Effects of Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene on Women’s Health
Menstruation is a normal and essential biological process—but it also brings health considerations beyond bleeding. Poor menstrual hygiene and hormonal fluctuations can affect physical, mental, and reproductive health in women.
🩺 1. Risk of UTIs & Reproductive Tract Infections
- Poor menstrual hygiene—like using reusable cloth pads or prolonged use of sanitary products—increases risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and Candida infections :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
- A study in Odisha, India, found women using disposable pads had significantly fewer cases of UTIs or BV versus those using reusable pads :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Over 40% of people with urinary symptoms report worsening during menstruation—especially just before or during the period :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
🧠 2. Hormonal & Mental Health Effects
- Hormone fluctuations before and during menstruation can cause mood swings, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and exacerbation of depression, especially in cases of PMS or PMDD (affecting 5–8%) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Irregular menstrual cycles are associated with insomnia, depression, eating disorders, and stress—particularly common in younger women :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
💡 3. Physical Discomfort & Gastrointestinal Effects
- Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) can cause cramps, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue—sometimes severe enough to disrupt daily life :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Symptoms like bloating, body aches, and “period flu” are linked to prostaglandin release and estrogen drop before menstruation :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
🔄 4. Sexual Activity During Menstruation
- Sex during menstruation is generally safe and may relieve cramps via endorphin release—but the risk of infection or STI transmission is slightly increased without barrier protection :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Some evidence suggests orgasm during menstruation may increase retrograde menstruation, which potentially raises risk of endometriosis—but findings remain inconclusive :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
📊 Summary Table
| Aspect | Menstrual Impact | Health Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Hygiene Practices | Tolerance of reusable or prolonged pad use | Higher risk of UTI, BV, skin irritation |
| Hormonal Shifts | Fluctuations before/during cycle | Mood disorders, fatigue, anxiety, PMS/PMDD |
| Dysmenorrhea | Painful periods and cramps | Nausea, migraines, impaired functioning |
| Sex During Period | Orgasm triggering uterine contractions | Possible infection risk or endometriosis implications |
✅ Hygiene & Health Recommendations
- Replace pads or tampons every 4–6 hours; avoid prolonged use.
- Choose well-ventilated, breathable disposable products when possible.
- Maintain genital hygiene; clean with mild soap and water.
- Track mood and cycle symptoms; seek help if PMS or menstrual depression is severe.
- Use condoms during period sex to reduce infection risk.
📌 Final Takeaway
Menstruation affects women's health across multiple dimensions—from infection risk tied to hygiene practices to hormonal impacts on mood and bodily discomfort. Proper hygiene, symptom tracking, and informed medical care (especially for mood or pain disorders) can help mitigate many of these effects.