Menstrual Health Management: An Increasingly Recognised Public Health Issue

Menstrual health management is increasingly recognised as a public health issue. Menstruation is not a problem; it is a natural process. However, issues related to period shaming—like cultural and religious stigma—and period poverty—mainly poor access to needed healthcare and sanitary products—pose a risk to the health and wellbeing of women around the world, but especially in low-income countries. Poor menstrual hygiene can pose physical health risks and has been linked to reproductive and urinary tract infections. Poorly managed periods also exclude girls and women from public life and daily activities like school and work where they can face discrimination and stigma.

One fallout of poor menstrual health management is its impact on female education. Education is an important function of wellbeing for women and girls because of the impact education has on all aspects of their lives. Different studies have explored the physical and psychological aspects of menstruation that affect school attendance and success amongst girls.

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