Introduction

Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used during menstruation, vaginal
discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products that are used during
menstruation may also be called menstrual hygiene products, including menstrual pads, tampons,
etc.
Menstrual taboos are common in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Nepal.
Such taboos can have direct negative impacts on psychosocial/mental health contributing to poor
Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), which in turn leads to further negative health outcomes
among girls and women. Studies have reported a wide range of negative effects from poor MHM,
including shame, fear, anxiety, loneliness, and psychological distress. While a number of efforts to
address adolescent issues have been initiated, there is a significant lack of data on adolescents in
Nepal that are essential for programs to be properly targeted, be based on robust needs
assessments, and for them to reach their intended beneficiaries and achieve desired outcomes.

Nearly three quarter (71.7 percent) of adolescents had known about menstruation
before menarche, with 28.3 percent still unaware about menstruation before
experiencing it, reads the report.

The study found out that only half of the adolescent girls from Province 2 and
Sudurpaschim were aware before menarche.

Similarly, in-depth interviews and group discussions during the research revealed
that the girls had ‘limited knowledge and information on preparedness aspects of
menstruation.
Likewise, another concerning side the study found was that 50% of participants were
unaware of the linkage between pregnancy and menstruation.
“Although the girls go to school, they don’t get proper knowledge about
reproductive health from the teachers, those teachers do not take the contents of
reproductive health seriously and they skip the whole lesson”,
(Among total 3,495 adolescent girls who participated in this study, majority 47.5% were from upper
caste groups and 0.9% from religious minorities. 84.7% were Hindu 1.1% were Muslims. The mean
age of the participants were 14.53. Fifteen participants were found to be married. The mean age of
menarche was 12.79 years (minimum 10 years and maximum 16 years). Knowledge regarding
menstruation: Three quarter (71.7%) of the adolescent girls knew about menarche before its onset,
with one quarter (28.3%) who had “no idea” about menstruation. This knowledge was found to be
highest (88.9%) in Province 1 and lowest (47.4%) in Sudurpaschim province. Nearly half of the
participants felt menstruation as a normal healthy process and bad blood being shed while very few
also associated menstruation with illnesses, curse and supernatural reasons. Half (50%) of the
adolescent girls were unaware of the physiology of menstruation that sets the stage for pregnancy.
However, 22 % of the girls knew that there are certain days between two menstruation cycle when
one can get pregnant under circumstances of ovulation and fertilization. )
Three fourth of adolescent girls know chaupadi is bad but cultural practice is deep rooted.
Menstruation management among adolescent girls were found to be good: majority had access to
disposable sanitary materials, half of the girls were able to change pads thrice or more per day,
more than 90% had access to soap for washing and was able to dry menstrual materials, majority
had a safe and private place to change. However, home was more comfortable place for
menstruation management compared to schools. One quarter of girls missed school due to
menstruation related issues. Menstrual needs of differently abled adolescent girls is largely
neglected. Their needs are related to availability of menstrual material and disable friendly WASH
beyond home. Their needs are largely fulfilled within household only. Majority of girls felt sacred
during their first menstruation. Almost half of the girls experienced high menstrual stress, high
annoyance and low self-efficacy. Recommendation: School education and MHM programs should
focus on educating adolescents about physiology of menstruation and the linkage to reproductive
health. Restriction around menstruation is deep rooted and therefore should engage primary bearers
and influencers including mothers and grandparents to change malpractices including chaupadi.

To observe the menstrual hygiene in adolescent women a study was conducted in a secondary
school in Singur West Bengal. Conducted as a descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 160 girls
in West Bengal, the findings revealed that a significant portion of respondents became aware of
menstruation before menarche, with mothers being the primary source of information. While the
majority recognized menstruation as a physiological process, knowledge and usage of sanitary pads
were limited. Most girls employed soap and water for cleaning purposes, and a considerable
percentage observed various restrictions during menstruation. Among the 160 respondents, 108
(67.5%) girls were aware of menstruation before experiencing menarche. Mothers were the primary
source of information for 60 (37.5%) girls. A majority, 138 (86.25%), considered menstruation a
physiological process. Only 78 (48.75%) girls were familiar with the use of sanitary pads during
menstruation. In terms of practices, merely 18 (11.25%) girls used sanitary pads during
menstruation. For cleaning purposes, 156 (97.5%) girls utilized both soap and water. Regarding
restrictions, 136 (85%) girls adhered to various restrictions during menstruation.

Importance of
Feminine Hygiene in
Rural Areas Details
Proper hygiene practices help prevent infections such as
bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, urinary tract infections
(UTIs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In rural
Prevention of areas where access to healthcare facilities may be limited,
Infections prevention is key to avoiding these infections.
Limited access to sanitary products and clean water in rural
areas makes menstrual hygiene management challenging.
Education on the use of sanitary pads, tampons, or
Menstrual Hygiene menstrual cups is essential to prevent infections and
Management maintain dignity during menstruation.
Poor feminine hygiene can lead to health risks such as foul
odor, itching, irritation, and inflammation. These issues can
affect physical comfort and confidence. By practicing good
Reducing Health hygiene habits, women can reduce these risks and maintain
Risks overall well-being.
Preventing Neglecting feminine hygiene can contribute to reproductive
Reproductive Health health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease
 Importance of
Feminine Hygiene in
Rural Areas Details
(PID) and infertility. Proper hygiene practices, including
regular washing and changing of undergarments, help
Complications prevent such complications.
Access to proper feminine hygiene products and education
empowers women and girls in rural areas. It enables them
to manage menstrual cycles with dignity, attend school or
Empowerment and work without interruption, and participate in their
Dignity communities without fear of stigma or embarrassment.
When women and girls have access to feminine hygiene
resources and education, they are more likely to stay in
Promoting Social school, pursue higher education, and engage in income-
and Economic generating activities. This contributes to the social and
Development economic development of rural communities.
Implement comprehensive programs addressing access to
hygiene products, education on proper hygiene practices,
menstrual health, and sanitation. Collaborate with local
Recommendations organizations and governments to ensure sustainable
for Promotion improvements.

Overcoming the period taboo requires collective efforts to challenge societal norms and promote open,
honest conversations about menstruation. This includes:

 Education and Awareness: Providing comprehensive menstrual health education in schools and
communities to debunk myths, dispel stigma, and empower individuals with accurate
information about menstruation.

 Destigmatization Campaigns: Initiating public awareness campaigns to challenge negative

 Access to Menstrual Products: Ensuring affordable and accessible menstrual hygiene products
for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status, to support their menstrual health and
hygiene needs.

 Advocacy and Policy Reform: Advocating for policies and initiatives that address menstrual
equity, including menstrual product provision in public spaces, workplace accommodations, and
menstrual health services in healthcare settings.

By breaking the silence and addressing the period taboo, societies can create environments where
menstruation is recognized as a natural and normal aspect of human biology, free from shame, stigma,
and discrimination.
A sanitary pad-making machine is an automatic machine for producing high-
quality hygienic napkins. The machine is compact and easy to operate. A
Sanitary pad-making machine is more economical and faster than other
traditional equipment. It will not slow down and will not stop when fully
automatic feeding, saving labor, high-quality, and cost-effective. These
machines are ideal for large-scale and small-scale industries, offering
consistent performance levels. The sanitary pad-making machines are not just
automated and efficient but are also very durable regarding their qualities,
having a longer work life.