Problem
Menstruation
Other Names:
Negative attitudes towards menstruation Discrimination against women menstruating
Nature:
Periodic discharge, mainly of blood, from the womb, beginning between the age of 13 to 15 and lasting from 2 to 8 days. It recurs approximately every 28 days, ceasing during pregnancy and lactation, and continues until the age of 44 to 50 years. It causes considerable inconvenience, whether physical or through increase in tension. It may be associated with menstrual pains and headaches. It may provoke various forms of discrimination against the woman at that time, or be used to justify such discrimination at any time.
Incidence:
As an indication, the market for female sanitary protection (including female hygiene tampons and sanitary towels) in the UK in 1986 was £123 million.
Broader Problems:
HaemorrhageMale bias of medicine Narrower Problems:
Disorders of menstruationMenstrual disadvantage of women Related Problems:
Menopause Aggravates:
AcneHeadacheMigraineFear of bloodLow self esteemRitual pollutionToxic shock syndromeNutritional anaemia in womenRestricted women's activitiesDisagreeable human body odourIndulging in sex during menstruationInadequate disposal of female sanitary protectionDiscrimination against women in education Strategies:
Educating about women's health Organizations:
Plan InternationalInternational Alliance for Planned ParenthoodReproductive Health Supplies Coalition (RHSC)European Association of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (EURAPAG)European Society of Gynecology (ESG)Global CitizenASTRA - Central and Eastern European Women's Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASTRA Network)Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR)Girls Learn International (GLI)Days for Girls International (DfGI)United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI)International Network for Girls (INfG) References:
Blumenthal, S J and Osofsky, H J: Premenstrual Syndrome: current findings and future directionsGolub, Sharon: Lifting the Curse of Menstruation: a feminist appraisal of the influence of menstruation on women's lives Subject(s):
Medicine → BloodMedicine → Reproductive system
Psychology → Psychology
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
09.03.2021 – 16:57 CET