Stigma as a Barrier to Seeking Treatment for Dysmenorrhea - A Review

Abstract

Painful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, is a common gynecological state. It could be secondary to a uterine illness or primary, meaning it wouldn't have any linked illnesses. Menstruating individuals' quality of life is adversely affected by it. About half of all women who are menstruating suffer from dysmenorrhea, which leads to serious issues with personal and public health, significant rates of absenteeism from work and school, and substantial financial loss. Despite being fairly common, dysmenorrhea is frequently mistreated and ignored by medical professionals, pain experts, and even women themselves due to shame and menstrual stigma. The impact and repercussions of the stigma associated with menstruation are the main topic of this review. It also draws attention to the obstacles it presents to a proper diagnosis and course of therapy for dysmenorrhea.