Ladies, let's talk about something we all experience but don't always feel comfortable discussing: menstrual hygiene. Maintaining good menstrual hygiene is crucial for our physical and emotional well-being, but it's not always easy to know how to manage it. So, let's dive in and discuss some tips and tricks for managing menstrual hygiene.
Table of Contents
#1: Choose the Right Sanitary Product
The first step to maintaining good menstrual hygiene is to choose the right sanitary product. Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties are many of the various options available in the market. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that works best for you.
If you're unsure which option to choose, try a few different ones and see which one feels most comfortable and secure. A little trial and error wouldn’t hurt to get to know your body. Remember there's no one-size-fits-all solution, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect fit. Here are a few recommendations for you:
#2: Change Your Sanitary Product Regularly
Once you've chosen the right sanitary product, it's important to change it regularly. Leaving a pad or tampon on for too long can lead to bad odor and infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection or toxic shock syndrome (TTS). TTS can be fatal as it is caused by bacteria getting into the body and releasing harmful toxins. So, a good rule of thumb is to change your sanitary product every 4-6 hours.
If you're using a menstrual cup, you may be able to go longer between changes, but it's still important to empty it at least twice a day. Make sure to follow the brand’s instructions for cleaning and sanitizing your menstrual cup.
#3: Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands before and after changing your sanitary product is essential to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Make sure to use soap and warm water and dry your hands thoroughly.
P/S: If you're in a public restroom and don't have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer or wipes instead. It's better than nothing!
#4: Maintain Proper Genital Hygiene
Keeping your genitals clean and dry is essential during your menstrual cycle. Just use mild soap and warm water to wash the area and pat it dry with a clean towel. However, note that using soap or wash is unnecessary and scented products are a BIG NO! So avoid using scented products, as they can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural pH balance of your genitals. And here we have just the right all-natural product for you!
#5: Dispose of Used Sanitary Products Properly
When it comes to disposing of used sanitary products, it's important to do so properly. Sanitary products should be wrapped and disposed of in a trash can. Do not flush them down the toilet as they can clog the pipes.
If you're in a public restroom and there's no bin available, wrap your used sanitary product in toilet paper and take it with you to dispose of it later.
All in all, menstrual hygiene is just as important as simply brushing your teeth every day! Especially for our physical and emotional well-being. By choosing the right sanitary product, changing it regularly, washing your hands, maintaining proper genital hygiene, and disposing of used products properly, you can manage your menstrual hygiene effectively. Remember, there's no shame in menstruation, and that’s on PERIOD.
