The scarcity of conversations about the vital process of menstrual perpetrates multiple myths around it. This taboo impacts the wellness of women in several ways, one of the most important being the improper knowledge system around adequate menstrual hygiene.
Menstrual hygiene is extremely central in ensuring the overall well-being of women. Inept methods of sanitation may result in numerous and lethal infections and long-term diseases. This may also impact reproductive health.
Top 10 menstrual hygiene tips
Most women employ their own ways when it comes to dealing with periods. However, certain menstrual hygiene practices must be followed to stay healthy –
1) Separate panties for periods:
Though it is not a hard and fast rule to keep separate panties for periods, it is highly advisable. The panties should be properly cleaned and washed. Change the panties every day, and if the panty gets strained, it should be removed and cleaned immediately. It is suitable to soak the panties in antiseptic liquid for a while after washing and before drying them.
2) Select one method of sanitation:
A variety of methods like sanitary napkins or menstrual cups, and tampons are available today. All of the methods are safe to use but you should opt for the one that feels most comfortable. It should be a purely preference-based selection. While some women prefer pads, others are more comfortable with the new age menstrual cups. Simultaneously, not only the type but the brand of the method may also make a difference. So try out and choose wisely.
3) Regularly changing:
The flow may vary from woman to woman and day to day of the menstrual cycle. But less flow does not mean that you should change in a long time. Once the menstrual blood has left the body, it gets contaminated by other organisms of the body. So even if you have extremely less flow. The dampness of your pad and sweat from your genitals will provide a breeding ground for these organisms to multiply, leading to urinary tract infections, vaginal infections and skin rashes. A pad should be changed once every 5-6 hours, while the tampon should be changed every two hours. However, if your flow is heavy, you may reduce this time.
4) Ensuring cleanliness of tampons and menstrual cups
Reusable menstrual cups and tampons are inserted in the vagina repeatedly and they should be thoroughly sterilized each time before use. Maximum precautions must be taken while cleaning them and disposing of the menstrual blood. Additionally, you should always wash your hands before inserting them.
5) Washing vagina at regular intervals:
On normal days you may not wash your vagina every time you go to pee. But it is advised to do so during your periods. Though washing your vagina while changing pads or tampons is a common practice, the former should also be inculcated as a habit.
6) No need to use soap or vaginal hygiene products:
It is generally known that the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism. Hence, using any artificial product for its cleaning is not necessarily required. However, this becomes more true during menstrual cycles. It is suggested that artificial products may hamper the natural mechanism of the vagina resulting in infections and bacterial growth.
7) Implement the right washing techniques:
You should always wash your vagina in a motion that runs from the vagina to the anus. It should never be done in the opposite direction because that can lead to bacteria from the anus getting lodged in the vagina and the urethral opening. This is a leading cause of urinary tract infections.
8) Bath regularly:
Though this is a hygienic practice with or without menstruation, certain myths prohibit women from showering during periods. This should be debunked as bathing not only helps in maintaining cleanliness in intimate parts but also helps in relieving menstrual cramps, and backaches, improving your mood and feeling less bloated.
9) Beware of a pad rash
A pad rash is a common discomfort during periods. It is caused by the wetness of the pad and when it rubs along the thighs which then results in chaffing. To prevent this, try to stay dry and change the pads regularly. In case of a rash, shower and apply an antiseptic ointment before bed.
10) Disposing of sanitary pads rightly:
The used napkins and tampons not only create a foul smell but may also spread infections, hence they should be disposed-off properly. None of them should be flushed and you should wash your hands after discarding the sanitary products.
These are the top 10 menstrual hygiene tips that will help you keep yourself away from unwanted problems. Follow these tips and stay healthy.
