Gynecologic Problems Are Common Among Recent Mothers in Parts of India

Abstract

In a survey of 3600 women from southern Indias Kamataka State 23% reported symptoms of anemia 17% reported lower reproductive tract infection 7% had menstruation-related problems and 5% described symptoms consistent with pelvic inflammatory disease. Those most likely to report such problems were women who had obstetric problems during their last birth women who had been sterilized rural residents and those who had delivered their last child at home or in a government institution. All respondents had at least one child under five years of age; 59% had obstetric problems such as excessive bleeding or postpartum lower abdominal pain associated with that birth. 58% were not using contraception and 35% were sterilized. 43-56% of respondents had sought medical treatment for their self-reported health problems generally from private sources of care. The causation of this high maternal morbidity is unclear. It is speculated however that women who are sterilized and those who receive obstetric care at a government hospital are often exposed to unsanitary conditions and thus the risk of infection.