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Women’s reproductive health: Untangling fact from myth
Even when practically all information is available at our fingertips in today’s digital age, myths and misconceptions about health continue to abound, especially on women’s reproductive health.
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Obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) Dinda Derdameisha (second left) speaks at a talk show on women's reproductive health during the grand launch of First Care women’s and children’s clinic in South Jakarta on March 4, 2024, as the clinic’s founder Fitriyadi Kusuma (left) and CEO Pasha Fernanda Fauzi (second right) look on. (JP/Sylviana Hamdani)
A
lyah experienced intense abdominal cramps, a common ordeal for many women, which often left her bedridden despite her attempts to ease the pain with over-the-counter medication.
On a particular day in March, the 28-year-old secretary persevered through the discomfort, hoping that extra painkillers help her get through her day at the office. However, the cramps became unbearable, and she ended up going to an emergency room just before lunch.
A thorough examination revealed the cause: endometriosis on her ovaries.
"It's been growing inside me for years, pressing on my pelvic nerves and causing excruciating pain," Alyah recounted on April 22 during a telephone interview. "And here I thought period pains were normal."
In this story, several women from diverse backgrounds share their personal experiences to shed light on some of the misconceptions that still persist about women's reproductive health, combined with the professional insights of gynecologic oncologist Fitriyadi Kusuma and obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) Dinda Derdameisya.
By debunking myths and clarifying misconceptions about women's reproductive health, women can empower themselves to seek prompt medical care when they need to.
Myth 1: Periods are supposed to be painful
