Maintaining menstrual hygiene is crucial for a woman’s overall health and well-being. In this article, we’ll explore 5 effective tips for maintaining menstrual hygiene that every woman should know to ensure a healthy period.
- Stay fresh
During menstruation, you may note you smell odd. But you shouldn’t worry about it since it’s the scene of your blood, mucus, sweat, and dead bacteria.
The strange smell arises from fomenting discharge that has pooled there for too long. Since the area is confined, it would emit a foul smell.
What then do you do to stay fresh? Several things. The first is to avoid sitting down for too long.
Lengthy seating only restricts ventilation to an already constrained area, leading to an unpleasant odor.
Next, you need to hydrate continually. The more water you drink, the quicker the discharge as water cleanses the vaginal glands responsible for disposing of the shed uterine tissues.
Water intake also promotes urination, thus helping you visit the toilet a lot more.
As you urinate, the passing fluids help to cleanse the pathway. What’s more, while in the loo, you have time to check and change your sanitary drape.
Also, according to Health Shots, ensuring proper hygiene and addressing unpleasant odors during menstruation requires frequent changes of period products. Dr. Siddhartha emphasizes that for both vaginal hygiene and overall well-being, it is recommended to replace your sanitary pad every 4-6 hours. This practice not only maintains your freshness but also safeguards you against potential infections.
- Allow more ventilation
Changing your tampons often isn’t going to maintain top hygiene if your panties are damp. As you drip, there is a chance that the wetness could soil your inner-wear.
Thus you need to also change your innerwear at least twice daily during your periods. The type of inner pants you wear also helps to sustain hygiene down there.
Instead of using a polyester type that retains moisture and dampness, try putting on cotton fabric. This is more comfortable for your pelvis, while also aerating well.
And while at it, ensure that you trim your public hair. Hair traps blood and sweat from down under, and could hence compound odor associated with menstruation.
By keeping your groins bald, and putting on light and layered cotton underwear, you promote good hygiene. Cotton absorbs moisture while also allowing air transfer across the fabric.
New designer innerwear suitable for use during your menstruation days is available, instead of tampons.
- Shower frequently
You are already aware of the benefits accruing from personal hygiene. This behavior is even more significant when you are menstruating.
Menstruation occurs when your cervical glands dispose of unwanted buildup from the womb.
During this phase of the month, some women report feeling fatigued, depressed, and irritable.
Besides, cramps and hormonal swings could exacerbate your mood. Even though you feel lazy during this phase, prioritize the shower still.
Showering frequently during your periods helps in many aspects. It cleans your skin including irritated folds between your legs.
Bathing eradicates dead cells and discharges from your soft petals. When you leave these to accumulate, they result in inflammation, discomfort, and infections.
Proper bathing also calms your mood by stimulating blood flow. This way you massage off the tension caused by ovulation, easing your overall tension.
Scrubbing well is essential. Wash with water and mild soap, starting from the vagina in a backward movement to the anus, by not vice versa. This prevents infections.
According to information from Healthline Media, beyond hygiene considerations, bathing while menstruating presents additional advantages, such as relaxation. Immersing yourself in a warm bath can assist in unwinding and easing tense muscles, offering a natural source of relief from cramps and various menstrual symptoms, including headaches and lower back pain. Additionally, taking a warm bath before bedtime can contribute to improved sleep quality.
- Relax
The type of attire you put on during your menstruation can also directly impact hygiene at this time. Typically, you dress according to the weather and occasion.
But during ovulation, you must consider comfort and relaxation when you pick your fashion. This period is punctuated by high-stress levels and discomfort is particularly high.
Hence if you decide to put on a tight-fitting dress, or abrasive jeans, you are just increasing the unease.
If bloating accompany your periods, any dress clinging onto your mid-rift would spell disaster. Rather than help you, such clothing only worsens cramps and bloating.
Tights interfere with circulation. This time, though, is when you need an unobstructed blood supply to ease the distress.
What dress should you prefer then? Resort to loose or stretchy clothes. If you are into a dress, take a free one with no waistband. And if you prefer skirts or pantsuits, select the ones with a high waist.
According to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opting for comfortable attire throughout your menstrual cycle has a dual benefit. Not only does it promote relaxation, but it also holds a vital role in upholding menstrual hygiene. It’s advisable to choose lightweight and breathable garments, like cotton underwear, as tight fabrics can retain moisture and warmth, potentially fostering the growth of germs.
