Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India

Abstract In Indian rural areas, particularly among rural agrarian women, the challenges of managing menstruation extend beyond physical discomfort. The discourse surrounding menstruation has sparked significant attention, with terms like “period poverty,” “menstrual equity,” and “period stigma” gain...

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Main Authors: Manjari Sinha, Manesh Muraleedharan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-08-01
Series:Discover Social Science and Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00282-6
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author Manjari Sinha
Manesh Muraleedharan
author_facet Manjari Sinha
Manesh Muraleedharan
author_sort Manjari Sinha
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In Indian rural areas, particularly among rural agrarian women, the challenges of managing menstruation extend beyond physical discomfort. The discourse surrounding menstruation has sparked significant attention, with terms like “period poverty,” “menstrual equity,” and “period stigma” gaining prominence. Hysterectomy, a surgical option, is increasingly prescribed by doctors, even for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding that could potentially be addressed with oral medication or injections. This study examines the relationship between rural Indian women’s living and working conditions and their experiences with gynecological issues, with a particular focus on those that may lead to hysterectomy. Employing a qualitative paradigm with a phenomenological approach, the research explores the narratives of 38 women who have undergone hysterectomies. Findings underscore the significant impact of menstrual discomfort on women’s daily activities, leading to delayed health acknowledgment and treatment-seeking. The study advocates for policies promoting informed consent, shared decision-making, and stricter regulations on hysterectomy procedures.
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spelling doaj-art-8d46907e05f94271abda6d4bafc8b0f92025-08-20T03:42:03ZengSpringerDiscover Social Science and Health2731-04692025-08-015111510.1007/s44155-025-00282-6Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in IndiaManjari Sinha0Manesh Muraleedharan1Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University)Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University)Abstract In Indian rural areas, particularly among rural agrarian women, the challenges of managing menstruation extend beyond physical discomfort. The discourse surrounding menstruation has sparked significant attention, with terms like “period poverty,” “menstrual equity,” and “period stigma” gaining prominence. Hysterectomy, a surgical option, is increasingly prescribed by doctors, even for conditions like heavy menstrual bleeding that could potentially be addressed with oral medication or injections. This study examines the relationship between rural Indian women’s living and working conditions and their experiences with gynecological issues, with a particular focus on those that may lead to hysterectomy. Employing a qualitative paradigm with a phenomenological approach, the research explores the narratives of 38 women who have undergone hysterectomies. Findings underscore the significant impact of menstrual discomfort on women’s daily activities, leading to delayed health acknowledgment and treatment-seeking. The study advocates for policies promoting informed consent, shared decision-making, and stricter regulations on hysterectomy procedures.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00282-6Menstruation experienceMenstruation managementRural womenAgrarian womenHysterectomy
spellingShingle Manjari Sinha
Manesh Muraleedharan
Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India
Discover Social Science and Health
Menstruation experience
Menstruation management
Rural women
Agrarian women
Hysterectomy
title Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India
title_full Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India
title_fullStr Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India
title_full_unstemmed Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India
title_short Intertwined burdens: exploring the relationship between menstruation, social status, and hysterectomy among agrarian women in India
title_sort intertwined burdens exploring the relationship between menstruation social status and hysterectomy among agrarian women in india
topic Menstruation experience
Menstruation management
Rural women
Agrarian women
Hysterectomy
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00282-6
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