Breaking the Silence: Menstruation - Why WE Need to Talk More
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Unspoken Conversation on Menstruation: Lack of Open Dialogue Among Women Persists - Silence Surrounding Menstruation: Inadequate Discussion Regarding Women's Menstrual Health
The monthly blues, emotional highs and lows, and the infamous cramps: Menstruation is still shrouded in silence. A staggering 85% of women aged 14 to 50 in Germany are of the opinion that the female cycle is not discussed enough in public, according to a survey by Forsa, commissioned by KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse.
Almost all (91%) women believe there's a lack of information or reporting about the influence of menstruation and hormones. Vijitha Sanjivkumar, an expert from KKH, emphasizes the importance of understanding the body's inner workings: "The female cycle typically spans 28 days, traversing various phases, each with specific health requirements."
By adapting physical activities or diet to these phases, women might find relief from cycle-related symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, or abdominal pain. Sanjivkumar suggests incorporating light exercises like walking, yoga, or Pilates into daily life during menstruation, as improved circulation and blood flow can help alleviate cramps.
Navigating Sick leaves
80% of the surveyed women understand taking sick leave due to menstrual symptoms, the survey discovered. Sanjivkumar recommends charting one's menstrual cycle over months. Six out of ten respondents already do this, such as by recording in a calendar or app. More women aged 14-39 (68% and 66%) use this method compared to older women aged 40-50 (46%).
The nationwide survey, conducted online, questioned 1,002 women about "Women's Health" from March 4 to 14, 2021. KKH, with around 1.5 million insured, is one of the largest nationwide health insurers in Germany.
- Menstruation
- Women
- Open Discussions
- KKH
- Taboo topic
- Mood swings
- Hannover
- Germany
- Forsa
Behind the Veil of Secrecy
Menstruation's taboo status can be attributed to deep-rooted cultural, social, and religious stigmas that perpetuate shame and embarrassment among women, discouraging open discussions about menstrual health and hygiene. To combat this, education and open communication are essential for alleviating related symptoms and breaking the silence.
Battling Shame and Stigma
- Promoting Education: Encourage comprehensive menstrual education in schools and communities to normalize the conversation and reduce stigma. This awareness can lead to improved menstrual hygiene practices and a greater understanding of the physiological aspects of menstruation.
- Supportive Networks: Foster open dialogue and supportive communities to empower women and encourage them to share experiences and advice. This can help build confidence and reduce feelings of isolation during menstruation.
- Eliminating Barriers to Access: Ensure menstrual products are affordable, sustainable, and easily accessible, removing the need for unhygienic alternatives and promoting better menstrual health.
Together, we can break the silence, shatter the stigma, and foster open discussions about menstruation to improve women's overall health and well-being.
- In the fight to combat the persistent taboo surrounding menstruation, it's crucial to promote education within communities, inspiring open discussions about menstrual health and hygiene.
- To eliminate embarrassment and foster a supportive environment, we should encourage comprehensive menstrual education in schools and communities, empowering women with a greater understanding of their physiological health.
- Advocating for accessible and sustainable menstrual products can help reduce the use of unhygienic alternatives, thus enhancing overall women's health and wellness.
