Maintaining Hygiene During Menstruation: Effects on Women’s Health
Proper menstrual hygiene—access to clean water, safe materials, and private sanitation—is vital for women's physical, reproductive, and mental health.
🦠 1. Infection Risks Linked to Poor Hygiene
- Prolonged use of pads, tampons, cloths, or cups without cleaning is associated with **urinary tract infections**, **bacterial vaginosis**, **reproductive tract infections**, skin irritation, and unpleasant discharge :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- An Odisha (India) study found women using disposable pads had significantly fewer symptoms compared to those using reusable cloths :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
🚻 2. Systemic Health Consequences
- Poor menstrual hygiene has been linked with higher rates of **pelvic inflammatory disease**, potential **infertility**, and future **pregnancy complications** :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Evidence from Bangladesh and Ethiopia showed that poor menstrual hygiene increases risk of reproductive tract infections by up to **3×**, and contributes to anemia and academic disruption :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
🧠 3. Psychological & Social Impact
- Inadequate facilities and stigma reduce self-esteem and school/work participation—many girls report missing classes due to anxiety, inadequate sanitation, or menstrual taboos :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Girls often face secrecy, shame, or lack of clear information about menstruation—globally, ~50% of girls in India lacked basic menstrual knowledge at menarche :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
🌍 4. Barriers in Access and Disposal
- Many low-income regions lack **WASH facilities**, forcing use of unsafe materials like ash, mud or cloth—raising infection risk and reinforcing inequality :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Improper disposal of pads and tampons clogs sanitation systems and harms the environment—~200,000 tonnes of menstrual plastic waste per year in the UK alone :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
✅ 5. Positive Outcomes of Hygienic Menstruation
- Using clean disposable pads, timely changes (every 3–6 h), or reusable sanitary products (washed properly) **lowers infection risk** and improves comfort :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
- Access to clean water, privacy to change, and safe disposal facilities supports dignity, education, and mental well-being :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
📊 Summary Table
| Hygiene Practice | Health Effect |
|---|---|
| Extended use of pads/tampons/cloth | ↑ UTIs, RTIs, discharge, irritation |
| Poor cleaning or reuse | ↑ Pelvic inflammatory disease risk |
| Lack of access or stigma | School/work absenteeism, lowered self-esteem |
| Safe use & regular change | ↓ infections; ↑ dignity and well-being |
👍 Practical Recommendations
- Change menstrual product every 3–6 hours (sooner on heavy flow days).
- Use clean disposable pads or properly laundered reusable cloths.
- Ensure access to clean water and soap for washing hands and materials.
- Use private, well-ventilated spaces to change and dispose of used products.
- Integrate menstrual education and hygiene into schools and workplaces.
📌 Key Takeaway
Maintaining menstrual hygiene is essential for preventing infections, protecting reproductive health, and supporting psychosocial welfare. Clean facilities, safe materials, proper education, and inclusive policy are critical to ensuring women’s dignity and health.