Exploring male and female perceptions of menstruation

Menstruation is a natural process in which the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. It is negatively viewed in society due to various stigmas and myths related to it in various cultures. Societies have beliefs about menstruation that impact the way individuals are treated during their periods. Efforts are being made globally to address the challenges faced by females during menstruation and promote menstrual health and hygiene.The present study focuses on the phenomenon of menstruation among young adults. It also investigates the difference between the perspectives of males and females regarding menstruation. The sample consists of 15 female and 15 male participants of the age-group 18 to 24 years. Here, semi-structured interview method is used to collect data from participants. The interview has been recorded and transcribed to derive the themes, sub-themes, frequency, and narratives from it. The qualitative data is analysed using thematic analysis to obtain results.The results revealed that the phenomenon of menstruation is bounded with various stigmas in our society and significant difference is found in the perception of males and females regarding menstruation.