6 Menstrual Hygiene Tips for Healthy Periods

Managing Hygiene in Menstruation or Menstrual Hygiene Management in India is quite worrisome. It’s shocking to know that around 71 percent of women in rural India still use cloth. These numbers make us wonder what is still lacking in the system, and what is it that needs to be done to fill these gaps.

And even if we ignore the statistics for rural India, the conditions in tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 cities are also quite disappointing. One reason why this can be happening is that people still lack awareness and knowledge. That is why we have curated this blog to spread awareness about the menstrual hygiene problems in India and also provide some excellent tips for maintaining hygiene in menstruation.

What is Menstrual Hygiene and What is its purpose?

What is menstrual hygiene? Well, it is the practices and conditions required to manage menstruation in a safe and hygienic manner are referred to as menstrual hygiene or period hygiene.

Menstrual hygiene purpose is to protect the menstruating population's physical, mental, and social well-being. 

Menstrual hygiene practices are essential for preventing infections, discomfort, and health complications associated with menstruation.

Maintaining good hygiene during periods ensures cleanliness, freshness, and effective odor control during periods.

Effective management of menses hygiene enhances confidence and comfort, enabling women to carry out their daily activities without any hindrance.

By promoting period hygiene, we can break taboos, reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation, and ensure women's full participation in society.

Access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities empowers girls and women to attend school, pursue education, and engage in work, contributing to their socio-economic development.

Maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation plays a vital role in reducing the risk of reproductive tract infections, which can have long-term implications for fertility and overall reproductive health.

Related: Are you suffering from Premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

Menstrual Hygiene Challenges in India

1. Menstruation is covered in societal stigma and cultural taboos.

2. Menstruation is not openly discussed, which results in misconceptions and misunderstandings.

3. Limited sanitary pad availability and affordability, especially in rural areas.

4. A reliance on unsanitary substitutes like cloth, ash, or newspaper because of a lack of money.

5. Lack of sanitary and private toilet facilities in homes, businesses and public places.

6. Lack of water for maintaining personal hygiene throughout the menstrual cycle.

7. Insufficient menstrual health teaching in schools leads to a lack of knowledge about good hygiene habits.

Not maintaining proper menstrual health may leads to periods problems

Tips for Maintaining Period Hygiene & Health(Menstrual Hygiene Tips)

Although you might know the basic things like using a menstrual cup (but are menstrual cups safe?), pad, or tampon during periods, you might still be doing certain things wrong. That is why we have listed down some useful tips for period hygiene, have a look:

1. Change Pads Frequently

Changing sanitary pads and products every 4-5 hours is necessary to maintain menses hygiene because prolonged use can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odor. Regular changing helps prevent infection, discomfort, and leakage, ensuring optimal cleanliness and freshness during menstruation.

2. Look out for Body Changes

During periods, be alert for changes that require medical attention. These include unusual discharge (colour, odor), excessive bleeding (changing pads every hour), severe pain, irregular periods, and intense mood swings. 

These could indicate infection, hormonal imbalances, fibroids, endometriosis, or PMDD. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

3. Avoid Certain Foods

To reduce bloating, inflammation, and discomfort during menstruation, it is recommended to limit the consumption of salty snacks, sugary foods that can impact mood and energy levels, caffeine that can intensify tension and worsen cramps, and processed foods that may contribute to inflammation and digestive issues. You can also consult with a dietitian for a proper diet plan to ease periods.

4. Avoid Consuming Painkillers

Limiting the use of painkillers during periods is recommended to avoid masking underlying problems and delaying proper diagnosis. Addressing the root cause of menstrual pain is essential instead of relying solely on temporary relief. 

Excessive painkiller use can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. If severe or persistent pain occurs, consulting a healthcare professional is advised for proper guidance and management. Please note that you can book a free ob-gyn consultation online via Newmi Care or you can also subscribe to the holistic period care plan offered.

5. Use Suitable Menstrual Products

Choosing the right menstrual products is crucial for comfort, effectiveness, and hygiene. Pads are suitable for all ages due to their ease of use and wide availability. 

Tampons, recommended for teenagers and adults, provide internal protection for those comfortable with insertion. 

Menstrual cups, suitable for teenagers and adults, offer an eco-friendly and long-lasting option for individuals who are comfortable with internal use. Each product is suggested based on individual comfort, age, and preference.

Related: Are you looking for the best menstruation cups in india?

6. Clean before Use

Cleaning public toilet seats before use is necessary to minimize the risk of exposure to germs and bacteria. Disinfectant wipes, sanitizing sprays, or toilet seat covers can be used to clean the seat surface. These products help maintain personal hygiene and reduce the chances of infections or illnesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we have covered a lot about menstrual hygiene, and why menstrual hygiene is important, we still have answered a few questions. Have a look: 

Is it important to shower on period?

Showering or not is a matter of personal preference. While taking a shower solely because of menstruation is not necessary, doing so on a regular basis is crucial for overall cleanliness and freshness.

What happens if you wear a pad for 24 hours? (Best time to change the pad)

Menstrual hygiene is important. A pad can enhance the chance of bacterial growth, odor, and possible illnesses when worn continuously for 24 hours. To preserve hygiene in periods and avoid pain, the best time to change the pad is every 4 to 6 hours or as needed.

Can I wash my head on the second day of my period?

Yes, you can wash your head on the second day of your period. It is completely safe and has no side effects.

The Bottom Line

Menstrual Hygiene is crucial and during those sensitive days, you need to take extra care. Follow the menstrual hygiene practices mentioned above, buy good quality sanitary products, consult an OB-GYN if needed, and get in touch with us if you need further assistance. 

Check Newmi’s Period Care Plan now!