in the reproductive part and does pregnancy happen. Besides entering this new phase, she also has to deal with untouchability, ignorance, and many other things. The AGWO World Health Organizations on this platform will discuss all the problems she faces due to some myths and taboos in India.

The taboos about menstruation in the society affect her emotionally, mentally.  Suddenly she starts questioning herself without any reason. The difficulty in tackling menstrual taboos and cultural stereotypes made it even more difficult . Girls’ lack of knowledge and comprehension regarding puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health.

As a result, fighting these problems calls for a deliberate strategy. The purpose of the article is to describe menstruation-related myths that are widespread in India, their effects on women’s life, the importance of dealing with these issues in primary care, and a brief overview of possible tactics to remove them.

AGWO World Health Organizations believes menstruation cycle should not consider taboo in society instead we all should focus on health and other things.

A female enters the adolescent stage as she leaves the puberty stage and enters childhood. It’s a typical occurrence in females between the ages of 10 and 14. The blood that flows from the uterus to the vagina is known as menstruation.

World Health Organizations on what is Menstrual Cycle?

Despite marking the start of a new existence, this period characterized by scary situations and taboos. These taboos have an impact on girls and women in societal institutions at the same time. However, although some can be beneficial, others can be highly disagreeable and dangerous.

Menstruation is still taboo in the 21st century, which is moving toward modernization. Girls know extremely little about the menstrual cycle, puberty, and reproductive health, which is an issue. In addition to this misinformation, there are many cultural barriers that support the idea that menstruation is unclean and disgusting. Girls and women also forbidden from participating in rituals like pooja’s and arti’s when they are menstruating.

Menstruating women and girls also prohibited from praying or touching holy items.Menstruating girls typically avoid sour foods like curd, tamarind, and pickles. In some regions of India, rigorous dietary restrictions also observed during this time. Such foods thought to interfere with or even stop menstrual flow.

Numerous studies conducted in India and elsewhere have shown that many adolescent girls believe that exercise or physical activity during menstruation makes menstrual cramps worse, despite the fact that actual exercise can help relieve premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps symptoms in menstruating women as well as reduce bloating. Serotonin released as a result of exercise, which makes one feel considerably happy.

This myth’s fundamental tenet is also rooted in the societal belief that menstruation is a time of impurity. Furthermore, it is thought that menstruation women are filthy and unsanitary, which makes it possible for the food they touch or prepare to become contaminated.The stories behind menstrual cycle are many but from scientific perspective, there is logic.

Menstruation is the result of ovulation, missed pregnancy opportunities, vaginal bleeding, and the beginning of a new menstrual cycle.

Strategies to Combat Menstrual Cycle

For eliminating menstrual-related myths and societal stigmas in order to enhance the reproductive health of adolescent girls and women. The most important and effective method in this approach is educating teenage females about menstruation cleanliness and health. Because their moms and other women are uncomfortable talking about the subject with them, young girls frequently have little awareness of menstruation when they are growing up. Adult women may not be knowledgeable about biological principles or hygienic habits; instead, they may be carrying on cultural taboos and requirements to be adhered to. Campaigns for community-based health education may be useful in accomplishing this goal. Additionally, there is a need to educate school teachers on menstruation.

Increasing the role of women in decision-making and empowering them through education can both help in this area. Due to their lower literacy rates, women and girls routinely excluded from decision-making. Improving the status of women in education is crucial for enhancing community health in general and breaking down cultural taboos in particular. Sanitation and laundry facilities that are sufficient as well as sanitary napkins should make available.

They should have access to inexpensive sanitary pads close by, especially in rural and slum communities.  AGWO world health organizations works toward this objective by distributing sanitary pads in slum communities. Along with providing pads, we also inform families about this. We must also educate boys and men about this procedure. They know very less about that ,but now young generation  is aware about this, which is quite a good thing.

Initiative by Government of India for Menstrual Health

Menstrual Hygiene the term is define as “full physical, mental, and social wellbeing” during menstruation is used to describe menstrual health. The full range of services that support and facilitate menstruation health includes the availability of appropriate drinking and sanitation services, availability to period goods and disposal systems, reliable information channels, and community involvement.

Menstrual Hygiene Scheme

This scheme started keeping in mind girls from age group of 10 years -19 years.  This Scheme is under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The objective of scheme

• To enhance adolescent girls’ availability to and usage of high-quality sanitary pads
• To make sure sanitary napkins are properly disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
• In rural regions, it is important to educate young women about menstruation hygiene.

Feature of Scheme

• The “Free Days” programme, which offered rural adolescent girls a pack of six sanitary napkins for Rs. 6 in 107 selected districts across 17 states,  introduced in 2011.
• Since 2014, funds under the National Health Mission have granted to states and UTs for the decentralized procurement of sanitary napkin packs for distribution to rural teenage women at a reduced cost of Rs 6 for a pack of 6 napkins.
• The Social Health Activist will continue to be in charge of distribution and compensated Rs 1 for each pack sold in addition to receiving a free pack of napkins each month for her own use.
• The Social Health Activist termed, as ASHA would hold monthly sessions in anganwadi centers or other venues. To help adolescent girls understand the topic of menstrual hygiene and act as a forum to talk about many pertinent Sexual reproductive health and concerns.
• In order to raise awareness of secure and hygienic menstrual health practices among adolescent girls, a variety of IEC materials developed around menstrual Hygiene Scheme These materials include audio, video, and study materials for adolescent girls as well as work instructions for Social Health Activist and other field-level functionaries for talking with adolescent girls.
• Similarly, AGWO also provide aid to girls and women, help them to understand this phase of life, and help to adapt changes.

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