When Menstrual Myths Delay Medical Help: A True Story

Pinkishe Foundation

2/7/25

When Faith Replaces Healthcare: The Hidden Danger Menstruating Girls Still Face

Every time we step into the field to conduct menstrual health awareness sessions, we expect to hear stories. Stories shaped by whispers, shame, and centuries of misinformation. But some stories don’t just stay with us — they shake us.

This is one of them.

During a session led by one of our menstrual educators, a young woman slowly raised her hand during the Q&A round. She looked about 16 or 17. Quietly, she shared that she got her first period once — and then never again.

We nodded. Irregular periods are common in the early years. But then she added, almost apologetically:

“I’m 22 now.”

We were stunned. She hadn’t menstruated in years.

And yet, she had never seen a doctor.

When Menstrual Myths Take Over Medical Needs

Instead of seeking medical advice, her family had taken her to a baba — a local spiritual healer. His explanation?

“A devi has entered her. That’s why she doesn’t bleed.”

In their eyes, this wasn’t a health issue — it was a spiritual sign.
They didn’t seek diagnosis, only divine answers.

Our educator tried to intervene gently. She explained the health risks. That this wasn’t a blessing, but potentially a serious medical condition.

But belief — especially when wrapped in fear and reverence — can be louder than reason.

The family wasn’t ready to listen. Their devotion had turned into denial.

The Fight Beyond the Facts

At Pinkishe Foundation, we come prepared with diagrams, data, and facts.
But we’ve learned that facts alone aren’t always enough.
Because we’re not just working against gaps in education — we’re working against deeply rooted cultural beliefs.

In many homes across India, menstruation is still surrounded by:

Silence instead of support
Stigma instead of science
Rituals instead of healthcare

And girls like this young woman are left without answers, without care, and without agency.

Why This Story Matters

This isn’t just about one girl.

It’s about the many girls and women across India who are still denied access to basic reproductive healthcare because of menstrual myths.

It's about the families who choose rituals over medical consultation.
The mothers who stay silent out of fear.
The fathers who don’t ask questions.
And the systems that still allow this silence to thrive.

At Pinkishe, we’re committed to doing more than distributing pads or giving lectures.
We’re here to spark conversations that challenge taboos, change mindsets, and connect girls to the care they deserve.

We Keep Showing Up

Despite the resistance, the silence, and the heartbreak, we continue.

Because every girl deserves to understand her body.
Every girl deserves access to real care, not rituals.
And until that’s a reality for all, we’ll keep going.
One session. One conversation. One breakthrough at a time.