Here are the top menstrual hygiene practices
Menstruation, although still considered as dirty and taboo by many around the world, is a vital process in the human reproductive cycle. The stigma associated with it has left many young girls, and sometimes women, without information about how to hygienically go through the process.
Here are five tips on how to maintain hygiene during your menstrual period…
Top Menstrual Period Hygiene Tips
Clean Yourself Properly
Take a thorough bath or shower at least once in a day.
During menstruation, the blood may enter tiny spaces like the space between your labia or the crust around the opening of your vagina. Ensure you wash these places thoroughly well, then change to a new pad or tampon.
If you change your pad without taking a bath, make sure you wipe off the areas well using toilet paper. Not cleaning out the blood properly may lead to bad vaginal odor and even infections.
It is important that you use your hands in motion from the vagina to anus, and not vice versa to prevent transferring bacteria from your anus into your vagina that could result in infections.
Avoid Soaps And Vagina Hygiene Products
While it is a good practice to use soap and vaginal hygiene products every other day, using them during menses is a bad idea. The vagina has its own cleaning mechanism that comes into play when you’re on your period (1).
The use of soap or hygiene products on your menses kills the good bacteria, leading to infections and bad odor. Use soap and hygiene products of other parts of your body and only use warm water for your vagina.
Change Your Sanitary Napkin Every 4 To 6 Hours
This rule applies even on the days you don’t have much bleeding. Sweat from your genitals combined with the organisms from your vagina creates the perfect condition for urinary tract infections, vaginal infections, and skin rashes.
Change your sanitary pad at least once every six hours and if you are using tampons, change them every 2 hours. Make sure you customize your schedule according to your needs. Women with a heavier flow need to change more often than those with a lighter flow.
Pick A Method Of Sanitation And Stick To It
Women have many alternatives to pick from, including, sanitary napkins, tampons, and menstrual cups. it is advisable to pick one option or brand that you are comfortable with and stick to it. Different brands are designed differently and uniquely, so frequent switching may be uncomfortable.
You should also use one napkin or tampon at a time, even during heavy flow. The use of more than one might make you oblivious to changing them in time, causing infections.
Menstrual Hygiene Tips on Disposal: Discard Your Sanitary Napkin Properly
It is very important to dispose of used sanitary napkins or tampons properly as incorrect disposal could result in the spread of infections or a foul smell.
Wrap the pad or tampon well before disposing of it and do not flush them down the toilet as they might cause a blockage in the toilet. Make sure you wash your hands well after you dispose of the pad or tampon.
Links to sources used
- Should you clean your vagina? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-clean-your-vagina
