All About International Women's Health Day 2021

Overview

 

The fight for reclaiming women's bodies for themselves is far from over. Women's sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are a part of their human rights. International Day of Action for Women's Health is commemorated on May 28 every year since 1987 to protect the strides made by women and allies in securing sexual and reproductive justice and resisting attempts to undo the work that has been done in this space.

 

Mobilizing, speaking out, and taking action is central to achieving these goals. And this can be done very effectively by breaking taboo around women’s health issues and dismantling oppressive practices that aim to police their sexuality. According to the Online Journal of Health and Allied Sciences, in practice, Indian women remain deprived of the right to make reproductive choices including decisions around abortion and contraception. Some parts of the society remain acutely regressive with female genital mutilation still being practised widely. The solution to all these issues lies in strengthening healthcare and removing stigma.

 

 

Health Issues Women Face

 

Let’s take a step in the right direction by acknowledging the health issues that are shrouded in shame and common among women. Here are some examples:

 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) :

 

PCOS is a disorder that affects women's hormone levels and causes enlarged ovaries and cysts on their outer edges. Some of its symptoms are irregular menstruation, obesity and excessive hair growth or acne. It is also the foremost cause of infertility among women. Moreover, if it is not treated on time, PCOS can lead to diabetes or heart disease.

 

Cervical and Breast Cancer :

 

Cervical cancer is diagnosed when a malignant tumour is found in a patient's cervix. Thousands die every year due to this disease. However, it can be prevented by administering an HPV vaccine and early detection through a pap smear test.

Women in the age bracket of 30 to 40 years in India are increasingly being diagnosed with breast cancer. Tests for screening of the breasts such as mammography can aid early detection of breast cancer.

 

Infertility and Premature Menopause :

 

Rise in levels of stress, pollution and hormonal imbalances are some of the causes of growing infertility among women. It can also come as a result of other health conditions. Another cause of infertility is premature menopause, which has been on the rise due to sedentary lifestyles. Osteoporosis and stroke are among the long-term ramifications of premature menopause.

 

Osteoporosis :

 

Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle as bone removal cannot be matched with the creation of bone tissue. This condition is especially common among menopausal women. Other than medication, a healthy diet and exercise can help treat it.

 

Heart Diseases :

 

As menopause sets in, women tend to be at a higher risk of heart diseases. It is a good practice to go for regular checkups to detect any problems early.

 

Stress, Depression and Anxiety :

 

Conversation around mental health is now gaining momentum. Anxiety and depression, including postpartum, remain common among women owing to factors such as trauma, abuse or hormonal changes and can lead to suicidal tendencies. To make matters worse, there is immense stigma surrounding mental health which makes it difficult for women to identify the problem and seek treatment.

As women continue to leave their mark in the professional world, unfortunately, the behemoth of stress also rears its ugly head. Stress comes as a result of unfair expectations from women in a tough professional environment as well as the domestic space.

 

Obesity :

 

Sedentary lifestyles are a leading cause of obesity among women. They often arise from employment conditions which are increasingly giving way to long hours behind a desk. Obesity is also an underlying cause of several other serious ailments, including certain types of cancer.

 

 

 

A Basic Guide to Sexual and Reproductive Health

 

While this list is not exhaustive, it presents a fair picture of the many health problems that women face today. However, it is not all grim and dreary for women because they can take charge of their sexual and reproductive wellness by making it a point to incorporate these practices in their daily routines:

 

Know, Appreciate and Respect your Body :

 

The first step towards ensuring that your sexual health is to know your body. Women, in a number of cases, grow up feeling ashamed of their bodies, having been instructed to hide their menstruation and bodily developments right from the get-go. In fact, many don't even know what their genitals look like. Observe all parts of your body carefully, and remember that colour, size and shape are of no consequence as long as you are healthy. Your body has weathered so many years of your life, so you should be grateful for it and treat it well. Eat healthy, exercise and kick all bad habits to show your body the respect it deserves.

 

Consult the Right Gynaecologist :

 

Do not use appointments with your gynaecologist as damage control. Instead, spend time researching the right doctor for you who can guide you through it all - whether it is sexually transmitted diseases or infections, planned or unplanned pregnancies or menopause. Routinely seek advice on testing and vaccination and make it a point to go for regular checkups.

 

Get Tested :

 

It is important to educate yourself and get tested in time. Pap smear tests can aid early detection of any diseases and are also in the best interest of your partner. Moreover, if you experience excessive pain during your periods, visit your gynaecologist.

 

Educate Yourself :

 

Unfortunately, the state of sex education remains abysmal in India, which is why the onus of familiarising yourself with all its fundamentals falls on you. Moreover, in a time when misinformation travels faster than the speed of light, it is imperative that you gain an accurate and scientific understanding of STDs, menstruation and pregnancy. This can be done by talking to your doctor and asking questions in the time of doubt.

 

 

Conclusion

 

International day of action for women's health, or world women's health day, is an opportunity to remind all women that they hold the reins to their reproductive and sexual wellbeing. As modern life aggravates women’s health issues, advancements in medicine and tech are continuously finding solutions for them. Remember to “take action” and cultivate healthy habits to minimise any complications that may loom over your sexual health.