WHAT WE LOSE WHEN MENSTRUAL MYTHS WIN
Stigma (A noun): A negative attitude, false beliefs, or prejudices associated with specific traits, circumstances or health symptoms.
Stigma could also be described as unfair beliefs that a society or group have about something. These unfair beliefs often lead to discrimination. In very extreme cases, they could also lead to death. There are a multitude of myths surrounding menstruation both in Uganda and globally. These myths fuel the stigma around menstruation and have a negative impact on various women and girls in multiple communities.
A myth is defined as a widely held but false belief or idea or a misrepresentation of the truth.
Myths are established in misunderstanding and ignorance most of the time. However, when it comes to menstruation, ignorance is not bliss.
Myths can be divided into cultural, religious and myths surrounding health and wellness. Some common myths in Uganda and elsewhere include:
- Society and cultural myths
- If period blood is seen, you will be cursed.
- If period blood is seen (by men or boys), then you will not be able to get pregnant.
- If a dog sees or smells your used pads, then you will not get pregnant.
- A menstruating person contaminates food.
- Girls on their period should not go near plants or plants will die. (Let’s all take a deep breath together)
- Menstruation is contagious. (I’ll give us all a minute to finish laughing)
- Starting your period means that you’ve been sexually active.
Myths Debunked
There is nothing inherently impure about a menstrual period. Periods are not contagious and cannot be passed on from one person to another. Secondly, a menstruating person does not have any effect on their environment simply because they are menstruating. Therefore, plants will not die, and food will not be contaminated. Finally, menstrual periods can begin (and often do) before one is sexually active and the sighting of menstrual blood by other humans or even animals has no effect on one’s ability to get pregnant.
- Religious myths/beliefs/attitudes.
- Some religions believe that menstruation makes you dirty. Dirty enough to be excluded from a house of worship.
Myth Debunked
As previously addressed, being on one’s period does not make them impure and/or dirty. Menstruating girls and women who have access to sanitary and other hygiene products are able to manage their periods with dignity while maintaining a high standard of hygiene. Additionally, this myth is particularly dangerous because it further isolates girls and women who may already feel excluded from their communities. It will then be difficult for the same girls and women to seek out any help, guidance or assistance while they are menstruating. This could result in adverse effects.
- Health and wellness myths
- Heavy bleeding is normal.
- Sanitary products cause infertility.
- Tampons can take your virginity.
- Severe painful periods (Dysmenorrhea) are normal and should just be tolerated.
- Physical activity disturbs the flow of menstrual blood.
- Menstruation is a sign of a disease
Myths Debunked
Heavy bleeding and severe pain while on your period is not normal and if it persists, medical help should be sought out. Sanitary products are classified as personal hygiene products just like toothpaste or soap. These therefore do not cause infertility or take one’s virginity. Infertility is caused by a number of hormonal, genetic and other health challenges. Physical activity does not disturb the flow of blood and is in fact encouraged before and during a menstrual period because it often makes menstruation easier. Finally, menstruation is not a sign of a disease. It is a sign that a young girl or woman has proper functioning ovaries.
The effect of these myths is far-reaching and adverse affecting multiple generations of women around the world but especially in underserved communities in developing nations. These myths need to be combatted with age-appropriate menstrual health education because, in this regard, knowledge really is power. Power over one’s reproductive and physical health and in many cases, one’s future.
If you do not recognise any of these myths or find them comical, then you are at least one of the privileged individuals in your society. Myths shrouded by mystery and grounded in ignorance cannot continue to be the core message surrounding menstruation.
Yambi Community Outreach is doing its part to combat myths and abolish stigma by providing comprehensive menstrual health education through various workshops in and around the Kampala area where in addition to teaching school going girls about menstruation, the team is also in position to answer questions from different students therefore debunking certain myths.
Additionally, Yambi distributes comprehensive educational materials about menstrual health and hygiene both in English and Luganda with the aim of empowering girls and women by educating them about the natural function of their bodies and how best to manage it as they menstruate.
Pad-making workshops facilitated by the team are also imperative to debunking these myths because girls get a better understanding of these and other menstrual hygiene products and therefore the mystery around them is dissipated and they can be utilized for the best outcome.
Living with dignity even while menstruating is a human right. Partner with Yambi Community Outreach today to enable us to reach more girls and more communities with the truth about menstruation in order to give them more positive experiences and a brighter future.