Cultural aspects of menstruation and menstrual hygiene in adolescents

Abstract

The topic of genital hygiene practices in adolescent girls is under-represented in the literature, despite the fact that poor genital hygiene has a significant potential to negatively impact adolescent health. Moreover, douching (a hygiene practice relatively common among adolescent girls) is linked to numerous serious gynecological problems. Menstruation brings with it a significant hygiene challenge, but in many cultures it is also an important social milestone, surrounded by many cultural practices that profoundly alter a girl’s life. The ability to practically manage menstruation may also impact a girl’s life, depending on the availability of appropriate absorbent products and access to private sanitation facilities. Despite the fact that menstruation is shared by more than half the world’s population, it is a topic that virtually all cultures are uncomfortable discussing at some level, and most girls are ill-informed with regard to menstruation and are unprepared for menarche. Better preparation for ...