- Use right products
Lastly, the kind of sanitary products you use during your periods can increase or worsen your hygiene levels.
Always ensure that the product’s composition and structure are helpful. Using disposal pads containing certain staff harmful to your vagina can spell trouble.
They bring undesirable side effects such as heavier bleeding, increased cramps, or even elevated odor. Tampons made from harsh materials and chemicals could even result in a major illness like cancer if used over time.
The size of the tampons you use also allows for better sanitary situations down there. Opt for larger pads when bleeding heavily, to avoid seepages.
During this cycle, be leery of your medications. Steroids with anticoagulants can induce excessive bleeding or bleeding disorder as you menstruate.
Ensure you concur with your Obs/gyn which pads to use and which medicines to avoid. These professionals get important medical alerts on the trending side effects of all vaginal products detrimental to your health.
As such, their advice may also enhance your period hygiene.
All in all, we talked about how taking care of menstrual hygiene is important for overall physical health. We are confident that ladies can improve their menstrual hygiene and vaginal health if they follow the five mentioned simple steps.
What Is Personal Hygiene In Menstruation?
Personal hygiene during menstruation refers to the practices and habits that are necessary to maintain cleanliness and prevent infections during a woman’s menstrual cycle. Menstruation is a natural process in which the lining of the uterus sheds every month, causing bleeding from the vagina. It is a crucial aspect of a woman’s reproductive health and requires proper care and attention to avoid discomfort and potential health risks. Personal hygiene during menstruation is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being, and it is crucial for every woman to understand and practice it.
The first and foremost aspect of personal hygiene during menstruation is maintaining cleanliness. The menstrual blood is a rich medium for bacterial growth, and it is essential to keep the genital area clean to prevent infections. Women should wash their hands before and after changing sanitary products to avoid introducing any germs into the vagina. During menstruation, it is recommended to change sanitary pads or tampons every 4-6 hours to avoid bacteria buildup and odor. It is also crucial to wash the genital area with mild soap and water every time you change the sanitary product. This not only helps in maintaining cleanliness but also reduces the risk of any infections.
Proper disposal of used sanitary products is another crucial aspect of personal hygiene during menstruation. Menstrual blood can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, and it is essential to dispose of the used sanitary products in a hygienic manner. Sanitary pads and tampons should be wrapped in a newspaper or plastic bag before disposing of them in the garbage bin. Flushing used sanitary products down the toilet is not recommended as it can clog the pipes and cause environmental pollution. Proper disposal of used sanitary products is not only essential for maintaining personal hygiene but also for the well-being of the community.
Changing sanitary products regularly is crucial for maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation. Using the same sanitary pad or tampon for extended periods can lead to bacterial growth and infections. It is essential to choose the right kind of sanitary product based on your flow and change it regularly. Prolonged use of sanitary products can also lead to a condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. Therefore, it is important to change sanitary products every 4-6 hours, even if the flow is light.
Apart from maintaining cleanliness and changing sanitary products regularly, there are a few other personal hygiene practices that women can follow during menstruation. Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear is recommended as it allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Avoiding tight-fitting clothes and synthetic underwear can also help in preventing infections. It is also essential to maintain good personal hygiene during menstruation by taking regular showers and washing the genital area with mild soap and water.
Personal hygiene during menstruation is not just limited to physical practices, but it also includes taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being. Menstruation is often accompanied by physical discomfort, mood swings, and fatigue, which can affect a woman’s mental health. Practicing self-care during menstruation can help in reducing stress and promoting overall well-being. It is essential to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get enough rest during this time. Engaging in relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or taking a warm bath can also help in relieving physical and mental discomfort.
In conclusion, personal hygiene during menstruation is crucial for maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being. Proper hygiene practices like maintaining cleanliness, changing sanitary products regularly, and proper disposal of used products can help in preventing infections and promoting good health. Women should also take care of their mental and emotional well-being during menstruation by practicing self-care and relaxation techniques. By understanding and following proper personal hygiene practices, women can have a comfortable and healthy menstrual cycle. It is essential to educate young girls and women about personal hygiene during menstruation to break the taboo and promote better menstrual health.
