Menstrual Problems of Women in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi women suffer from menstrual problems such as dysmenorrhoea,
menorrhagia, light and heavy bleeding during menstruation, and irregular period and
are constantly worried if they menstrual flow is not a “normal” amount. They believe
that a good menstrual flow is needed to stay healthy. If the flow decreases, they think
that they’re must be “bad blood” trapped within their bodies, and if it stops altogether,
they are concerned that they may have become infertile. Inability to conceive is viewed
negatively in Bangladeshi society and women are subjected to psychological distress by
society if they are perceived as infertile. Also, there are many social, cultural and
religious taboos surrounding menstruation such as staying away from food such as
fish, eggs, meat, sour fruits, etc during menstruation. Moreover, they are often advised
to stay indoors as menstrual blood may attract evil spirits. Furthermore, these women
also experience menstrual problems as side effects of contraceptives such as Norplant,
IUD, and the pill, and sometimes discontinue its use as a result which may lead to
unplanned pregnancies. Gynaecological problems such as those related to
menstruation are a major concern among Bangladeshi women, but social stigma and
shame stand as a barrier against seeking proper healthcare. Often, they seek health
advice from female relatives and unqualified health providers which in turn often leads
to incorrect treatment and chronic menstrual related illnesses. Only a few studies have
been carried out on menstrual problems in Bangladesh and most of them are either
part of larger studies on side effects of contraceptives or a few small-scale exploratory
studies.
