Handy Tips for Menstrual Hygiene
Enlisting below some imperative personal hygiene tips you must follow during menstruation.
Change the pad every four hours
If you use sanitary pads (or tampon) during your periods, change it often. Often as in, every 3-4 hours on the first two (or three) days when the flow is heavy. Later, depending upon the requirement, thrice a day should be good. Do not wear the same pad for more than eight hours.
Keep vaginal area clean
Women are slightly more vulnerable to bacterial infection due to the change in the vagina’s pH balance during menstruation. And so, washing the genital area twice a day not only means being confident that you smell fine, but also that you aren’t at risk of infections.
Although the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism, still to feel fresh, you can clean the vulval area with lukewarm water and diluted soap.
Prefer not to use perfumed shower gels, bubble baths or soaps as they have a drying effect on the delicate mucous membranes of vagina. They upset and interfere the normal pH balance.
Use the right washing technique
Always wash the vaginal area from the vagina to the anus and not the other way around as washing in the opposite direction can cause the bacteria from the anus to come in contact with the vagina and urethral opening, which can lead to infections.
(Read What You ‘SHOULD’ & ‘SHOULD NOT’ Do During Period here)
Discard the sanitary pad appropriately
Discarding used napkins and tampons properly is extremely important as they are capable of spreading infections. It is advisable to not flush the pad/tampon down the toilet as they can clog the system. Wrap it properly before discarding it.
These days there are paper bags available to be used specifically for the disposal of used pads and tampons. Easily available online. Or you can buy a bunch of plain brown paper bags which are available at stationary shops. Make sure to seal the edge of the bag to avoid spilling of the content in the trash.
Correct way of disposal
Step 1 – Fold the used sanitary pad in half to cover the menstrual blood, leaving only the adhesive side of the pad exposed.
Step 2 – Place the sanitary pad inside a small paper bag marked with a Red Dot.
Step 3 – Discard the wrapped sanitary pad in a trash can that is out of reach of pets.
Step 4 – Wash your hands with soap and warm water.