Maintaining Hygiene During Menstrual Cycle: Complete Guide for Women
Menstruation is a natural biological process experienced by billions of women worldwide. Yet, due to social taboos, misinformation, and lack of awareness, menstrual hygiene often remains neglected. Maintaining proper hygiene during your period is essential to avoid infections, odour, discomfort, and long-term health issues. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to stay clean, healthy, and confident during menstruation.
Why Is Menstrual Hygiene Important?
Maintaining hygiene during periods helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin rashes, reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and foul odour. It also promotes mental well-being and ensures you can go about daily activities without embarrassment or discomfort.
1. Choosing the Right Menstrual Product
- Sanitary Pads: Widely available and easy to use. Change every 4–6 hours to prevent rashes and infections.
- Tampons: Internal product worn inside the vagina. Should be changed every 4–8 hours to avoid Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
- Menstrual Cups: Reusable silicone-based cups inserted into the vagina. Can be worn for up to 12 hours and must be sterilised between cycles.
- Cloth Pads: Eco-friendly option. Wash and dry them in direct sunlight to kill bacteria.
2. Regularly Change Your Product
Regardless of the product you use, it’s crucial to change it frequently. Prolonged usage allows bacteria to multiply, leading to infections, rashes, and unpleasant odour. Monitor your flow and change your pad, tampon, or cup accordingly.
3. Wash Your Genital Area Properly
Use clean, warm water to gently rinse your vaginal area twice daily. Avoid using soaps or intimate washes with fragrance or harsh chemicals, as they can disrupt your natural pH balance. Wipe from front to back to prevent the spread of bacteria.
4. Wear Breathable and Comfortable Underwear
Opt for cotton underwear, which is breathable and absorbs moisture. Avoid tight-fitting synthetic fabrics that trap heat and sweat, leading to irritation and infections. If possible, change your underwear twice a day during heavy flow days.
5. Dispose of Sanitary Products Properly
Wrap used pads or tampons in toilet paper or disposal bags before throwing them in a bin. Never flush sanitary products down the toilet, as they can clog pipes and harm the environment. Clean your menstrual cup thoroughly after each use and sterilise it at the end of your cycle.
6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Food
During your period, your body loses iron and fluids. Drink plenty of water and consume iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beans, and lentils. Avoid salty snacks and processed foods to prevent bloating. Warm soups and herbal teas can soothe cramps.
7. Keep an Emergency Kit Handy
Carry a pouch with extra pads or tampons, tissues, hand sanitiser, and spare underwear when you're on the go. This ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected periods or leaks, especially in public or during travel.
8. Change Bedding Regularly
If you bleed heavily at night, consider using overnight pads or placing an old towel under your sheets. Wash your bedsheets frequently during your period to maintain cleanliness and prevent stains and odour.
9. Watch Out for Signs of Infection
Symptoms like itching, foul-smelling discharge, burning sensation, or unusual pain during urination can signal infections. Do not ignore these symptoms. Consult a gynaecologist promptly if you notice anything unusual.
10. Break the Myths Around Menstruation
- Myth: Women shouldn’t bathe during periods.
Fact: Bathing is essential for hygiene and can relieve cramps. - Myth: Menstrual blood is impure.
Fact: Menstrual blood is as clean as blood from any part of the body. - Myth: Exercise should be avoided during periods.
Fact: Light exercise and yoga can ease period symptoms and improve mood.
Real-Life Example
Priya, a 22-year-old student, frequently suffered from rashes and itching during her periods. Upon switching from synthetic underwear to cotton and changing her pad every 4 hours, her symptoms disappeared. She now feels more confident during her cycle.
Period Hygiene for Teenagers
It’s important to educate girls from their first period. Schools, parents, and communities should promote awareness and provide access to affordable hygiene products. Period shaming and secrecy can harm mental health and confidence.
Role of Government and NGOs
Campaigns like India’s Menstrual Hygiene Scheme aim to distribute free sanitary pads in rural areas. NGOs such as Goonj and She Says also conduct awareness drives and product distribution. Access to menstrual hygiene is a basic human right.
Conclusion
Menstrual hygiene is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With the right habits, products, and knowledge, every woman and girl can manage her periods with dignity, health, and confidence. Let’s normalise conversations around menstruation and make hygiene a priority.
FAQs
1. How often should I change my sanitary pad?
Change your pad every 4 to 6 hours, or more frequently if you have a heavy flow.
2. Can I take a shower during my period?
Yes. Bathing is essential and can relieve cramps and freshen you up.
3. Is using a menstrual cup safe?
Yes. If sterilised properly, menstrual cups are safe, reusable, and eco-friendly.
4. How do I avoid infections during menstruation?
Change your product regularly, wash your genitals with warm water, and wear clean cotton underwear.
5. Can I exercise during periods?
Absolutely. Light workouts or yoga can reduce cramps and improve mood.
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