It is not uncommon for an OB/GYN to observe women reluctantly and self-consciously discussing issues that they find embarrassing. You can almost tell what is coming from the way women lean forward and use uncomfortable body language.
“I am experiencing a foul-smelling vaginal discharge …”
“I cannot hold my pee …”
“Sex pain is too much for me …”
“I am not sure if I can be a good wife after menopause …”
“I experience severe pain during my period; everyone believes it is normal …”
What are taboo topics in women’s health care?
Women’s health issues are often avoided or swept under the rug. Socially, it is considered inappropriate to talk about these issues and can often be associated with feelings of shame or modesty. Women often suffer from isolation when they are in need of support due to the stigma that surrounds these topics.
Menstrual problems
In the modern world menstrual taboos persist and flourish, preventing women from expressing themselves. Many people believe that hormonal fluctuations control female emotions. This is a barrier that prevents women from seeking help and speaking out.
Premenstrual Syndrome is stigmatized, and the topic of PMS is often kept under wraps. Girls are taught from a young age that menstrual discomfort is “normal” and not something to worry about. Severe dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, can be debilitating and have underlying causes such as endometriosis. It is important for women to break the silence about these issues in order to receive support regarding their menstrual health.
