The "Equity and Menstrual Health" study ends, a research that has made visible inequities and menstrual health in Spain
Researcher Laura Medina Perucha, from the Jordi Gol i Gurina Primary Care Research Institute (IDIAPJGol), has coordinated the Menstrual Equity and Health study in Spain, a study funded by the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health. The aim of the study was to describe and understand inequities and menstrual health in women and people who menstruate (PM) between the ages of 18 and 55 in Spain. To achieve the results, the research team has carried out studies with three population groups: women and PMs, men and experts in equity and menstrual health. It has lasted two years, from November 2020 to December 202
Visualize menstrual inequity and menstrual health characteristics in Spain
The study has identified that menstrual characteristics in women and PM vary according to socio-demographic factors, such as age. This study identifies an advance in the age of menarche (first menstrual bleeding) in younger generations. The likelihood of experiencing more menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms is also mostly found in younger participants. A relationship can also be established between the presence of financial problems and experiences of menstrual pain and heavy bleeding.
The study concludes that menstrual inequity affects all women and PM, given its roots in patriarchal social and political systems, and that menstrual inequity is a form of gender inequity. Even so, menstrual inequities seem to particularly affect those women and PM with more socioeconomic difficulties, some migrant groups, and non-binary and trans people who menstruate.
On the other hand, the responses of health professionals, often limited to the biomedical vision and oriented towards the medicalization of menstruation and the menstrual cycle, and the normalization of menstrual pain and other related symptoms, seem to constitute a barrier to accessing health services for issues related to menstruation and the menstrual cycle. It is for this reason that both women and PMs as well as experts in equity and menstrual health emphasized the need to promote menstrual education in active health professionals and also strengthen menstrual education in university curricula . In addition, the experts in equity and menstrual health advocate the formation of multidisciplinary teams, so that the heterogeneity of the population is taken into account during consultations. Also, it would be necessary to strengthen the figures of community agents to establish links between health services and women and PM who do not usually access them.
Measures to improve menstrual health and reduce menstrual inequities
The study also includes a series of recommendations to reduce menstrual inequities and at the same time improve the menstrual health of women and PM. These focus on the need to focus political and community strategies and interventions to address the structural factors that contribute to menstrual inequity. In line with this, the implementation of menstrual policies should be guaranteed in a comprehensive way (and not in a fragmented way). In addition, it is necessary to develop specific policies according to the needs of different groups (LGTBIQ+, people with functional diversity, migrant groups in a vulnerable situation, among others). These measures should be aimed at addressing menstrual taboo, stigma and discrimination, promoting menstrual education and quality health care in public services, ensuring access to menstrual products and spaces for healthy menstrual management, including adaptation of work and educational spaces. The researchers also emphasize the need to promote research in equity and menstrual health.
