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6 must-do tips to keep your menstrual hygiene in check

You need to take special care of your vaginal health when Aunt Flo arrives. An expert suggests 6 menstrual hygiene tips for you.
menstrual hygiene tips
Learn how to take care of your menstrual hygiene. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Meeta Nakhare Published: 25 Apr 2022, 19:38 pm IST
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Periods can be a big mess sometimes, and so, it is the need of the hour to stick to good hygiene practices during menstruation. Let us tell you about a few menstrual hygiene tips for smooth and tension-free periods.

Menstruation is one of the important and essential processes of a woman’s body that deserves utmost self-care. Proper hygiene during menstruation can help you to manage the pain and stay fresh during your periods. So, good menstrual hygiene should be your first priority.

menstrual hygiene tips
Be mindful about the period products you use. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Not giving any attention down there during your menstrual cycle can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, and that can make you prone to vaginal infections. Even though the vagina is a self-cleaning organ of the body, you will still have to keep it clean. Here are some period hygiene measures which will help to stay happier during menstruation.

6 menstrual hygiene tips

1. Change the sanitary pad, menstrual cup, or tampon from time to time:

Did you know that when menstrual blood leaves the body, it can get contaminated with the body’s organisms. The pad will be damp and also have bacteria from the sweat. The bacteria can multiply, causing urinary tract infections, vaginal infections and skin rashes. Tampons and menstrual cups need to be inserted properly. Change the sanitary pad and the tampon at least after 6 hours. Don’t forget to wash your menstrual cup properly.

If the tampon is left inserted for a longer time, it can cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS) which is a serious medical condition caused by a bacterial infection). Changing pads and tampons regularly will keep infection and irritation at bay. In between cycles, menstrual cups are to be kept clean and dry in a cool place.

Also Read: Change your period products THIS often to maintain hygiene

2. Keep the vagina clean:

Just like any other body part, it is important to understand the need to keep the vagina clean. Are you aware that washing your intimate area from the back to front can lead to the transmission of the bacteria from the anus into the vagina or urethra opening. This can make you susceptible to infections. Wipe yourself from front to back. Try to wear clean cotton underwear while on your periods.

vaginal cleaning
Experts suggest douching can be avoided. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Avoid using chemical products:

As already mentioned, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. So, avoid douching for vaginal hygiene. You will also have to give up on using chemical products or soaps down there as they can lead to an infection. There is a fashion to overuse vaginal washes. This can lead to more harm to you.

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4. Dispose off the sanitary pad or tampon properly:

You will have to wrap them before discarding them so that the bacteria and infection do not spread. Avoid flushing them as they can block the toilet, causing the water to back up, spreading the bacteria all over it. After disposing off the pad or tampon, you will have to wash your hands with soap and water.

menstrual health
Be it tampons or pads, make sure you dispose them off responsibly. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Don’t forget to take a shower:

Take a shower at least twice a day. This can help you to keep yourself clean, stay fresh, get rid of that unpleasant odour down there, and prevent infections.

6. Try to avoid a pad rash:

A heavy flow can cause a pad rash. This will happen as the pad can be wet for a longer time. Try to change the pad by staying dry and using an ointment, as suggested by an expert after a bath and before bed, this will heal the rash. Pad lining may cause irritation to sensitive skin too. If rashes persist, the skin can be sensitive and indicate high blood sugar or allergy to the product. Please remember that there is apprehension in mothers of young adolescent girls, as these products were not available in their time. So, it is important to counsel both moms and daughters to choose the right product.

menstrual hygiene tips
Plastic-based pads can cause rashes. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

The last word

Sexual health awareness must be taught in schools. Adolescents, both young boys and girls, should be made aware of menstrual health in a positive way. Now follow these menstrual hygiene tips and stay safe.

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About the Author

Dr Meeta Nakhare
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Lokmanya Hospital, Pune ...Read More

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