Menstruation, a natural and essential biological process experienced by half of the world’s population, has often been surrounded by stigma, myths, and misinformation throughout history. Menstrual hygiene, the practice of maintaining cleanliness and managing menstrual health, plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and dignity of menstruating individuals.
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Understanding Menstrual Hygiene
Menstruation is a monthly process in which the lining of the uterus is shed, resulting in the release of blood through the vagina. This cycle typically lasts for three to seven days and recurs throughout a significant portion of a person’s life, starting with puberty and continuing until menopause.
Menstrual hygiene involves adopting practices that keep menstruating individuals comfortable, clean, and healthy during their periods. Proper menstrual hygiene is vital not only for personal well-being but also for preventing infections and maintaining overall reproductive health.
Challenges and Taboos Around Menstrual Hygiene
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Despite being a natural process, menstruation is still shrouded in silence and secrecy in many cultures. Menstrual taboos, rooted in social and religious beliefs, have led to detrimental consequences for women and girls worldwide. Some common challenges include:
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Lack of education
Undoubtedly, insufficient knowledge about menstruation contributes to the perpetuation of myths and taboos. Comprehensive menstrual health education in schools and communities is crucial in dispelling misconceptions and fostering a positive attitude towards menstruation.
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Inadequate facilities
In various parts of the world, women and girls face challenges due to inadequate access to clean and private facilities to manage their periods. The absence of proper sanitation facilities affects their ability to handle menstruation with dignity.
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Stigma and shame
Menstruation-related stigma can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. This stigma may prevent individuals from discussing their experiences openly and seeking help when needed.
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Limited access to menstrual products
The affordability and accessibility of menstrual products remain a significant concern for many. Lack of access to sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups can force women to resort to unhygienic alternatives, increasing the risk of infections.
The Unseen Consequences: Effects of Poor Menstrual Hygiene
Menstruation, a natural part of life for many, shouldn’t bring any additional worries. Yet, poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various repercussions beyond discomfort. Let’s explore some of these effects that highlight the importance of proper menstrual care.
1. Infections Galore
Using unsanitary materials or not changing them frequently can invite infections. Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) may become unwelcome guests during your period.
2. Unwanted Odours
Poor hygiene can result in unpleasant odours. These odours, often caused by the buildup of menstrual blood and bacteria, can lead to embarrassment and social discomfort.
3. Skin Troubles
Using dirty hands to manage sanitary products or wearing damp pads for extended periods can irritate the skin, causing rashes, itching, or even acne breakouts in the worst cases.
4. Stains and Discoloration
Leaving menstrual blood on clothing for too long can cause stubborn stains and discolouration. Say goodbye to your favourite white pants!
5. Mental Stress
Dealing with the physical discomfort and potential social stigma due to poor hygiene can take a toll on mental well-being, causing stress, anxiety, or even depression.
6. Missed School and Work
In extreme cases, girls and women in low-resource settings may miss school or work during their periods due to a lack of access to menstrual products and proper facilities, affecting their education and livelihoods.
7. Reproductive Health Risks
Ignoring menstrual hygiene can also lead to more severe health issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility.
12 Period Hacks for Better Menstrual Hygiene
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1. Use clean and absorbent menstrual products
Choose menstrual products that suit your needs and preferences. Options include sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads. Ensure that the products are clean, made of safe materials, and have adequate absorbency to prevent leaks.
2. Change menstrual products regularly
It’s crucial to change your menstrual product regularly, usually every 4 to 6 hours, or more frequently if needed. Avoid leaving a tampon in for too long to reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). With reusable products, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.
3. Wash hands before and after handling menstrual products
Practising proper hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after changing menstrual products.
4. Maintain personal hygiene
During menstruation, take regular showers or baths to keep the genital area clean. Use mild, unscented soap and avoid harsh chemicals that could disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina.
5. Choose breathable underwear
Opt for underwear made of cotton or other breathable materials that allow proper air circulation, reducing the risk of irritation and infections.
6. Dispose of menstrual waste properly
On the other hand, if you use disposable menstrual products like pads or tampons, wrap them securely in biodegradable or plastic bags and dispose of them in designated trash bins. Do not flush pads or tampons down the toilet, as they can cause plumbing issues.
7. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water during your period helps to maintain overall health and may alleviate some common menstrual symptoms.
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8. Maintain a balanced diet
Eating a nutritious diet with a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and iron-rich foods can support your body’s needs during menstruation.
9. Exercise and rest
Furthermore, gentle exercises, such as walking or yoga, can help alleviate cramps and improve mood. Additionally, ensure you get enough rest to support your body during this time.
10. Manage pain and discomfort
If you experience severe menstrual pain, consider using a hot water bottle, heating pad, or over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort. However, consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent or unusually severe pain.
11. Track your menstrual cycle
Keeping track of your menstrual cycle using a calendar or a period-tracking app can help you anticipate your next period and plan accordingly.
12. Be Prepared
Always carry a few spare menstrual products in your bag, especially when you expect your period or are in the early days of menstruation.
Remember, proper menstrual hygiene is not just about convenience; it’s a matter of health and dignity. Every woman’s menstrual experience is different, so it’s essential to find what works best for you. If you have any concerns about your menstrual health or hygiene practices, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Additional information by Camille Eusebio
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.