The subject of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) carries a lot of stigma and taboo in India and these taboos surrounding SRH have a negative influence.
On girls’ and women’s emotional well-being, mindset, lifestyle and most importantly, physical health. The difficulty of tackling socio-cultural taboos and beliefs is exacerbated by their lack of information and understanding about puberty, menstruation, and overall reproductive health.
When women are unable to conceive, misinformed narratives such as that of witches inhabiting their bodies and sinful acts in the past take centre-stage. The disproportionate blame placed on them is one of the largest myths that exist till date, although infertility can be traced to underlying ailments in both men and women hence, a deliberate strategy to fighting these ills in our society is required.
Most myths surrounding the sexual and reproductive health of women are based on superstition, lack of scientific knowledge, stigma and gender-based discrimination. It is important to debunk the prevailing myths because otherwise the problem may be treated for a while but it would continue to recur with increasing severity.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Co-Founder of Indira IVF, debunked a few myths associated with sexual and reproductive health and fertility –
Myth 1: Having unprotected intercourse during periods is safe and will not lead to pregnancy
Fact: Even though the likelihood may decrease, it’s still possible to get pregnant if one has unprotected sex during their periods. Sex right before and during ovulation (when an egg is released) is the most likely time for a woman to become pregnant. Ovulation occurs around 14 days before period begins, in the midst of the menstrual cycle. While women cannot conceive while on their period, sperm may survive for up to five days in the female reproductive system. This indicates that a small percentage of women have a possibility of becoming pregnant during their period due to unprotected intercourse. If one has a shorter menstrual cycle, they more likely to become pregnant from intercourse during menstruation.
Myth 2: Women with PCOS cannot get pregnant and losing weight can ‘cure’ PCOS
Fact: Due to irregular ovulation and hormonal abnormalities, women with PCOS may have difficulty conceiving, but with the right medicines and assistance from a fertility professional, it is feasible. Women with PCOS can benefit from a variety of reproductive treatments, drugs, and even Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as IVF. While being fit and living a healthy lifestyle is always recommended, there is currently no treatment for PCOS. Obesity can exacerbate hormonal imbalances in the body, so it’s important to eat well and exercise often. These lifestyle adjustments will increase insulin use in the body, allowing hormone levels to be better controlled. Although losing weight may help with ovulation, it is not a cure for PCOS.
Myth 3: Infertility is only a women’s issue
Fact: Infertility can be related to underlying disorders in both sexes, according to medical evidence. It is related to underlying disorders in females 40% of the time, males 40% of the time, and problems with both partners 20% of the time in couples who are unable to conceive. Infertility is a growing problem in today’s population, and calling it a one sex issue is both inaccurate and offensive.
Adding to the list, Dr. Riddhi Desai, Associate Consultant, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Khar, shared –
Myth: Women shed impure blood during periods.
Fact: Menstruation is a healthy and natural process by which the reproductive system prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy. When you think about it, periods are vital since humanity needs the ovarian and menstrual cycles for its propagation and survival. Period blood is not dirty and it contains no toxins or impurities. It actually consists tissue from the lining of the uterus along with the same blood circulating in the body.