Black women’s menstrual and reproductive health: a critical call for action in the UK

Inadequate menstrual health education in the UK contributes to delayed and poor treatment for menstrual related disorders, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids, many of which severely impact quality of life.1 Systemic racism and unconscious bias in healthcare23 compound barriers to Black women receiving the menstrual healthcare they need. Guided by preliminary results of the ongoing Black Women’s Reproductive Health (BWRH) project,4 we offer key recommendations to support Black women’s menstrual and reproductive health.Importance of educationEarly engagement with menstrual health education, from the first interactions with sexual health education in school, should set the stage for later life. This education should provide an overview of the signs and symptoms of menstrual abnormalities which can be recognised, communicated, and managed upon presentation. For example, teaching that severe period pain or heavy bleeding is abnormal may accelerate diagnosis and access to appropriate care for a menstrual related condition.5 Comprehensive menstrual health education…
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