'Menstruation is not dirty blood': Doctors break stigma on menstrual, vaginal health

MANILA, Philippines — In the diverse landscape of the Philippines, where cherished traditions meet progress effortlessly, Filipino women are still faced with stigmas and taboos surrounding their menstrual and vaginal health. Still struggling against these issues, they often fail to secure the care and support that they need.

“We are dedicated to raising awareness about menstrual and vaginal health. We also advocate for improved access to feminine hygiene products and education, which can help support women in their daily lives,” said Nica Rollan, senior marketing manager, feminine care franchise, Kenvue Philippines.

Menstrual health education

Modess is dedicated to empowering women by promoting menstrual health education. Using digital platforms and partnering with key opinion leaders, they challenge the stigma surrounding periods and combat the shame women often feel.

"There is a common misconception among people that menstruation involves the discharge of dirty blood. That's why I take the time to explain the menstrual cycle and the anatomy of the uterus to patients to help them understand that menstruation is not actually about discharging dirty blood, but the shedding of the uterine lining due to hormonal changes in the absence of conception," explained Dr. Kristine Tangco, an obstetrician-gynecologist.

"Physical activities can alleviate menstrual pain, reduce symptoms, and provide relief from stress and anxiety," added Dr. Tangco.

Self-care and vaginal health

Meanwhile, Carefree takes advantage of its social media presence and engages with experts to educate women on maintaining vaginal hygiene in their daily routines. The brand courageously addresses taboo topics such as odor, discharge, and everyday wetness, imparting valuable information to empower women and encourage open discussions on these important matters.

Through initiatives like the "PantyLove campaign, Carefree actively works to break the stigma and normalize conversations around vaginal health, aiming to create a supportive environment where women feel confident and comfortable in their own bodies.

Modess and Carefree understand the value of collaborating with influential women who genuinely connect with Filipinas. These partnerships have proven to be transformative, inspiring and empowering to women while they at the same time shed light on important initiatives. For one, Modess has teamed up with BINI for the uplifting "Walang Duda" campaign to encourage teenage girls to embrace their full potential even during their menstrual period. Meanwhile, Carefree has partnered with Rei Germar to put emphasis on the importance of intimate care as an essential aspect of self-care, fostering conversations around taboo topics related to vaginal health.

Last year, through the youth-led program called “Period Pains: Tackling the Challenges of Menstrual Equity," Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu took the opportunity to have a discussion on menstrual equity with young people from the Philippines during her visit to the country.

During the workshop held on April 24 last year in Citadines Bay City Manila in Pasay City, youth representatives from all over the Philippines discussed with Sandhu topics such as, making menstrual products – sanitary pads and soap – more accessible to girls and young women, increasing young people’s knowledge and awareness on safe menstrual practices, and eliminating social and cultural taboos surrounding the issue of menstruation and periods. 

“I’m so honored to participate in this initiative, while in the beautiful country of the Philippines for the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines competition,” said Sandhu. “As fans know, my platform has consistently been menstrual equity, which is a passion of mine, cultivated at an early age by my mother. It’s a dream come true to be able to make a difference across numerous countries and initiatives, all to educate and empower those who menstruate to feel safe and secure, and erase the stigma across the globe around menstruation.” 

For billions of young people worldwide, menstruation is a monthly reality. Yet in many countries, people still face serious challenges when it comes to managing their periods.  

Studies have shown that lack of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) affects all aspects of a girl’s life: her freedom, her mobility and her participation in school and in community.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant and unique impact on those who menstruate. The online survey “Periods in a Pandemic, Menstrual Hygiene Management in the time of COVID 19” conducted by Plan International in May 2020 showed that the pandemic has worsened the challenges experienced by menstruators, according to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) experts in 24 countries. Among these challenges include: restricting access to products, through either shortages or disrupted supply chains (73% agreed), restricting access to WASH facilities (68% agreed), increased and prohibitive prices of products (58% agreed), lack of access to information about MHM (54% agreed), reduced access and availability of clean water (51% agreed), a less hygienic environment for sanitary hygiene product disposal (47% agreed),  increased stigma, shaming or harmful cultural practices (24% agreed). 

“It is imperative that we work together to improve menstrual health and tackle period-shame not only in the Philippines, but at the global scale. By doing so, we can improve girls’ attendance and performance at school, break down taboos and misconceptions around menstruation, and raise girls’ self-esteem and enable girls to fully participate in all aspects of society,” said Plan International Philippines’ Country Director Ana Maria Locsin.   

Through the Period Pains workshop, youth participants identified issues and concerns regarding MHM and Menstrual Equity in their communities and proposed solutions to address these problems. 

Shally Mukherjee, Founder and Head of DDB For Good said, “The Philippines will be one of our priority intervention markets in the first year of the program. In addition to joining efforts with Plan International Philippines to scale up the already existing programs, the coalition will actively work towards creating self-sustaining ways of access to safe, hygienic and affordable menstrual products.” 

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