Women in Northeast India are increasingly experiencing issues related to their menstrual, sexual, and reproductive health, which has become a grave concern. An alarmingly high number of north-eastern women are facing difficulties related the aforementioned issues. As per a recent study conducted by Gynoveda, a staggering 98% of women in this region have either been impacted by or are presently coping with these health issues. The said statistic has been based on the survey conducted in the 8 states of North East India, which saw the participation of more than 500 respondents.
This worrying statistic highlights the region’s need for inclusive and accessible healthcare services. This alarming number also serves as a reminder for the pressing need for comprehensive, cost-effective healthcare services in the region.
Menstrual health problems and vaginal health problems are the two broad and basic categories into which the said issues faced by north eastern women can be divided into. According to the survey, 55% of respondents experience menstrual health problems, with Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) being the most common amongst them, which affects 36% of women. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), which affects 12% of women, was another major issue faced by the women of north east when it came to menstrual health.
In terms of vaginal health, Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder (PID) affects 24% of women. Notably, PID is an infection of the reproductive system that can lead to infertility, pelvic discomfort, and other issues. The survey further provided that 18% of women in the area were affected by candidiasis, a fungus that is often known as a yeast infection.
Further dissecting the survey findings, 56% of women from North East suffer from or have suffered from menstrual health issues and 42% of the women suffer from or have suffered from vaginal health issues. The survey saw the participation of 85% of women above the age 35 years and 15% who are below the age 35 years.
Vishal Gupta, Founder Gynoveda, who co-developed the period test along with the doctors shared, “This is the largest menstrual and vaginal health survey conducted by any Indian brand. It has been thoughtfully designed to enable women to provide data about their intimate health in a private and confidential manner. This survey enables us to develop authentic and accessible Ayurvedic solutions to help women gain freedom from these problems.
Northeast women not alone, another survey highlighted the need for awareness of menstrual hygiene for women in Srinagar:
In June 2023, Dr. Auqfeen Nisar, a doctor at the Government Medical College in Srinagar, conducted a study that shed light on the alarming fact that more than 60% of women in Srinagar still used, and primarily relied on, cloth for their menstrual health care. While cost is frequently cited as a barrier, it was provided by the doctor that the most significant challenge that poses women in Srinagar was a lack of awareness and understanding regarding the need of utilising sanitary napkins.
Dr. Nisar’s hospital-based surveys revealed that only around half of the women surveyed were using sanitary napkins. Even among those who did use pads, there was a common ignorance of their importance. It was provided that without understanding the health advantages they provided, many women resorted to wearing pads merely because they were readily available.
“Many women are using pads simply because they are available, but they do not understand the importance of using them,” Dr. Nisar explained to FeminismInIndia.
Dr. Nisar underlined the necessity of community awareness campaigns to educate women about menstrual hygiene in order to tackle this critical issue. She also exhorted the government to provide better quality pads at affordable prices. Although the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has introduced a scheme promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in rural areas, doctors argue that it has not reached enough women. They call for increased awareness of the scheme and enhanced accessibility to sanitary napkins as provided by the FII.
“The government should provide good quality pads at affordable prices so that women can switch to using them. This will help to keep them away from infections and other health problems,” Dr. Nisar emphasised, as provided by FII.
Dr. Nisar also highlighted the potential health risks associated with cloth usage during menstruation. Cloth can harbour bacteria and harmful microorganisms, leading to infections. Sanitary napkins, on the other hand, provide a safer option for women. The government’s role is crucial in educating women about these risks and making sanitary napkins more affordable for all.
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