Blog
Breaking Taboos and Expanding Perspectives: The Imvaha Project in Switzerland
Written by Sina Gebert
Menstrual health is a topic that affects half of the population, yet it remains surrounded by stigma and misinformation. With the Imvaha Project, we aim to change that—right here in Switzerland. As medical students, we chose this project for our master's thesis because it perfectly combines social sciences and medicine, two fields that are deeply interconnected when it comes to public health and well-being.
What makes this project so exciting is that we are piloting everything ourselves—engaging in focus group discussions, conducting body mapping exercises, and working closely with diverse communities. Menstrual health management is not just a personal issue; it’s a societal one, impacting education, work, and overall quality of life. And even in a country like Switzerland, where access to healthcare is relatively good, gaps in knowledge and open conversation still exist.
By working on this project, we’re not only contributing to important research, but we’re also broadening our own horizons—understanding different perspectives, challenging existing narratives, and gaining insights that go far beyond textbooks. The conversations we’ve had so far have been incredibly eye-opening, and they prove just how relevant and necessary this work is.
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to break taboos, to create awareness, and to pave the way for better menstrual health management in Switzerland and beyond.
What makes this project so exciting is that we are piloting everything ourselves—engaging in focus group discussions, conducting body mapping exercises, and working closely with diverse communities. Menstrual health management is not just a personal issue; it’s a societal one, impacting education, work, and overall quality of life. And even in a country like Switzerland, where access to healthcare is relatively good, gaps in knowledge and open conversation still exist.
By working on this project, we’re not only contributing to important research, but we’re also broadening our own horizons—understanding different perspectives, challenging existing narratives, and gaining insights that go far beyond textbooks. The conversations we’ve had so far have been incredibly eye-opening, and they prove just how relevant and necessary this work is.
Ultimately, our goal is simple: to break taboos, to create awareness, and to pave the way for better menstrual health management in Switzerland and beyond.
Written by Sina Gebert
I have to tell you about our project – it's been such an exciting and meaningful experience. We’re working on something really inspiring, all centered around female empowerment. It’s amazing how many different aspects we can bring together and how we get to collaborate with people from so many different cultures and backgrounds. It feels like every conversation adds a new perspective, shaping the bigger picture.We’ve already had our first Focus Group Discussion and Body Mapping Exercise, and it was truly eye-opening. The discussions were deep and thought-provoking, and I found myself completely drawn in. The body maps that were created told such personal and powerful stories – each one offering a unique insight. It made me reflect a lot on how much our bodies hold and express when we take the time to listen.One of our main goals is to break taboos and help destigmatize menstrual health. It’s something that affects so many people, yet it’s still surrounded by silence in many places. Being part of this project has not only broadened my perspective but also sparked so many meaningful conversations beyond the sessions – even over dinner with friends, we find ourselves sharing thoughts and experiences.It’s a great feeling to be working on something that has the potential to make a real difference.
I have to tell you about our project – it's been such an exciting and meaningful experience. We’re working on something really inspiring, all centered around female empowerment. It’s amazing how many different aspects we can bring together and how we get to collaborate with people from so many different cultures and backgrounds. It feels like every conversation adds a new perspective, shaping the bigger picture.We’ve already had our first Focus Group Discussion and Body Mapping Exercise, and it was truly eye-opening. The discussions were deep and thought-provoking, and I found myself completely drawn in. The body maps that were created told such personal and powerful stories – each one offering a unique insight. It made me reflect a lot on how much our bodies hold and express when we take the time to listen.One of our main goals is to break taboos and help destigmatize menstrual health. It’s something that affects so many people, yet it’s still surrounded by silence in many places. Being part of this project has not only broadened my perspective but also sparked so many meaningful conversations beyond the sessions – even over dinner with friends, we find ourselves sharing thoughts and experiences.It’s a great feeling to be working on something that has the potential to make a real difference.
Written by Sina Gebert
Menstrual Health in Switzerland: Safe and Controlled?"And now you think, well, in Switzerland it will probably be controlled somehow, so it's not bad. (…) Maybe that's a bit naive, I don't know. (…)
Other person: No. (…) So I do believe that we actually have good controls in Switzerland when it comes to hygiene products and other things... I already have confidence."This exchange took place in one of our focus group discussions as part of the IMVAHA Project. It reflects an assumption many of us hold: that in Switzerland, menstrual health is well-regulated and safe. But is it really? How much do we actually know about the safety and quality of menstrual products? About the accessibility of menstrual health information? Even in our medical student bubble, we realized how little evidence-based knowledge we have on this topic.
Challenging Assumptions
Other person: No. (…) So I do believe that we actually have good controls in Switzerland when it comes to hygiene products and other things... I already have confidence."This exchange took place in one of our focus group discussions as part of the IMVAHA Project. It reflects an assumption many of us hold: that in Switzerland, menstrual health is well-regulated and safe. But is it really? How much do we actually know about the safety and quality of menstrual products? About the accessibility of menstrual health information? Even in our medical student bubble, we realized how little evidence-based knowledge we have on this topic.
Challenging Assumptions
Switzerland is often associated with high standards—especially when it comes to healthcare and product regulations. But the reality is that we lack concrete, independent research on menstrual products and their potential long-term health effects. Ingredients in tampons and pads are not always fully disclosed. Menstrual health is still rarely addressed in medical education, leaving even future doctors with gaps in knowledge.
Why This Research Matters
Through the IMVAHA Project, we are piloting research methods to collect qualitative data on menstrual health. Our goal is to generate evidence-based knowledge—because informed choices are the foundation of gender equality. If we want to empower women and people who menstruate, we need transparency about what we put into our bodies, awareness of the health implications, and access to safe, sustainable products.
Beyond Switzerland
This is not just a question of safety—it’s about agency and autonomy. Even in a country with strong regulations, societal taboos still limit open discussions about menstruation. If we, as medical students, still find ourselves questioning what we know, how can we expect others to make truly informed decisions?By being part of this research, we’re not just learning about how large-scale projects work—we’re confronting our own biases and asking critical questions. Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; it’s a public health and gender equality issue. And it’s time we start treating it as such.
Why This Research Matters
Through the IMVAHA Project, we are piloting research methods to collect qualitative data on menstrual health. Our goal is to generate evidence-based knowledge—because informed choices are the foundation of gender equality. If we want to empower women and people who menstruate, we need transparency about what we put into our bodies, awareness of the health implications, and access to safe, sustainable products.
Beyond Switzerland
This is not just a question of safety—it’s about agency and autonomy. Even in a country with strong regulations, societal taboos still limit open discussions about menstruation. If we, as medical students, still find ourselves questioning what we know, how can we expect others to make truly informed decisions?By being part of this research, we’re not just learning about how large-scale projects work—we’re confronting our own biases and asking critical questions. Menstrual health is not just a women’s issue; it’s a public health and gender equality issue. And it’s time we start treating it as such.