Menstruation remains a topic surrounded by myths, taboos, and restrictive practices in many parts of the world, directly affecting women's health and well-being.
A systematic review by CIMCYC researchers Ana M. Garrido Martín, Óscar Cervilla, Ana Álvarez-Muelas and Reina Granados, published in Women & Health, analyzes harmful beliefs and practices related to menstruation in different cultural contexts.
A systematic search in the Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases resulted in 14 scientific articles on myths, taboos, and harmful practices associated with menstruation.
One of the key findings of the study is the prevalence of beliefs that associate menstruation with impurity and uncleanliness, leading to isolation and discrimination. In Nepal, for example, the practice of chhaupadi forces women to stay in shelters away from their homes during their menstrual period, exposing them to health risks. In other regions, social restrictions and practices that may violate women's human rights have also been documented, such as prohibitions against cooking, attending religious events, or even touching certain objects during menstruation. These beliefs can also make it difficult to access proper menstrual hygiene products. In some cases, imposed restrictions prevent adolescent girls from attending school, thus affecting their education and personal development.
Additionally, the review highlights that the lack of information and education about menstruation can reinforce these myths and harmful practices, contributing to the perpetuation of taboos and negatively impacting the health and self-esteem of women and girls.
The study concludes that it is essential to develop educational programs that promote a healthy and positive view of menstruation. Interventions should focus on improving access to menstrual hygiene products, providing scientifically based health and human rights information, and eliminating cultural barriers that perpetuate discrimination.
In short, addressing harmful beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation is crucial to ensuring gender equality and improving the quality of life for millions of women and girls worldwide.
Reference
Garrido, Martín, A. M., Cervilla, O., Álvarez-Muelas, A. y Granados, R. (2025). Analysis of harmful menstruation beliefs and practices: a systematic review. Women & Helath. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2025.2463429
Contact
Óscar Cervilla (@email)
Ana Álvarez-Muelas (@email)
Reina Granados (reina@ugr.es)