Exploring the Interplay Between Menstrual and Reproductive Health

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Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and menstrual health (MH) are fundamental to health, wellbeing, and gender equity. Despite having physiologically and socioculturally connected roots, SRH and MH have not been treated together over the years. Joint programming or integration is frequently disregarded in programmes, policy, and research, both
internationally and in India. Due to the shared biological foundations, social determinants of health, and programmatic commonalities, MH is an essential component of SRH. Puberty, nutrition, menstrual issues and disorders, monthly alterations and suppression brought on by contraceptives, vaginal/uterine bleeding, STIs, HIV/AIDS, hysterectomies, perimenopause, and menopause are just a few of the biological factors that link MH and SRH. Additionally, gender, water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as socio-cultural vulnerabilities, are social variables that support both MH and SRH.

Strong connections exist between SRH and MH. Programmes at the very least co-target the same demographic and/or geographic region. The next step is for SRH programmes to include Menstrual Health Management components, such as sanitary pad distribution and menstrual hygiene education sessions as part of an adolescent health programme.

Menstruation and the menstrual cycle affect how people interpret and experience important sexual and reproductive events throughout their lives, both physically and socially. As a result, menstrual health is an essential component of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). MH is emphasised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as a significant "determinant and outcome" of SRH. 

Girls' education, health, and welfare are impacted by unmet menstrual needs that undermine menstrual hygiene management. A neglected social factor of overall sexual and reproductive
health outcomes is menstrual health. Girls may be ill-prepared to make decisions about sex, relationships, and family planning at a critical point in their lives due to stigma, ignorance, and unfavourable social norms. This can lead to a cycle of early pregnancy and marriage, poor educational attainment, and population health outcomes.

It is therefore crucial to understand that menstrual health is an essential part of sexual and reproductive health and is essential to "the continuum of sexual and reproductive health across the life course" in light of the aforementioned considerations. Strong common factors and shared outcomes exist between menstrual health and sexual and reproductive health, creating a favourable environment for integrated programming, policy, and research. A gender-transformative strategy or a goods and services approach are two possible directions that integration of MH and SRH can go. To guarantee health and wellbeing, a life course strategy that encourages integration of MH and SRH from puberty (and even before menarche, when possible) until menopause is crucial.


Written by-
Tannu Shree,
(Content Head, PLNC)


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