A considerable proportion of women in Jammu and Kashmir continue to rely on traditional cloth for menstrual protection, which poses risks of infections that could lead to infertility, according to medical experts.
Doctors stressed the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene and encouraged women, especially young girls, to shed any feelings of shame associated with purchasing sanitary pads. They said proper hygiene practices are essential to prevent health complications.
Dr Shabeena Akhter, a gynaecologist based in south Kashmir, said that while the number of women using cloth instead of sanitary pads is decreasing, many still prefer traditional methods. “Menstrual hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs), which can have serious health consequences,” she said.
“Regular changing of menstrual products and maintaining cleanliness are vital to mitigating these risks,” she added. Dr Akhter advised girls that there should be no shame in buying sanitary pads, as this reduces the chances of infections that may lead to infertility.
Dr Barjashta Bahar, another gynaecologist, said that affordability is not the main issue for most women; rather, lack of awareness about hygienic practices is. “Many women do not realise how unhygienic menstrual cycles can affect their health,” she said.
Dr Bahar added that societal stigma surrounding menstruation continues to foster shame, silence, and discrimination. “By promoting open discussions and education about menstruation, we can break down these barriers and empower women and girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence,” she asserted.
“Good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is fundamental in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential,” she said.
Dr Bahar warned that poor hygiene can lead to itching, rashes, bad odour and more severe complications like pelvic inflammatory disease and toxic shock syndrome.
Medical professionals also said that many women using pads do so without understanding why, often treating the product as just a readymade item. Wearing a pad for too long can cause rashes, vaginal yeast infections, and foul odor, they warned.
While the number of women using sanitary pads is gradually increasing, a significant percentage still rely on cloth, which can cause infections such as UTIs and RTIs—conditions that, if untreated, may severely impact fertility.
“Menstrual hygiene is not merely a personal issue; it’s a public health concern,” the doctors stressed. “Ensuring women and girls have the knowledge, resources, and societal support to manage their periods hygienically is essential for their health, education, and empowerment. It’s time to confront the silence, break the stigma and advocate for dignity in menstruation.”
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), nearly 60 per cent of women in Jammu and Kashmir still use cloth during menstruation. The survey (2019-2021) also found that only 50.5 per cent of women aged 15-24 use sanitary napkins, up from 48.8 per cent in NFHS-4 (2015-2016).
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a scheme to promote menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls aged 10-19 in rural areas. Under this initiative, sanitary napkin packs containing six pieces each are branded as “Freedays”—(KNO)
