UNAM opens first comprehensive menstrual health clinic

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has inaugurated its first Comprehensive Menstrual Health Clinic at the University Medical Center of the General Directorate of Health Care (DGAS). The clinic offers multidisciplinary care including medicine, nursing, nutrition, psychology, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and social work, aiming to address menstrual health issues that have long been stigmatized and neglected Source: infobae.

Context and goals

Officials emphasized that the clinic responds to a significant public health issue: 70% of UNAM's student body are women, and menstrual pain is often normalized despite its impact on academic life Source: mileniomx. Gustavo Olaiz Fernández, head of the DGAS, stated, "Our objective is very simple: that menstruating not be a limitation for studying, developing, and living fully" Source: mileniomx. The clinic is currently located in Ciudad Universitaria but will expand through telemedicine across the institution Source: infobae.

Addressing stigma and education

Norma Blazquez Graf, UNAM's Coordinator for Gender Equality, highlighted that menstruation has been surrounded by "silence, prejudice, misinformation, and stigma," and that many young women do not know which symptoms require professional evaluation Source: mileniomx. The clinic aims to provide reliable information, prevention, and specialized care in a respectful environment Source: infobae.

Broader impact

Sandra Domínguez Lozano, Director of Medical Care at DGAS, cited evidence that dysmenorrhea affects approximately 71% of women worldwide, making it one of the most common health problems during reproductive age Source: infobae. Cecilia Fernández del Valle, medical director of Medix, agreed that menstrual symptoms have been minimized and that the clinic fosters a culture of prevention and self-care Source: mileniomx.