Bilal Dr. Ahmad, Sadiq Sehba

(12) CONCEPTUALIZING FEMININITY THROUGH ANALYSIS OF PSYCHOSOCIAL DIMENSIONS OF MENSTRUATION IN INDIGENOUS PAKISTANI CONTEXT

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Objectives Menstruation has been an integral part of traditional woman’s body. In modern times, women derive meanings to form and shape their feminine identity in context of menstrual discourse. But the experiences of South Asian especially Pakistani women are different from the modern Western women. Therefore, the present study was conducted to conceptualize the femininity by analyzing the menstruation discourse of Pakistani women. Methods A total of 11 women of reproductive age living in South Punjab province of Pakistan were interviewed. The open ended interview format was employed for gathering detailed discourses regarding menstrual experiences. The qualitative thematic analysis technique was used to extract themes related to menstruation experiences of women. Results Several myths and themes were extracted from the thematic analysis. The myths and themes were categorized as; (i) Initial Menstrual Experiences (ii) Obscure Menstruation Terminologies used by women (iii) Non Scientific Cultural Experiences related to Menstruation (iv) Personal Hygiene during Menstruation (v) Use and Availability of Sanitary Products during Menstruation (vi) Use of Medication during Menstruation (vii) Interpersonal Interaction during Menstruation. Each category had its specific myths and subthemes related to menstruation experiences. Conclusions The study concluded that menstrual experience comes as a trauma and is considered a taboo to be discussed. It is suggested that development and gender specific sex education should be introduced at educational institutions to make the women desensitize regarding their menstrual experiences. The male members of the society should also get education about menstruation so that they may treat women more empathically. Further, the public places should have availability of sanitary products and the women should be given 1-2 monthly leaves at their workplaces. Conflicts of Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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