title: Menstruation related myths in India: strategies for combating it.
abstract: Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to girls. However, it has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects of socio-cultural life. In India, the topic has been a taboo until date. Such taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls' and women's emotional state, mentality and lifestyle and most importantly, health. The challenge, of addressing the socio-cultural taboos and beliefs in menstruation, is further compounded by the low girls' knowledge levels and understandings of puberty, menstruation, and reproductive health. Thus, there is the need to follow a strategic approach in combating these issues. The current paper aims to discuss menstruation related myths prevalent in India, their impact on women's life, relevance of addressing these issues in primary care and a brief description about various strategies to combat them.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Suneela
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Garg
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Tanu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Anand
keywords: Adolescent; India; attitudes; culture; female; genital diseases; health knowledge; health surveys humans; menstruation; practice; puberty; reproductive health