Tackling menstrual hygiene is not just about providing sanitary towels—it is about education and breaking the silence that surrounds menstruation and women’s health more broadly. Comprehensive menstrual hygiene education should be integrated into everyday conversations, and everyone must work towards creating a safe and supportive environment. Both girls and boys should be taught that menstruation is a natural biological process, as this understanding helps dispel myths and reduce the stigma often associated with the topic.
Reproductive Tract Infections (RTIs) are a group of infections that affect the reproductive organs of both males and females. If left untreated, these infections can lead to chronic pain, infertility, pregnancy complications, and can even be transmitted from mother to child. According to Yadamar and Win (2020), millions of women suffer from RTIs, many as a result of poor hygiene and limited access to accurate information. This highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, particularly among adolescent girls.
Menstrual hygiene plays a significant role in preventing RTIs. In many rural and low-income communities, adolescent girls continue to use old rags or improvised materials during menstruation due to the unavailability of sanitary products. Biju et al. (2022) observed that such practices—especially when combined with poor washing and drying methods—heighten the risk of infections. Good menstrual hygiene practices include the regular changing of menstrual products, proper washing of the body and genital area, safe drying and storage of reusable materials, and access to clean, private facilities for changing and disposal. These practices are not luxuries—they are essentials for health and dignity.
Poor menstrual hygiene management does not only impact health; it also directly affects education and personal development. Many girls miss school during their menstrual periods due to the absence of adequate facilities and the fear of embarrassment. Ngaruiya et al. (2022) emphasize that menstrual hygiene is closely linked to the empowerment of women and girls in low and middle-income countries. Failing to address this issue perpetuates gender inequality and restricts opportunities for growth and development.
By promoting safe hygiene practices, investing in menstrual health infrastructure, and challenging cultural and religious taboos, we can protect adolescent health, support education, empower women, and contribute to building healthier and more equitable communities.
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