Menarche, menstruation and reproductive life of women

Background: Reproductive process involves the sexual maturity of male and female. Female bears larger responsibility in a reproduction process with minimum say in India. Therefore, this study was planned in a rural area to investigate the menarche age, menstruation, reproductive life, use of contraceptives and their say in reproductive life in rural areas of Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, India. Methods: Well defined questionnaire pertaining to the: menarche, age of regular menstrual cycle, age of marriage, fertility, age of first pregnancy, number of children with gap, abortion, and contraceptive methods used was prepared on reproductive matters of women. Results: Results of study reveals that menarche age of women was 13-15 years, 37% women of study experienced normal menstruation, early marriage, cases of infertility, early age of getting pregnant, 61% had three and more than three children and 42% female did not use birth control methods. Conclusions: In conclusion women need basic scientific understanding, awareness and say in reproductive and sexual life. Male partner should have basic knowledge of reproductive and sexual health. He should have supportive, caring and sharing attitude toward his spouse.