Menstruation is a common biological process which every woman has to go through in her life. Unlike other human physiological processes i.e. digestion, respiration, and excretion it does not start with our birth. It happens after a certain age which differs from person to person but generally, it is between 9 -10 years in women. This stage of human life is adolescence and its starting point is called attaining puberty. It is a phase which differentiates a woman from a man. When a girl attains puberty she starts menstruating.

But if Menstruation is so biological, universal and usual process, why don’t most women talk about it? Why are girls and boys attaining puberty unaware of the changes going on in their bodies? And if they know why do they hesitate talking about it? Generally, the boys are kept in the dark and girls, if they talk, do it in closed groups in hushed tones and use slang like ‘down’ or ‘chums.

If we are that uncomfortable talking about universal process of menstruation there must be a strong reason behind it. So what’s that reason?

The reason is our attitude towards menstruation. We take it as a process which we should not talk about openly. When girls reach their puberty and experience their first menstruation they are mostly worried because of pain and blood associated with the process. At that time we make them more scared by treating them differently and sometimes telling them not to share this with certain people. In some households, they are bound by rules and practices which have been followed through generations without questioning, which kind of strengthens their belief that it is something that needs to be hidden. All this leads to creating a feeling of shame, embarrassment and indignity around it. This continues even when they grow up and start working. We generally work during our periods which is alright as long as we don’t ignore our body health. Sometimes we end up asking for leave but the reason for it is never said as menstruation. We end up saying “We are not well”. And also we lose our sick leave on something which is not a sickness. Unwillingness to talk about it also results in unhygienic menstrual management leading to infection and health problems.

Our attitude towards menstruation is strongly influenced by social and cultural practices. The problem around menstrual health, lies in a woman’s attitude towards her periods, her unwillingness and shame to talk about it. So, If she doesn’t feel good about herself, she will not consider herself worthy of care and necessary hygiene during menstruation.

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