Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is a global initiative created to erase taboos and stigma associated with menstruation. It also aims to bring awareness to good menstrual hygiene practices. The day helps to empower every woman and girl to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, with confidence and without shame so they are not prevented from reaching their full potential.
The theme for this year is: “It’s Time For Action”. Watch the MH Day 2019 highlight video here. People from all over the world gave their answers to what they think “is needed to create a world in which women and girls are no longer limited by their periods.” Together we can call for action on MHM!
To mark today’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, we share some essential tips to follow to maintain menstrual hygiene.
Your periods are a much important part of your life. So it’s important to practice safe hygiene as not all practices are healthy.
Essential tips to follow for good menstrual hygiene
1. Choose your sanitary option wisely
These days, women have a lot of options to choose from, such as tampons, sanitary napkins to menstrual cups of all ranges. It is best to stick to a brand that suits your needs rather than frequently changing between options. Also, using two sanitary napkins simultaneously is not a good idea. It can lead to rashes or infections.
2. Change your preferred sanitary method every 4-6 hours
Using a single pad or tampon for the whole day is bad for you. It doesn’t matter how heavy or light your flow is. Sanitary pad must be changed every six hours and tampons every 2 hours or so. It is important to understand your body flow. Menstrual blood, when released from the body, attracts various organisms which can cause irritation and rashes and may lead to urinary tract infections(UTIs). Even on days with low blood flow, it is necessary to change your pads as your body sweat and vaginal organism/bacteria can breed microorganisms.
3. Wash every time you visit the toilet
It is essential to wash regularly. The outer skin of the v****a has folds which can cause blood accumulation that may lead to bad odour. Washing the right way also matters. Wash from v****a to anus, not the other way round, to avoid transmission of bacteria. If preferably, bathe regularly to help freshen your mood and relieve you of cramps.
4. Discard the product properly
Sanitary products should be properly wrapped before disposing of it in a closed bin. Do not flush them to avoid clogging.
5. Do not use Soaps or cleansing products
The v****a is self-cleaning and has its own mechanism of cleaning itself. Using these products destroys the natural PH balance of the v****a and may lead to infections.
6. Take proper care of your underwear
It is advisable to properly wash the underwear used during your period. If stained, wash immediately and disinfect it. If preferable, you can separate underwear to use during your period. It is also best to have an extra pair handy when going out.
Followings these tips will help you stay healthy and manage your period better.