Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Stigma in society

Background

Millions of women in India suffer from Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB), also known as Menorrhagia, which is a common but sometimes disregarded health problem. Numerous Indian women's quality of life, physical health, and mental well-being are all significantly impacted by HMB, which is characterized by excessive menstrual blood flow and prolonged periods. The objective is to provide women with information and support so they can get the love and care they need. It can hinder a woman's ability to lead a normal life by resulting in anemia, fatigue, and diminished productivity.

Between 20% and 30% of women are thought to have HMB at some point in their lives. HMB can drastically lower a woman's quality of life by causing emotional and physical pain, obstructing daily activities, and fostering social isolation.

Approximately 25% of Indians are thought to have HMB. However, many women with HMB go undiagnosed and untreated. Several factors contribute to this, such as ignorance, stigma, and insufficient access to healthcare.

Guidelines and initiatives from the government

Various measures have been taken by the government of India to increase awareness about HMB and improve access to treatment. For the First time, HMB guidelines were released in 2017 by the Ministry of Health. The suggestions pondered majorly upon HMB diagnosis and treatment including steps to be taken to avoid complications. Various initiatives have been kicked off by the Government of India to ensure access to treatment for HMB. Implementation of schemes like the National Adolescent Health Programme where Adolescent females can get free of cost iron supplements and other healthcare products. Also a major milestone like the Janani Suraksha Yojana imparting free delivery service for pregnant women.

And schemes like Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana ensure health insurance coverage to the lower strata of society. Not to forget the Ayushman Bharat Yojana which is the prominent health program covering HMB therapies, ensuring easy and affordable access to healthcare services for the needy. The Government of India has already launched an MHM awareness program for improvement in menstrual hygiene and getting rid of social taboos associated with it. Overall the larger portion of emphasis is currently on the cleanliness aspect of HMB.

Identified Gaps

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) poses major dangers to one's health, causing severe side effects and delaying diagnosis due to a lack of awareness among women and medical professionals. When there is a lack of awareness about the incidence of HMB and limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, it becomes difficult for physicians to develop techniques based on the best available information, resulting in significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. Cultural taboos and stigmas related to menstruation restrict women from obtaining HMB treatment. Despite government efforts, gender disparities in health persist, emphasizing the need for more awareness campaigns, expanded access to healthcare, and improved training for healthcare staff to address these important challenges.

Methods to solve the gaps in Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB)

To address Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) holistically, there is a multifaceted strategy below.

Increasing awareness through educational initiatives, specialized training for healthcare practitioners, and the establishment of women's health clinics are all part of the plan. We hope to improve affordability by providing HMB treatment subsidies, including HMB in public health insurance policies, and doing substantial research on the prevalence and repercussions of HMB. Telemedicine services and mobile health units will increase rural healthcare access. Through community activities, we will aim to de-stigmatize HMB, improve primary healthcare centers, offer professional development for healthcare workers, and support HMB research and data gathering. These programs, when combined, will provide improved support and treatment for women suffering from HMB, particularly in underserved areas.

Conclusion

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) is a question of women's rights and welfare. While governments have taken major initiatives to assist women with HMB, there are still huge gaps in knowledge, access, and healthcare infrastructure in India. We can ensure that no woman suffers from HMB by raising awareness, expanding healthcare access, undertaking rigorous research, and cultivating a supportive atmosphere. It is our joint obligation to close these gaps, encourage women to take control of their health, and envision a future in which every woman has access to the care and support she requires for her menstrual health, to enhance the lives of women throughout the world.