Working in a hospital for hours, wearing a PPE kit, drenched in sweat, has always been tough for healthcare workers. But, the situation is even worse for menstruating people. These exhausting work hours, even during periods, have tremendously affected the physical and psychological health of the workers, leading to yet other problems.
The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) consists of coveralls that are worn over the scrub suit, along with a headcover, a face mask, gloves, goggles, a face shield, and rubber boots. Proper World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines have to be taken into consideration while donning and doffing a PPE, due to its exposure to the virus-proximity and the possibility of spreading it. Once worn a healthcare worker cannot remove it in the middle of the work, restricting them to eat, drink or even visit the washroom.
Experiences Of A Healthcare Worker having To Menstruate In A PPE Kit
While all these restrictions have turned out to be a huge challenge for all the healthcare workers, menstruating people have had to make more compromises. Since their duty lasts for a continuous 6 to 8 hours wearing a PPE kit, most menstruating healthcare workers eat or drink water all at once to avoid eating or drinking anything once duty starts.
“…I drink plenty of water before entering the restricted area… other medical staff do the same thing. But after one or hour or so, we feel like having at least one sip. But we can’t. This is because if anyone takes off even a small part of the PPE suit, they face the danger of catching the infection”, told a healthcare worker tothe Indian Express.
With no possibility of going to the washroom for hours even during the periods, they have started wearing sanitary pads with a diaper for extra protection. However, wearing a pad for prolonged hours puts them at risk of the urinary tract infection and other bacterial infections.
“The environment inside the PPE is very hot and humid. And since you do not get to change your pad for six to eight hours, the humidity and heat can lead to infection in the genital tract,” said Dr. Richa Sareen, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj.
As most hospitals are already short-staffed, these healthcare workers cannot even take leaves. Instead, they take painkillers to reduce the period pains and report for work. Some staff nurses are even popping pills to delay their menstrual cycle. A lot of them are concerned about their menstrual hygiene since some hospitals don’t have a separate washroom.
Psychological Impact
A UNICEF brief, which came out in April 2020, focused on the menstrual health and hygiene of women during COVID-19. It elaborated the methods of safe and accessible WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) during menstruation. This brief even emphasised on the mental and psychological health of the healthcare workers, talking about the chances of women workers developing stress and anxiety.
Due to tremendous work pressure, exhausting work hours and long shifts, professionals who menstruate have started facing problems including PCOS. A survey revealed that this pandemic is taking a significant toll on women working in health and social care. Also, 72% of the respondents believed that due to COVID-19 their jobs were having a negative impact on their mental health.
“The United Nations and UNICEF recommend that female health workers be provided with a sufficient quantity of menstrual hygiene materials and that female health care workers be allowed breaks every four hours. The menstrual pads should be made of high absorbency materials. Women should have access to separate washrooms and should also be provided pain killers if needed,” Dr Wiqar Shaikh told Mid-Day.
Warrior? Or Not?
Dr Kamna Kakkar shared her personal experience of menstruating in a PPE kit, with The Print. Through this detailed piece, along with elaborating her experience, she talks about the societal shame around periods. “I realised how privileged I have been all my life to have access to menstrual hygiene products,” said Kakkar, talking about the importance of menstrual hygiene.
She renounces having called herself a “warrior” who bled on the line of duty saying, “Am I not just another regular woman doing my job? Regular women menstruate while working — nothing heroic about it. However, unlike me, who bled freely by choice, if one has to menstruate without a pad or a tampon out of compulsion, it makes her a victim of social apathy. The Indian women labourers who’re delivering babies on the road, and within an hour, walking back home —are they heroes? No, they’re victims too. They’re losing blood with every step they take.”
While these unusual times have affected everyone, it has been a little more difficult for women and people who menstruate. Whatever it may be, one thing is absolutely clear, that despite all these situations women have yet again emerged out as victorious.