Women with severe cramps cannot work: is menstrual leave as necessary as maternity leave?
When it comes to women’s rights, one of the most recurring themes today in Brazil is the draft law 1249/22, which intends to define a leave of three consecutive days a month, for workers who suffer and may manifest serious and inherent manifestations related at the time of menstruation. The draft requires landlords and contractors to offer time off without any wages or labor penalties.
The action, however, has become the subject of controversy on the net, by users who define the pain deriving from the menstrual flow as something “sustainable” and not an obstacle, as defined by the bill. After all, what is the level of intensity of these symptoms?
Expert explains menstrual cramps
Considering the topic, nothing better than the parameter offered by a specialist in women’s health ― Helena Cossich is a gynecologist and obstetrician trained at the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Unirio). Additionally, she specializes in Gynecologic Videosurgery and is also a founding member of Baby Concierge, the nationally recognized digital face of the mother-infant universe.
“Every month there is a female stimulus on the inner wall of the uterus (endometrium) which predicts a possible pregnancy. When this doesn’t happen, the endometrium sloughs off, releasing a substance called prostaglandin which causes what we call colic (uterine contractions) and the expulsion of material we call menstruation,” says Helena.
Regarding the intensity of cramps and inconsistencies in menstrual flow, the doctor says the symptoms can be variable, but easy to identify.
“Cramps usually occur between two and three days before and during menstruation. The intensity may vary between women and between cycles, but these contractions can be so strong that transient ischemia (brain change caused by a temporary blockage of blood supply to the brain) occurs due to the blood vessels in the ‘uterus. Therefore, women who tend to have intense cramping and abnormal symptoms during their menstrual period most often have high levels of prostaglandin, a substance released when the endometrium undergoes peeling, and pain that lasts for three days,” she adds. she.
Severe menstrual pain feels like a heart attack
According to data and research released in recent years, the pains provided by the menstrual cycle can be compared to intense symptoms of other conditions, such as a heart attack or manifestations that occur during the gestational period.
“Depending on the level of severity and the associated pathologies, the pain can be so intense as to prevent a simple get out of bed. So, colic can be anything from a mild symptom to a 10 out of 10 pain that can be compared to other extreme pain.
Considering that few and still few countries in the world approve of menstrual leave, Helena says the tiny proportion can be explained by an archaic thought that still perpetuates society.
“To this day, there are people who overlook the pain of cramps, claiming they are associated with emotional imbalances in women. However, considering the pathophysiology and related diseases, menstrual symptoms cannot be scientifically related to emotional state, personality or stress.”
It also reinforces the urgency of approving the project in Brazil: “The intensity of colic can be mild, moderate or intense and can be an indication of some gynecological disease. It’s impossible to deny that there are cramps that are so severe that they prevent women from performing basic daily activities. You need to remember that living with pain is not something that should be normalized,” she concludes.
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Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
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