KATHMANDU: It has been observed that issues such as disturbances in women’s periods, lower abdominal pain, white discharge, uterine infection, and infertility are on the rise.
Women in urban areas, accustomed to regular checkups, can openly discuss their problems and receive timely treatment.
However, the scenario is drastically different for rural women, resulting in delayed treatments and, tragically, some losing their lives.
Dr. Rashmi Thapa, a Gynecologist sheds light on the pressing health concerns faced by women in an interview.
What are the main health problems seen in women?
Menstrual disturbances, lower abdominal pain, white discharge, uterine infection, and infertility are the major problems prevalent in women’s health.
What kind of problems are seen at what age?
Between the ages of 12-13 to 20 years, women who have recently started menstruating face menstrual disturbances.
As women progress to the age group of 20-45, they encounter menstrual problems, vaginal and uterine infections, and infertility.
For those above 45, problems such as vaginal and uterine infections, uterine prolapse, urinary leakage, and uterine cancer become more common.
What causes these problems?
The underdevelopment of ovaries in the early menstruating years leads to disturbances.
In women aged 20-45, issues stem from the growth and infection in the uterus. Women above 45, often burdened with multiple childbirths and home deliveries, are susceptible to these health concerns.
Have you found it difficult to talk openly about sexual health problems?
While urban women comfortably undergo regular checkups and openly discuss their issues, rural women, who form the bulk, struggle to voice their problems.
This silence leads to delayed treatments, with some unfortunate cases resulting in fatalities, especially concerning unsafe abortions.
What kind of problems do women come to you?
An alarming number of women seek assistance for infertility and miscarriages.
The persistent societal preference for male children has led to a concerning trend where women endure pregnancies until a son is born, often resorting to unsafe abortions afterward.
Tragically, some lose their lives due to these unsafe practices.
What to do to avoid such problems?
It is a need for awareness, proposing the inclusion of reproductive health education in schools from adolescence.
Conducting screening camps in rural areas and initiating treatment at the onset of common problems can significantly reduce the prevalence of these health issues.
What is the suggestion here?
Irrespective of the setting or educational background, women, consumed by the demands of home, work, and children, tend to neglect their health. It is important that women need to prioritize their health alongside other responsibilities for a holistic and fulfilling life.
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