Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021: Myths and Facts About Periods

New Delhi: The year 2021 has arrived, and it is Menstrual Hygiene Day today. Every year on May 28, numerous organizations and individuals get together to commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day, which is dedicated to advocating the importance of menstrual hygiene management (MHM). WASH United, a German non-profit, started this special health day in 2013. Since its inception in 2014, it has risen in popularity as a result of global voices and actions.

Menstrual Hygiene Day has two distinct goals. The first is to create awareness and improve social norms around talking about and discussing the menstrual cycle. The day's second goal is to put pressure on decision-makers to take action to improve menstrual health and hygiene.

Although menstruation is the most natural thing to happen to a woman's body, it is stigmatized and associated with many taboos. Myths and misunderstandings that exist in society have an impact on women's and girls' socio-cultural lives. The problem is exacerbated by girls' lack of knowledge, education, and awareness. These have negative consequences.

It should be mentioned here that women in several parts of India are still not allowed to live a regular life during their menstrual cycle since they are considered impure. As a result, we've come up with a few myths that need to be debunked right now.

Myth: You are not allowed to perform prayers or pujas or enter temples while on your period.

Fact: The idea that women are impure during these times is purely cultural. It is a biological process that has nothing to do with religious feelings or personal hygiene.

Myth: It is forbidden to touch a pickle jar because it will get spoilt.

Fact: Despite the availability of sanitary napkins, many women continue to use a cloth to manage their periods, which is an unhygienic practice. This causes microorganisms to grow in your intimate areas and on your hands. As a result, touching the pickle and other cooking products was once prohibited. So, if you're using a sanitary pad, which you should be, there's no reason why you shouldn't go into the kitchen and cook.

Myth: If you're having a period, you shouldn't sleep in your own bed.

Fact: Previously, women who used cloth instead of sanitary pads, were not permitted to sleep in the bed due to leakage issues. However, because many women today adopt hygienic and safe ways during their menstruation cycle, they are no longer required to adhere to the traditional rule of not sleeping in bed.