Menstruation as a transcultural phenomenon
Section: TEACHING TO LEARN
Authors
1Juan Miguel Tristán Fernández, 2Fernando Ruiz Santiago, 3Rosario Tristán Tercedor, 4Rosa María Maroto Benavides
Position
1Profesor del Departamento de Enfermería. Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada.2Responsable de la sección de Radiología Musculoesquelética , Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves (Granada).3Laboratorio de Antropología de la Universidad de Granada.4Profesora de Antropología Física de la Universidad de Granada.
Contact address
Departamento de Enfermería de la Escuela Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad de Granada. Avda. de Madrid, s/n. 18071 Granada.
Contact email: jtristan@ugr.es
Abstract
The fertile period of a woman is a process entailing a series of alteration, both somatic and psychological with a significant underlying cultural component that ranges from menarche to menopause. This period of life presents a series of problems that have been studied from several perspectives and by different professional. It is not a new situation or status but a normal physiological process that has always existed and that affects women in reproductive age. However, menstruation has not prevented women from being discriminated against or having been given limitations or having been the object of prejudice.
With respect to menstruation, secrecy, lack of clear information, and even guilt, have always surrounded this natural phenomenon. Religions, a male-chauvinist conception of the world, ignorance and lack of understanding, have until recently made the menstrual cycle be regarded as an instrument for reproduction only.
Keywords:
menstruationculture
Versión en Español
Título:
