Article Written by: Ekanya Monovick (an AGYW)
Introduction:
Menstrual hygiene is not only vital for the overall well-being and empowerment of women but also
plays a significant role in preventing the transmission of HIV and other infections. It comprises practices
and measures aimed at ensuring that women and girls have access to clean materials, facilities, and
information to manage their menstrual cycles safely and with dignity. In this article, we will explore the
definition of menstrual hygiene, discuss its advantages, disadvantages, potential health risks associated
with poor menstrual hygiene, the concept of menstrual poverty, the consequences of neglecting
menstrual hygiene, and its relationship to HIV.
Understanding Menstrual Hygiene:
Menstrual hygiene refers to the practices and conditions that enable women and girls to manage their
menstrual cycles safely and hygienically. It encompasses various aspects, including using clean and
absorbent materials such as sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, maintaining personal hygiene,
accessing clean water and sanitation facilities, and having knowledge about menstruation and its
management.
Advantages of Menstrual Hygiene:
- Prevents Infections, including HIV: Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene reduces the risk of infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV. Using clean and appropriate menstrual products helps prevent the transmission of bloodborne infections and reduces the risk of skin irritations and sores that can increase vulnerability to HIV.
- Promotes Health and Well-being: Good menstrual hygiene practices contribute to overall reproductive health by reducing the risk of vaginal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other complications associated with poor menstrual management. It keeps the vaginal area clean, dry, and free from harmful bacteria, thus minimizing health risks.
Disadvantages of Poor Menstrual Hygiene:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Insufficient menstrual hygiene practices can introduce harmful bacteria into the urethra, leading to UTIs such as bladder infection (cystitis), kidney infections pyelonephritis which happen when bacteria from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract ( as revealed by the Indian express journalism of courage). The prolonged presence of moisture and improper cleaning methods can contribute to this risk, which may be aggravated or worsened by the weakened immune system in individuals living with HIV.
- Vaginal Infections and HIV Transmission: Using unclean materials or inadequate cleaning practices can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, making it susceptible to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and other fungal infections. Furthermore, open sores or lesions resulting from poor menstrual hygiene can increase the risk of HIV transmission during sexual intercourse since there is blood between the two individuals contact.
Menstrual Poverty and its Consequences:
Menstrual poverty refers to the lack of access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products, adequate
sanitation facilities, and comprehensive menstrual health education. It affects marginalized
communities, including low-income individuals, homeless women, and girls in developing countries,
creating significant challenges and consequences;
- Education and Work Disruption: Insufficient access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities often leads to school absenteeism among girls. Missing out on education gives rise to the cycle of poverty and limits their future opportunities. Similarly, women may face difficulties in attending work, affecting their productivity and financial stability. Lack of education and income may also hinder access to HIV prevention information and healthcare services.
- Psychological and Emotional Impact: The inability to manage menstruation adequately can result in emotional distress, shame, and anxiety. This impacts mental well-being and may contribute to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency, which can further hinder seeking HIV prevention and care services.
To Conclude:
Ensuring proper menstrual hygiene is crucial not only for the health, well-being, and empowerment of
women and girls but also for preventing the transmission of HIV and other infections. By providing
access to clean materials, facilities, comprehensive education (comprehensive sexual education), and
support, we can minimize the disadvantages associated with poor menstrual hygiene and promote
overall reproductive health.
Addressing menstrual poverty and destigmatizing menstruation will contribute to a healthier and more
empowered future for women and girls, reducing the risk of HIV transmission and improving their
overall quality of life.
Ekanya Monovick
