How many of you know how important it is to practise good menstrual hygiene? It refers to utilising sterile material to absorb blood throughout a period. Many do not consider it to be serious. To increase awareness among individuals worldwide, Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked. The difficulties were avoided in ancient cultures since they regarded this subject as taboo. Lack of proper knowledge makes managing menstrual hygiene quite challenging.
For women and young girls, this is a tough time because it can completely throw off daily routines and create discomfort, muscular pain, cramps, bodily pains, and mood swings. If proper menstrual hygiene is not practised, the menstrual period can cause serious problems. The worst case of not maintaining hygiene can lead to reproductive health issues.
Here are some suggestions and precautions you can take to avoid infections and other serious illnesses.
14 Menstrual Hygiene Tips and Care Every Woman Should Know
1. Changing pads frequently
Because the flow is high throughout the day, it is necessary to change the pads four to five times. A new pad should be worn before bed because the blood flow level is lower at night and depends on the flow of menstrual blood. The pads should be changed periodically to prevent excessive itching and rashes.
2. Tampon or menstrual cup change
Some women choose to use tampons or menstrual cups. This needs to be changed four to five times as well because prolonged use can lead to infections from harmful bacteria and cause you discomfort.
3. Sanitary napkin disposal safely
It has been observed that people do not follow the precautions for properly discarding the napkins. Sanitary pads should be disposed of as safely as possible. It needs to be properly packed before being placed in the trash. It should never be flushed into the toilet because doing so can create clogs. Because the soiled pads are covered in hazardous bacteria, throwing them in the corners of restrooms could hurt other people using the facility.
4. Hand washing
Washing your hands after changing or discarding menstrual pads is the most important step. To avoid having any blood residue on your hands while changing or discarding the pads, make sure to properly wash your hands with soap and sanitise them.
5. Genital washing: Genital washing should be done properly with warm water to maintain proper hygiene of the intimate regions. You can also use wet wipes and other light liquid soaps. Abrasive soaps and liquid chemicals should be avoided because they occasionally irritate the vaginal areas. Inadequate washing could result in virginal discharge, which is bad for your health.
5. Avoid using tampons and pads simultaneously
Some women use tampons and pads simultaneously to absorb more blood when they have heavy menstrual blood loss. They also engage in this behaviour while travelling because they don’t want to have to worry about changing the pads and because they worry that if there is just one type of sanitation available, it would leave stains on their clothing. One should only employ one method of cleanliness to prevent all diseases and irritations. This will contribute to keeping a high standard of hygiene.
6. Take a regular shower
Keeping your body clean is just as vital as keeping your vagina clear. You must keep oneself extremely clean by taking daily baths. So it is vital to shampoo your hair throughout your period. You’ll feel better and won’t have any discomfort-related discomfort. Applying gel or using any kind of chemical spray within your vagina is not recommended. The pH balance and natural bacteria in your vagina may be disturbed as a result.
7. Change your underpants every day
This is a very crucial step. Additionally, if there is a high menstrual blood flow, it is advised to change it twice. Because this could stain your clothes and ruin your underwear. It is suggested that women who use tampons change them more frequently. Cotton panties are suitable since they are sturdy and cosy.
8. Reduce the odour as much as possible
Menstrual odour is a common occurrence. It is brought on by prolonged sitting, which encourages the growth of bacteria and leads to blood clots. Additionally, the odour can linger when the pad or tampon is not changed frequently and occasionally when you drink fewer drinks. However, there are several ways to lessen this odour, including changing your pads frequently and keeping your intimate areas clean by shaving or cutting pubic hair. After following these instructions, if the smell still seems to be there, try another option like tampons or menstrual cups.
9. Keeping genitals clean
Wash your genitals properly and frequently with warm water. Washing your genitals properly and frequently with warm water is equally vital. Because the germs from the anus can negatively affect the vaginal and urethral openings, which can result in severe infections, the proper strategy for washing is from the vagina to the anus and not the other way around.
10. Wash and sanitise the cloth used for menstruation
Some women continue to use cloth instead of pads for a variety of reasons, such as being unable to afford pads or finding them uncomfortable. Maintaining hygiene is crucial for these ladies. The menstrual cloth needs to be completely cleaned, if at all possible, sanitised, and dried outside where it can absorb sunlight. The cloth should never be thrown away without being washed and in the open. If it is not done, it will not only have an unfavourable effect on those who live nearby but also on those who come to collect the rubbish.
11. Watch out for rashes
Rashes are a very common condition for women throughout the menstrual cycle. Rashes are brought on by the continual friction created by the use of pads. Maintain the genital area as dry as you can to reduce friction. A changing pad is also essential to prevent any rashes. If rashes persist, apply antiseptic ointment or medicated powder occasionally. This will aid in the healing of the rash and prevent future chaffing. However, if the issue worsens, you should see a doctor.
12. Carry extra pads
For every woman, it is a must to carry extra pads, tampons or menstruation cups whenever they step out of the house. With these, there should be a small towel, antiseptic, cream powder, a sanitiser. There could be urgency at times. When you have all these in the bag then you will not have to worry about the upcoming period.
13. Taking the right medications when menstruating
The majority of women experience different physical conditions during this time, such as severe cramping, headache, nausea, and body aches and back pain. The term “dysmenorrhea” refers to this painful menstrual cycle. You have the option of using either natural cures or doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals. This will lessen the exorbitant pain.
14. Home remedies to lessen menstruation pain
A few of the home remedies can be utilised to lessen the excessive discomfort brought on by the procedure. If you place a heating pad on your back or pelvis, it can provide relief. It can also be beneficial to massage your abdomen. Yoga-based pelvic exercises, a healthy, balanced diet, and regular exercise can all be very useful.
Most women in remote areas are ignorant of the facts about menstruation since it is still seen as taboo. They are ignorant of the implications of taking good care of themselves during this time. People who are unaware of the scientific facts and sanitary health practises, which occasionally have negative health effects, should volunteer and reach out to educate menstruation hygiene, which will protect them from diseases like cancer, infections, etc. So, some of the basic advice listed above can assist in maintaining menstrual hygiene and taking the necessary precautions and care.
Every woman’s motto should be “Action and Investment in Menstrual Hygiene and Health.”
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