A recent nationwide survey has found that Indian women are hesitant to turn to social media for help during menstrual emergencies, despite its growing influence on health awareness. The 10th edition of the everteen Menstrual Hygiene Survey, released ahead of Menstrual Hygiene Day, revealed that while more than 71% of women view social media as a valuable source of information about menstruation, only 11.5% actually rely on it when faced with urgent menstrual issues. This significant gap highlights a lack of trust, particularly in critical situations.
Conducted with responses from 1,152 women across 17 states, the survey identified misinformation as a primary obstacle. Many participants reported encountering harmful or false advice online. Common misconceptions included the belief that delayed periods are always indicative of PCOD and that drinking lemonade can relieve cramps. Other myths suggested avoiding exercise during menstruation and provided misleading guidance on menstrual products.
The survey also spotlighted the accelerating spread of menstrual myths on social media. Respondents frequently mentioned content that reinforced taboos, such as avoiding religious places, certain foods, or refraining from washing hair while menstruating. Some misinformation even raised fears about menstrual products, with exaggerated claims that tampons or menstrual cups could cause physical harm or infertility.
Regarding menstrual pain, the survey found that 82.7% of women reported experiencing mild to severe discomfort, while 41.5% said they use no pain relief methods. Only 5.5% were aware of cramp relief roll-ons, indicating limited knowledge of non-pharmaceutical options, as just 14.2% reported using painkillers.
Educational attainment did not significantly affect reliance on verified sources. Among respondents, 76.6% had completed higher education, and 72.4% were aged between 19 and 35, a group typically engaged with digital media.
When examining menstrual hygiene products, sanitary pads remained the top choice for 87.8% of participants. However, there was a notable increase in the use of disposable period panties (5.7%), surpassing menstrual cups (4.7%) and tampons (1.6%).
The findings underscore a complex challenge: while social media has played a role in raising awareness about menstruation, it has yet to gain trust as a reliable source of information in health emergencies. Addressing the spread of misinformation and promoting medically sound advice are essential steps toward closing this gap.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/lifestyle/story/menstrual-pain-myths-and-mistrust-survey-exposes-impact-of-social-media-1219991-2025-05-27?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-05-27 15:08:00
