MENSTUAL HYGIENE

By; Edom Chibuike Valentine



 Menstruation often referred to as period, is a normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Menstruation remains a taboo in many parts of the world even today despite efforts to erase the stigma associated with periods. It is a healthy biological process of women and girls’ reproductive cycle, yet culturally it is still considered to be dirty and impure in various part of the world fir example India makes menstruating girls and women feel ashamed and embarrassed to talk about, which can negatively affect their health. This article is to make women all over the world aware of how hygienically managing their menstruation can have positive impact on their mental performance, physical comfort and appearance. Here are some basic hygienic measures every girls and women should practise during menstruation;

Take a shower or bath at least once or twice a day.

Change pads or tampons regularly to prevent infections; it is advisable to change a sanitary pad once every six hours, for a tampon, it is every two hours.

Choose a good sanitary pad;

women with sensitive skin may avoid sanitary pads with plastic lining as they can cause rashes, itches and boils when rubbing against the skin.

Do not use soap or vaginal hygiene products to wash the genital areas.

Instead clean the vaginal area with warm water regularly, after each use of toilet and after urination. Washing the vagina with intimate wash can kill the good or beneficial bacteria making way for infections.

Always keep the vaginal area dry after every wash, else it might cause irritation. Use Antiseptic powder to help keep the area dry. Preferably before wearing the pad and after washing the vaginal.

Always wash or wipe the genital area from front to back; this is important because if done in the opposite direction can make way for bacteria from the anus to the vaginal and urethral opening leading to infection.

Make sure you wash your hands with warm water and soap after changing your pad or menstrual cup.

Never flush used sanitary pads and tampons down the toilet as they can clog plumbing areas and cause the toilet to overflow or get blocked. Discard used pad properly and throw them in dustbin to prevent the spread of infections.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing, rather than jeans or tight-fitting clothes during periods. This will ensure proper air flow around the sensitive areas as well as prevent sweating to a large extent.

Make sure you practice safe sex at all times especially during your period, as there’s an increased chance of passing on or contracting blood-borne infections or diseases during menstruation. It is not advisable to have sex during menstruation if you must practice safe sex.

 Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is vital to the health, well-being, mobility and productivity of women and girls. Stick and adhere to the above menstrual hygiene tips and you can be sure of staying fresh and feeling comfortable, cool and confident every day.