Menstruation or periods is a natural biological process in women or AFAB. A lack of discussion around menstruation leads to unawareness surrounding period hygiene.
Menstrual hygiene refers to the practices carried out during menstruation to maintain cleanliness and prevent infections of the reproductive tract.
Factors like lack of education or supplies lead to poor hygiene during menstruation.|
In this article, we discuss some important menstrual practices that are important for hygiene and the consequences of not following them.
Importance of Menstrual Hygiene
Usually, a girl begins to bleed around the age of 13 or 14 and stops bleeding at the time of Menopause, in her late 40s or early 50s.
Every day, there are at least 300 million women or people who are on their period.
Taking care of yourself during menstruation is very important, as it helps reduce odor, and irritation and prevent infections.
Let us discuss the importance of period hygiene in detail.
Reduces odor
Period blood can sometimes have an odor. Good period hygiene practices include keeping your genital area clean, using menstrual products like sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups, and changing them regularly, which can help you prevent the odor
Prevent infection
The vagina has a balance of good bacteria. When you clean regularly during your period, it helps get rid of blood and stops bad bacteria from growing, which could cause infections.
Reduce Irritation
Menstrual blood can cause itching and irritation if left in contact with the skin for a long time. Proper hygiene practices during your period help prevent itching and keep you comfortable.
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Consequences of Poor Menstrual Hygiene
Even now, periods are considered a stigma in many societies. This makes it difficult for women to share and discuss hygiene issues openly.
Poor hygienic practices during periods can lead to severe infections. These infections include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, UTIs, and Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.
UTIs
Source: pixelshotUrinary Tract Infections, or UTIs occur because of improper hygiene practices. Not cleaning your private area regularly can cause bacteria to enter the urethra, causing a UTI. Its common symptoms include burning sensations while urinating, frequent urination, and pelvic pain.
Bacterial Vaginosis
The imbalance of vaginal bacteria due to unhealthy practices like not changing pads or not washing regularly during periods can lead to an imbalance of vaginal bacteria. Some symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are a fishy odor, burning, and itching.
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
It is a yeast infection that causes redness, itching, burning, and vaginal discharge. The warm and moist environment created by bad hygiene practices, like not changing pads or tampons regularly, can lead to yeast overgrowth, resulting in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis.
According to research, nearly 500 million women don’t have access to period products. This leads to the infrequent changing of products or the adoption of unsanitary practices such as the use of cloth.
Menstrual Hygiene Management
Ensuring proper Menstrual Hygiene Management is essential for maintaining women’s health and well-being.
Proper hygiene helps in reducing the risk of infections and promoting dignity during menstruation.
Here are some simple tips to follow for a healthy and comfortable period:
- Use gentle soap and water instead of harsh soaps, chemicals, or scented soaps to wash the outer area of your vagina, i.e., the Vulva
- Shower regularly during your periods to stay clean and fresh. Always remember to wash your hands before changing your period products
- It is important and beneficial to change your pads, tampons, or menstrual cups regularly to avoid infection. Menstrual cups should also be emptied and cleaned properly
- Throw away used pads or tampons in a dustbin. Never dispose of them in the toilet
- Drink enough liquids and stay hydrated. This helps in preventing infections
Conclusion
Menstrual hygiene is an essential aspect of a woman’s reproductive health.
Periods are considered a stigma in many societies, preventing women from talking about it openly.
Poor period hygiene, or its lack thereof, can lead to UTIs, skin irritation, and infections like Vulvovaginal Candidiasis or yeast infection. Good period hygiene practices help reduce irritation and odor and prevent infections during periods.
Menstrual hygiene practices like changing period products frequently, washing your genital area, and disposing of period products correctly help you have a comfortable period every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Menstrual Hygiene Day?
The 28th of May every year is marked as Menstrual Hygiene Day. It is observed to raise awareness about the importance of hygiene during menstruation and encourage open discussions about it.
Are menstrual cups safe to use?
Yes, menstrual cups are safe to use if used properly. They are a very good and affordable option as opposed to pads and tampons because they are reusable. They are also a sustainable choice and don’t harm the environment.
Does period blood carry bacteria?
Yes, period blood does carry certain levels of bacteria. The human body is built to handle this bacteria. Hence, maintaining good hygiene habits can effectively reduce the risk of infections.
How often should you change pads and tampons?
Pads and tampons should be changed every 8 hours, depending on your flow. Do not wait until they are completely full.
How often should you wash your genital area during periods?
You can wash your genital area as many times as required during your period. However, it is important to be gentle during washing.
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