A new survey conducted by FrontPage Africa and New Narratives has revealed that over ninety percent of women in Liberia take antibiotics every month after menstruation. Doctors warn that this practice is contributing to a dangerous rise in antimicrobial resistance. The survey, which involved 109 women in Montserrado County during January and February, uncovered widespread misuse of antibiotics such as metronidazole and amoxicillin, often taken without a prescription. Many women believe these medications “cleanse” their bodies post-menstruation, while others use them to alleviate period pain or headaches. Medical experts assert that these beliefs are both unfounded and harmful.
Dr. Plenseh McClain, chairperson of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Liberia, described the survey findings as alarming. She expressed concern that Liberia is heading toward a serious resistance crisis, stating, “The medication that should be serving the purpose for that particular bacterial infection, it’s not going to be serving the purpose.” Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist the effects of medicines designed to eliminate them. In Liberia, this issue is already complicating the treatment of common infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and diarrhoea. A 2021 study by Washington University found that antimicrobial resistance led to over 4,000 premature deaths in Liberia that year, making it the country’s fifth leading cause of death. Experts believe the situation has deteriorated since then.
The survey also highlighted significant gaps in reproductive health knowledge among women. Many mistakenly believe that menstruation is an infection or involves “rotten eggs,” a misconception that is even taught by some biology teachers. Dr. Su Mon Thaw, a reproductive health expert, emphasized that the body has its own natural cleansing system, making antibiotics unnecessary and potentially harmful. “Your body is a very complicated machine that has its own perfect cleansing system,” she explained. “You don’t need to clean it from the outside.”
Doctors caution that repeated antibiotic use can disrupt the gut and vaginal microbiomes, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, it can reduce fertility and, in pregnant women, heighten the risk of miscarriage or the transmission of resistant bacteria to newborns. This practice is largely driven by misinformation, limited access to proper healthcare, and the low cost of antibiotics. Many women report that they cannot afford to visit a doctor and instead rely on advice from friends, family, or even health workers.
Health authorities have yet to respond publicly to the survey findings. Experts are calling for urgent public education campaigns to correct misconceptions and promote safe, evidence-based menstrual health practices. Without immediate action, Liberia risks facing a deepening health crisis as effective antibiotics become increasingly scarce.
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