Women’s health represents a vital aspect of population health, which the WHO defines as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
According to doctors, women often face various discriminations from birth to death, and their health concerns — such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, birth control, and menopause require special attention.
Senior gynecologist Dr. Rifat Ara emphasized that adolescent girls today face numerous challenges impacting their health, which parents and families must address by maintaining open, supportive relationships.
“Proper counseling about reproductive hygiene is crucial, especially before menarche (the first menstruation). Using sanitary napkins should be encouraged, particularly in rural areas, to prevent infections,” she said.
Dr. Rifat explained that irregular cycles during the first two years after menarche are normal as the body adjusts to hormonal changes. However, she warned that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is becoming increasingly common and should not be ignored.
“PCOS, a metabolic disorder, is marked by symptoms like irregular periods, excessive facial hair, and obesity. It can be diagnosed with investigations and treated through lifestyle changes and medication,” she noted.
Another prevalent health issue among women, Dr. Rifat said, is endometriosis, characterized by extremely painful menstruation. Left untreated, it can lead to infertility.
The onset of menstruation is a significant physiological milestone, symbolizing maturity and carrying profound personal and social implications for girls. Ensuring menstrual hygiene can prevent infections of the reproductive and urinary tracts.
In India, however, menstruation remains shrouded in myths and misconceptions, accompanied by a rigid list of “do’s” and “don’ts.”
Many adolescent girls lack scientific knowledge and hygienic practices, which often results in poor health outcomes. Hygiene practices during menstruation are critically important, as poor hygiene significantly increases the risk of Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs).
Doctors highlight that poor menstrual hygiene is a major contributor to the high prevalence of RTIs among Indian women, leading to considerable female morbidity.
Lack of awareness about menstruation, limited access to quality sanitary products, privacy concerns, water supply issues, disposal problems, reproductive health education gaps, and weak family support are among the many hurdles in promoting menstrual hygiene.
Dr. Auqfeen Nisar, a Medical Officer with J&K Health Services, said menstruation is a natural monthly event, yet it remains cloaked in secrecy.
“This silence leads to poor communication. Women’s needs during menstruation are rarely discussed, and improper menstrual management exposes them to infections,” she said.
She added that maintaining good hygiene during menstruation is crucial for women’s overall health, and negligence can lead to untreated infections.
“Beyond health impacts, poor menstrual management also limits educational and employment opportunities. Many girls miss school during menstruation, with some dropping out entirely after menarche,” she explained.
While urban women increasingly use sanitary napkins, women in urban slums and rural areas often still rely on unhygienic traditional methods like cloth rags.
“Lack of awareness and accessibility to hygienic products remains a major challenge. Even women who know about sanitary pads often can’t access them due to high prices, limited availability, disposal issues, and societal stigma,” Dr. Auqfeen said.
For many women from low-income areas, affordability remains a key barrier. Ignoring hygienic practices puts their health at risk and traps them further in cycles of disease and poverty.
“Though free sanitary napkin distribution programs exist in some states, they are plagued by shortages, poor product quality, and lack of demand,” she noted.
According to UNICEF, 1.8 billion people globally menstruate each month, yet millions cannot manage their cycle in a healthy, dignified way.
Dr. Auqfeen stressed the role of the education sector in addressing this issue: “Often, schools shy away from discussing menstruation, seeing it as a personal matter. But it’s crucial to educate girls about hygiene and dispel traditional myths and taboos,” she said.
She suggested that awareness campaigns should include both men and women to overcome societal barriers. “Government intervention is vital. Public health programs must involve family members, teachers, civil society, and healthcare providers,” Dr. Auqfeen said.
She also advocated for subsidizing menstrual products to ensure affordability without compromising quality. Gender inequality, cultural taboos, poverty, and inadequate access to basic services like clean toilets and sanitary supplies continue to prevent millions of women and girls from meeting their menstrual health needs.
Research shows adolescent girls continue to be uninformed and unprepared for menstruation, with feelings of exclusion and shame leading to misconceptions.
This common lack of knowledge becomes a barrier to education and can negatively impact self-confidence and personal development.
