Lack of menstrual hygiene can lead to various infections and other health issues. Read on to know how lack of menstrual hygiene affects rural women.
Being a developing nation with high rise towers, ever increasing IT industry and flourishing education sector, India is moving ahead in all terms. However, when it comes to menstrual hygiene, many women in India still face basic hygiene problems. Lack of access to proper menstrual hygiene facilities and education leads to severe health risks for several women.
Another never-ending problem is lack of availability of menstrual products. This issue has been raised enormous times through campaigns, movies, social media as well as NGOs but it still remains a major problem in rural areas. While menstrual hygiene related brands are working on products which can help women stand and pee while travelling, rural women are unable to access sanitary napkins.
According to a study published by National Institute of Health, women in rural regions are unlikely to have access to and/or use menstrual products to manage their periods in addition to frequently lacking access to soap, clean water, safe bathrooms, and functional latrines with trash disposal facilities.
To understand how this limited access to menstrual hygiene is affecting rural women and their health, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Prachi Kaushik, Founder and Director, Vyomini Social Enterprise.
Menstrual Hygiene Challenges In Rural India
According to Kaushik, several women in rural areas are encountering more challenges than males when it comes to seeking healthcare facilities. “Disparities in health outcomes are caused by a multitude of factors, including socioeconomic inequality, cultural taboos, and restricted autonomy.”
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Adding, she said, “Women are more likely to delay seeking medical attention, get subpar prenatal and maternal healthcare, and have greater rates of anaemia and malnutrition. While menstrual hygiene has improved in India, access to quality products remains a challenge.”
Also read: Menstrual Hygiene Day: Period Poverty And Its Impact On Mental Health
Health Risks Associated with Poor Menstrual Hygiene
Citing studies, Kaushik said, “71% of teenage girls in India are uninformed of menstruation until they menarche. This further hints towards the lack of access to clean water and sanitation in rural and slum regions of the country.” In the absence of enough resources, women in rural areas generally tend to utilise unsanitary materials like leaves or rags, which increases the possibility of highly infectious diseases.
Explaining the health risks related to lack of menstrual hygiene, Kaushik said, “From small irritations to more significant problems including pelvic inflammatory disease, reproductive tract infections, and urinary tract infections, poor menstrual health can have a wide variety of implications.” In addition to having an adverse effect on women’s physical health, these health hazards may also result in social stigma, isolation, and an overall slump in their quality of life.
Infections
Poor menstrual hygiene is a breeding ground for infections. Studies have said that women who use unclean or improper materials are at a higher risk of developing urogenital infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and bacterial vaginosis. These infections, if untreated, can lead to severe complications, including infertility.
Using unsafe materials during menstruation can cause skin irritations and allergies. Prolonged contact with damp, unclean cloth can lead to rashes, itching, and other dermatological issues, making menstruation even more uncomfortable and painful.
Also read: 8 Ways To Take Care Of Your Menstrual Hygiene
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Reproductive Health Issues
Chronic infections resulting from poor menstrual hygiene can have long-term reproductive health consequences. Studies show that unhygienic menstrual practices can lead to conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) , which can arise, leading to chronic pain, ectopic pregnancies, and infertility. Pregnant women with poor menstrual hygiene are also at a higher risk of complications.
Mental Health Impact
The stigma and shame associated with menstruation can have a profound impact on women’s mental health. Anxiety, stress, and a diminished sense of self-worth are common among women who struggle to manage their menstruation hygienically. The lack of support and understanding exacerbates these mental health issues.
Conclusion
Concluding, Kaushik said, “To protect the health and wellness of women living in rural regions, it is critical to push for improved access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities that are both inexpensive and sustainable.”
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