There is nothing worse than a painful period, especially if you don't take care of your vaginal health during it. Maintaining good hygiene can make you feel fresh and also keep many diseases at bay. It can lead to severe health conditions such as reproductive and urinary tract infections and cause infertility and birth defects. Read this article to learn ways to take care of your menstrual hygiene.
8 Ways To Take Care Of Menstrual Hygiene
Change Your Menstrual Products Frequently
Menstrual blood gets contaminated with your body’s innate organisms. You should change your menstrual products, be it sanitary pads or tampons, at frequent intervals. You should change your pads every four to six hours during the day when your body is most active. Meanwhile, tampons should be changed every four hours. Using menstrual products for a long time can cause rashes and infections.
Don’t Use Soaps Or Vaginal Hygiene Products
You should avoid using soap or vaginal hygiene products as the vagina has its own cleaning mechanism. Using soap can kill good bacteria and cause infections. You can use warm water for cleaning and only use soap on the external area.
Also Read: Here's Why Menstruation Should No Longer Be A Taboo
Wear Comfortable Clothes
You should wear comfortable clothes during menstruation for your body to feel relaxed. Wearing tight clothes can cause more sweat and increase the possibility of bacterial contamination. Wear cotton underwear during menstruation.
Discard Sanitary Napkins
It is important to safely discard sanitary napkins as they can spread infections. You should wrap the sanitary napkin properly and dispose it in a bin. Never flush it down the toilet. Wash your hands properly after disposing off your pad or menstrual cup.
Bath Regularly
You should take a bath during menstruation as it cleanses your body and your intimate area. Bathing will provide relief from cramps and backaches.
Use One Method Of Sanitation
Many women with heavy blood flow tend to use either two sanitary pads or a tampon and a sanitary pad. This should be avoided as it absorbs the blood, and you don’t see when they are fully used up. Thus, you are unlikely to change them, resulting in rashes and infections. You should also avoid using clothes with a pad for extra protection. Changing menstrual products at regular intervals is very important to maintain hygiene.
Also Read: Delayed menstruation cycle? Stress Could Be The Reason
The Right Washing Technique
While washing or cleaning the area, always follow a direction from the vagina to the anus. Bacteria from the anus may enter the vagina or urethral opening if you wash the site in the opposite direction. Regularly cleaning your vagina is crucial since organisms adhere to your body once your sanitary napkin is removed.
Practice Safe Sex
The chances of blood-borne diseases, such as HIV or Hepatitis B, are very high if you engage in unprotected sex during periods.
Bottomline
Follow these measures to maintain vaginal health and prevent the risk of many diseases. Consult your doctor if you face any complications during menstruation or problems in your intimate area.
