A Public Health physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Tanimola Akande, has said that menstrual problems should be regarded and treated as serious health issues and not just hygiene issues.

According to the public health expert, menstrual period problems may lead to other health problems such as pelvic Inflammatory disease, and urinary tract infections, adding that it could also result in fertility problems by causing issues for a woman that wants to get pregnant.

These problems, he said, mostly arise as a result of poor menstrual hygiene because of women’s lack of access to clean water and menstrual sanitary materials.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, every month, 1.8 billion individuals worldwide menstruate and millions of these persons are unable to manage their menstrual cycle in a dignified, healthy way.

Speaking further in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, Prof. Akande stated, “On any given day, over 500 million women lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management and this has its consequences.

“The most common menstrual health problem is poor menstrual hygiene and this is because of lack of access to clean water and menstrual sanitary materials by a lot of women in developing countries.

“This can lead to chronic infections like pelvic Inflammatory disease and urinary tract infections with complications like infertility. Also, as your body transitions to older age and menopause, your changing hormone levels may increase or decrease your risk for chronic diseases,” he said.

The public health expert also noted that serious stigma is attached to menstruation in most cultures and some religions.

“It is long overdue to change from menstrual hygiene to menstrual health,” Prof Akande said, stressing that menstrual health issues should not be taken with levity but instead with utmost importance.

According to him, if these health issues are not properly taken care of, the long-term effects at the individual and society level are enormous, given the number of women directly affected.

“Chronic health issues from poor menstrual health are a big health burden that needs attention. It is increasing the social and economic inequalities, negatively impacting their education, health, safety, and human development.

“Absenteeism from school and work as a result of menstrual pain (problem with endometriosis and others) is a common issue with its related consequences,” the expert said.

Prof. Akande, therefore, called for proactive measures like expanding access to clean water and menstrual sanitary materials to ensure women do not go through the physical and psychological effects associated with poor menstrual health.

He said, “Proactive attention to menstrual health is important to prevent physical and psychological effects of poor menstrual health.

“Such actions include access to clean water and menstrual sanitary materials.”

In addition, “There is also the need for education of general population towards promoting positive menstrual health,” the public health expert said.

The global health agency said, “WHO calls for three actions. Firstly, to recognise and frame menstruation as a health issue, not a hygiene issue. A health issue with physical, psychological, and social dimensions, and one that needs to be addressed in the perspective of a life course from before menarche to after menopause.

“Secondly, to recognise that menstrual health means that women and girls and other people who menstruate have access to information and education about it; to the menstrual products they need; water, sanitation, and disposal facilities; to competent and empathic care when needed; to live, study and work in an environment in which menstruation is seen as positive and healthy not something to be ashamed of; and to fully participate in work and social activities.

“Thirdly, to ensure that these activities are included in the relevant sectoral work plans and budgets, and their performance is measured.”

According to the WHO, a number of sectors equally have important roles to play in the promotion and safeguarding of menstrual Health.

The UN agency said it is committed to encouraging health policymakers and programme managers to engage with these sectors to promote the rights of everyone who menstruates and meet their comprehensive menstrual health needs

“WHO is also committed to breaking the silence and stigma associated with menstruation and to make schools, health facilities and other workplaces including WHO’s workplaces, menstruation responsive,” it said.

Copyright PUNCH

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