In News:

Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, raises awareness about safe menstrual practices and their role in ensuring health, dignity, and equality for women and girls. Ahead of the day, the everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey 2025 has highlighted growing concerns around misinformation, stigma, and access to menstrual products in India.

Key Findings from the Survey:

• Social Media & Misinformation:
  • 71.6% of women find social media informative on menstruation.
  • However, only 11.5% trust it during emergencies.
  • 1 in 4 women reported that misinformation online negatively affected their menstrual health.
• Examples of Misinformation:
  • Harmful remedies such as applying menstrual blood for skincare, or drinking coffee/lemonade for cramps.
  • Myths like avoiding exercise, temple visits, or not washing hair during periods.
  • Misleading claims linking light flow to infertility or tampon use to anatomical changes.
• Menstrual Pain & Remedies:
  • 82.7% of respondents experience menstrual pain.
  • Only 14.2% use painkillers; 41.5% use no remedy at all.
  • Cramps roll-ons used by just 5.5%.
• Menstrual Products Usage:
  • 87.8% use sanitary pads (most common).
  • Disposable period panties (5.7%) are more popular than menstrual cups (4.7%) or tampons (1.6%).
  • 35.4% purchase menstrual products online citing convenience and discounts.
  • A significant number of offline buyers report discomfort at physical stores.
• Online Discourse:
  • 34% of women shared personal menstrual experiences online.
  • Yet, 37.6% feared privacy breaches and 11.4% feared social judgment.

Menstrual Hygiene: Broader Context

• Definition: Safe and hygienic management of menstruation, including the use of clean products, proper disposal, access to sanitation, and health education.
• Global Concern: According to UNICEF, 500 million women globally lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.

Challenges in India:

• Digital Myths & Stigma: Despite digital access, online spaces are rife with misinformation and taboo-laden content.
• Access Inequality: Significant urban-rural divide in menstrual health services, infrastructure, and product availability.
• Awareness Gaps: Cultural silence and lack of comprehensive health education still persist.

Policy Interventions & Governance:

• Relevant Government Initiatives:
  • SUVIDHA Scheme: Affordable biodegradable sanitary napkins at Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
  • Swachh Bharat Mission: Incorporates Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) into sanitation programs.
• Global Frameworks: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 – Right to clean water and sanitation, encompassing menstrual hygiene.