ETHNOGRAPHY OF FERTILITY AND MENSTRUATION IN RURAL MEXICO

In rural populations in Mexico, the system of ideas in relation to the reproductive cycle is built on a mestizo base, with pre-Colombian and Western elements. The objective of the study was the analysis of conc epts and resources related to human reproduction in Morelos, in order to design a primary reproductive health care program. The use of ethno graphic methods helped identify bio-cultural constructs on which the c ommunities base their reproductive patterns. Our main research results reveal that these populations attribute great value to the extension of the family through descendants. Women's sexuality is directly linke d to reproduction and blood is the supremely feminine substance. Great importance is consistently attributed to menstruation about which wel l-defined concepts exist in the community, where as pre-menarche chang es are perceived as a state of bio-psychosocial maturity. Menarche bey ond 14 years of age is considered abnormal and is attributed to an 'ex cess of cold' in the body, therapy is usually administered by traditio nal birth attendants. In the mythical explanations given for bleeding, the moon plays a fundamental role, as the first rupture of the hymen is attributed to it. A general lack of knowledge about ovulation and i ts relation to reproduction was observed, resulting in incorrect contr aceptive practices.