AB151. Decoding menstruation: a multi-level analysis of period stigma and its implications on well-being

Background: Menstruation continues to be a heavily stigmatized topic with taboos and superstitions emanating from all regions of the world. These perceptions of menstruation have taught young girls, women, and global menstruators to be ashamed or embarrassed of their cycle. This inherent shame associated with menstruation forces menstruators to hide their periods and/or remain discreet when on their cycle due to negative societal consequences they may experience. Instead of portraying menstruation as a natural biological process, some cultures and geographic regions view it as a cursed time. The menstrual cycle is a time when menstruating girls and women are in a particularly vulnerable state, and rather than asserting differential treatment, society should be supporting and uplifting them. We aim to explore the significance of menstrual stigma on aspects of daily living.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to establish a working definition of menstrual health and to identify key themes surrounding the stigma of menstruation. Findings were used to complete a multi-level analysis of the implications of menstrual stigma on all aspects of daily life for menstruators worldwide.

Results: Period stigma affects physical health, mental health, education, inclusion, gender equity, and human rights. In regions of Nepal, India, and Indonesia, menstruating individuals are forced to isolate themselves from their family/community and are prevented from carrying on in normal daily activities. Activities such as praying, cooking, and bathing are restricted, and women may be forced into seclusion. In other regions, periods can trigger a range of human rights violations from child marriage to sexual violence. Young menstruators may be forced to leave school or quit educational pursuits altogether, leaving them vulnerable with limited future job prospects and earning opportunities.

Conclusions: Menstrual stigma has a cascading impact on the lives of young girls, women, and menstruators globally. In order to combat stigma, menstruation must be normalized and taught to others just as it is, a normal biological process, and with notions of uncleanliness and abnormality associated with it removed. Furthermore, including non-menstruators in the conversation, such as fathers, brothers, uncles, and male classmates, is crucial. Having open conversations with non-menstruators and educating them on the unseen implications menstrual stigma has on girls, women, and menstruators in their lives is imperative. These are small yet sustainable steps toward changing the outdated dialogue associated with menstruation and menstrual health hygiene.

Keywords: Menstruation; menstrual stigma; sexual and reproductive health