Why the red stain on her dress does not tell you the whole story..

For centuries, humankind have been impacted by the high level of stigma around menstruation. Every culture has deeply ingrained prejudice about periods which has affected the wellbeing of young girls and women around the world in many ways.

The high level of period stigma affects millions of women and girls and negatively influences their mental health, education opportunities, and overall well-being.

We explore the roots of cultural and societal period stigma, including insights from health professionals regarding its psychological implications as well as dispelling common myths and misconceptions about menstruation.

Societal and cultural attitude towards menstruation

Historically, most societies have regarded menstruation as an unspeakable and a forbidden topic.

In many cultures, menstruation has been associated with shame and impurity, banning women on their periods from attending any sacred and religious activities. Isolating them in such a manner has been both mentally and physically exhausting and disturbing for women. 

Cultural taboos in Sri Lanka and the rest of the world dictate that women stay away from religious places of worship during these times and also stay away from gardening or farming, due to their belief that menstrual blood can somehow make the crops wither.

Although there has been some form of lessening the restrictions placed on talking about periods in public, many societies continue to stay away from the topic, preferring to ignore or skim over it altogether.

Period Stigma – the psychological impact

Dr Sarah Johnson[1], a clinical psychologist based in USA defines period stigma as causing a feeling of low self -esteem and shame. Girls who are taught that periods are dirty and shameful, will be mentally impacted by such misconstrued opinions, she adds.

It is well known that period stigma can exacerbate depression, anxiety and disturb the wellbeing of young girls facing puberty and just coming to grips with the changes their body is undergoing.

For many young girls, experiencing a heavy period which may stain their school clothes is a nightmare that remains frightening and repulsive.

For many women, talking about their menstruation can be both stressful and disturbing that they tend to ignore health issues which can cause various medical conditions that may go untreated and overlooked.

For an example, understanding that a heavy period maybe caused by medically identified conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome  takes effort and examination by a medical practitioner. Out of shame and ignorance, some women many ignore such symptoms and as a result, suffer from untreated illnesses which can be detrimental to their health.

How can we debunk myths and misconceptions around menstruation?

The best way to overcome period stigma is to debunk the so called myths and misconceptions that fuel period stigma. Here, we talk about some such issues that can be easily addressed.

Myth 1: Menstruation is Dirty or Impure

Fact: Menstruation is a natural biological process essential for reproductive health. It is not dirty or impure. Menstrual blood is simply blood and tissue from the uterine lining, similar to a regular wound healing process.

Myth 2: Menstruating Women Are Weak and Incapable

Fact: Menstruating women are just as capable as at any other time. While some women may experience discomfort or fatigue, it does not affect their ability to function normally in daily activities. Others may suffer from cramps and pain but that does not apply to all women in general.

Myth 3: Menstrual Products Cause Diseases

Fact: Modern menstrual products are safe when used correctly. Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups are designed to manage menstruation hygienically. It is important, however, to follow usage instructions and maintain proper hygiene to avoid any potential health issues.

Myth 4: Period Pain is Just a Minor Inconvenience

Fact: For some women, menstrual pain can be severe and debilitating. Conditions like dysmenorrhea or endometriosis can cause intense pain that requires medical attention and treatment.

Myth 5 : During periods, you cannot engage in sports or any other strenuous physical activity

Fact : Girls can engage in sports and any other physically challenging activity during their period stigma without any issue.

Myth 6 : Bathing is not permitted during menstruation

Fact : It is vital to stay clean during menstruation so bathing and washing is not a problem during this time.

Myth 7 : Taking pain medication during periods is not good

Fact : It is perfectly alright to take pain medication if needed during periods. If they are allergic to certain medications, a doctor can be consulted.

Moving Forward: Education and Advocacy – period stigma

Addressing period stigma requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on education, open dialogue, and advocacy. Schools can share comprehensive menstrual education, teaching both boys and girls about the biological and social aspects of menstruation. This fosters a culture of understanding and empathy from a young age.

Media and advertising also play a crucial role in normalizing menstruation. By portraying periods as a normal part of life and encouraging open discussion, they can help dismantle the shame and secrecy surrounding menstruation.

Every one of us can work towards supporting menstrual health. This includes providing access to affordable menstrual products, promoting menstrual hygiene management, and ensuring that workplaces and schools have adequate facilities for women and girls to manage their periods with dignity.

Period stigma is a deeply ingrained societal issue that impacts the lives of women and girls in Sri Lanka. By understanding its cultural and psychological roots, debunking harmful myths, and advocating for education and open dialogue, we can break the silence and create a more equitable and supportive environment for all. It is time to recognize menstruation for what it is—a natural and essential part of life—and to ensure that no woman or girl feels ashamed or embarrassed about her period.

Fems has been a leader in menstrual health education and advocacy for years. Through the H.E.R Foundation, with its pillars of Help, Empower, and Rise, the brand is committed to overcoming challenges faced by women, breaking down societal barriers, and fostering a supportive environment. Discover more at https://herfoundation.lk/.

Periods are a natural part of life, and breaking the stigma starts with each of us. Let’s normalize menstruation, educate ourselves, and support those we care about.