Social and environmental aspects of menstruation

Abstract

Menstruation is a multifaceted phenomenon that carries significant social and environmental implications, especially in the Global South, where period poverty prevails. An estimated seven million girls in South Africa cannot afford adequate menstrual products due to resource limitations, which forces them to use rags or newspapers to manage menstruation (O’Reilly 2023). This study focused on exploring the experiences and perceptions of menstruation among menstruating university students at the University of the Free State. Together with this, the social aspects (embodied experiences and emancipatory discourses and practices) and environmental aspects (awareness that menstruators have regarding menstrual product choices and options) of this complex phenomenon were explored.

The study adopted a qualitative research design, which aids in exploring a phenomenon from a subjective perspective through phenomenological inquiry. A total sample of 15 participants was utilised, which comprised registered students at the University of the Free State who identify as female and menstruate. A semi-structured interview schedule, utilised in focus groups and one-on-one interviews, was employed to obtain qualitative data. Thematic analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti (version 25) to analyse and categorise the data into themes and subthemes.

The findings revealed that the majority of the participants held a problematic view of menstruation, which was influenced by various factors, including extreme menstruation-related symptoms, stigma that evokes feelings of shame and the need for concealment, and pessimistic cultural and religious perspectives. Additionally, the study found that most participants were aware of and concerned about the environmental harm associated with menstrual products, particularly disposable menstrual products (DMPs). However, only a minority of the participants indicated that they took, or would consider taking, measures to actively reduce menstrual product waste. Despite their concerns about the environmental impact of DMPs, the majority of the participants were not open to switching to reusable menstrual products (RMPs), instead opting for single-use sanitary pads and/or tampons due to considerations of comfort and hygiene.

Moreover, the reviewed literature indicates the need for adequate menstrual health management (MHM) practices, as many individuals lacked education on how to manage menstruation appropriately. Additionally, many individuals, especially in the Global South, do not have adequate access to clean water, soap, and menstrual products, which increases the risk of developing health issues such as infections. The participants also emphasised the importance of MHM concerning menstruation-related conditions, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, as awareness of these conditions, including the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, is limited in the Global South. It is therefore essential to study the social and environmental aspects of menstruation and the experiences and perceptions related to the topic.