Women Reproductive Healthcare and Menstrual Hygiene in Urban Slum

Women reproductive healthcare and menstrual hygiene are very essential component for women healthcare, which is not important for individual along but also very important for society and its generation. Reproductive healthcare is a state of complete mental, social, physical wellbeing and which does not merely mean absence of disease but also include proper functioning and processing of reproductive system. Reproductive health implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.

Being men or a woman has a significant impact on health, as a result of both biological and gender- related differences. The heath care of women and girl is of particular concern because, in many societies, they are disadvantaged by discrimination rooted in sociocultural factors. For example, women and girls face increases vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

Some of the sociocultural factors that prevent women and girls to benefit from quality heath services and attaining the best possible level of heath include:

1. Unequal power relationship between men and women
2. Social norms that decrease education and paid employment opportunities
3. An exclusive focus on women’s reproductive roles
4. Potential or actual experience of physical, sextual and emotional violence.

Why women reproductive health is important?

A woman’s reproductive system external icon is a delicate and complex system in the body. It is important to take steps to protect it from infections and injury, and prevent problems—including some long-term health problems. Taking care of yourself and making healthy choices can help protect you and your loved ones. Protecting your reproductive system also means having control of your health, if and when, you become pregnant. Good sexual and reproductive health is important for women’s general health and wellbeing. It is central to their ability to make choices and decisions about their lives, including when, or whether, to consider having children. Sexual and reproductive health is not only about physical wellbeing – it includes the right to healthy and respectful relationships, health services that are inclusive, safe and appropriate, access to accurate information, effective and affordable methods of contraception and access to timely support and services in relation to unplanned pregnancy. According to TIMES OF INDIA “According to data from the World Health Organization, India has a maternal mortality rate of 174 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is significantly higher than many other countries in the region. Around 50 million women in India suffer from reproductive health problems”

The menstrual health of the women in India

According to WORLD BANK “Poor menstrual hygiene, however, can pose serious health risks, like reproductive and urinary tract infections which can result in future infertility and birth complications. Neglecting to wash hands after changing menstrual products can spread infections, such as hepatitis B and thrush.” The social norms that periods are impure and make girls and women unclean has added stigma and led to their social isolation during their menstruation. This also prevents them from accessing services even if they have a health issue related to periods.

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