Menstrual hygiene is very important for preventing infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, infections of the reproductive system and odour among women. Poor menstrual hygiene can raise the risk of infertility and birth complications. It also helps in determining their psychological wellbeing as lack of menstrual hygiene can result in social stigma towards women. Therefore women should not neglect hygiene during those days. Here are some easy tips to maintain menstrual hygiene to be comfortable and stress-free during periods.
=Change your sanitary products regularly: You can choose any product according to your preferences during your periods, but make sure to change it on regular intervals. Doctors recommend that sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups should be changed every 4-8 hours to prevent bacterial growth and odour because trapped moisture provides breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. This practice will keep you fresh and comfortable throughout your periods.
=Dispose of the waste properly: Always make sure that used menstrual products should be disposed of properly. The best method of discarding the soiled napkin is to wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the dustbin. Sanitary napkins usually come with paper bags for wrapping the soiled napkin. Otherwise wrap the used pad in a newspaper properly and throw it in the dustbin but never flush it down because it can block the toilet.
=Maintain personal hygiene: Wear lightweight and breathable clothes and do not wear synthetic underwear especially because it can irritate the skin. Take showers regularly during menstruation to stay fresh and clean. It is important to change your undergarments after every shower. Similarly, wash your genital area with mild soap and water regularly.
=Choose the right product: Do not get trapped under any false influence about menstrual products. Choose them according to your needs and comfort. For example, some women prefer pads whereas others may prefer menstrual cups. But try to choose eco-friendly alternatives. This way you can help in nurturing the mother nature also as many sanitary products are not biodegradable.
=Use unscented products: Opt for unscented menstrual products to reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Moreover scented hygiene products can impact and disturb the natural pH balance of your genital area. Also, avoid using douches or harsh chemicals in the genital area.
=Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated. It can help not only alleviate menstrual cramps and bloating but also wash out urinary tract infections like vaginal candidiasis. But avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can exacerbate menstrual symptoms.
Some more tips
=Always wash your hands before and after changing the menstrual product to minimize the chances of any infection.
=Make sure to change sanitary pad after every 4 hours, regardless of the light flow.
=If flow is heavy then change the pad more frequently to keep the area dry. Otherwise you will get rashes.
=While using tampons, change them after every 4 hours and don’t wear them for more than 6 hours.
=Menstrual cups should be properly cleaned after every use. After rinsing in running water, put them in boiling water for one or two minutes. This will sterilize the cup.
=Period underwear has become the preference of many women. These are reusable underwear specifically for periods. But wash them properly after every usage.
=Keep a track of your menstrual cycle to prepare yourself with essential supplies and scheduling your days accordingly. There are various mobile apps available for cycle tracking.
=If you notice any changes in your periods, consult your gynecologist immediately.
The author is the Founder & Director, VYOMINI Social Enterprise.