Review on Some Taboos and Need for Menstrual Hygiene Products Among Women with Low Socio-economic Resources

Abstract

In most cultures, menstrual health is still considered a taboo subject, even though around one-fourth of the world’s population is of menstrual age. Since ancient times, it has been stigmatized and subject to discrimination. One has a very significant probability of contracting an illness if proper hygiene is not practiced during the menstrual cycle. To maintain a hygienic atmosphere during menstruation, several products have been developed in the modern era. The goal of this review is to discuss the availability and utilization of the menstrual hygiene products available for women belonging to lower socioeconomic background. Infections of the reproductive tract brought on by poor personal hygiene during menstruation are a topic of very little or no knowledge among women. Women belonging to the areas of lower socioeconomic backgrounds either lack access to sanitary products, know nothing about their types and methods of use, or cannot afford them door to their cost. As a result, they largely rely on washable, reusable cloth pads. It should be necessary to inform and educate people about the health risk and environment degradation they pose. Utilizing contemporary methods like incineration can aid in waste reduction. At least 500, million women and girls around the world do not have access to adequate menstrual hygiene management products. Teachers lack support, peer teasing when they accidentally stain clothes with menstruation, lack of family support, lack of cultural acceptance of alternative menstrual products, limited economic resources to purchase inputs, and in adequate water and sanitation facilities are among the challenges top improve the menstrual hygiene. To address these, the government of various countries should provide adequate information and easy access to menstrual hygiene products.

Keywords: Menstruation, Taboos, Solutions, Incinerators, Tampons, Menstrual cloth, menstrual cups.