Menstrual hygiene is important for women's health, comfort, and confidence. The periods are a natural part of life, but without proper care, they can give rise to unwanted issues such as infection, irritation, rash, and poor odor. Maintaining hygiene during menstruation keeps you fresh, comfortable, and prevents serious health problems like urinary or reproductive tract infections. Many women face discomfort simply due to avoidable hygiene mistakes. This blog offers simple dos and don'ts for periods to stay clean, healthy, and stress-free during your cycle. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, these tips will make your routine safe, smooth, and more manageable.
What is Menstrual Hygiene?
Menstrual hygiene involves daily care to stay clean, dry, and infection-free during the period. This includes using the right products, changing them regularly, cleaning properly, and wearing clean underwear. Poor hygiene can lead to UTIs, rashes, yeast infections, foul smells, and even affect long-term reproductive health. The lack of consciousness makes the period more uncomfortable and risky. A simple hygiene routine helps women stay healthy, confident, and safe during menstruation.
Maintain Hygiene During Your Period: Do’s
1. Change pad/tampon/menstrual cup regularly
Sanitary products must be replaced every 8 hours (pads/tampons) and every 6-12 hours (cups) to prevent bacterial build-ups, infection, odour, and irritation. Long-term use can cause a rash of the skin and, in rare cases, toxic shock syndrome, especially with tampons. Keeping hygiene products fresh ensures comfort and reduces health risks during menstruation.
2. Wash your genitals with water
Clean the outer genital area at least twice daily with lukewarm water, especially during product changes. Avoid scrubbing or using rigid, aromatic products that can interfere with your natural pH value. Overwashing or antiseptics can cause irritation or infection, so it is important to clean gently to maintain comfort and hygiene.
3. Use clean, comfortable underwear
Using cotton underwear helps reduce the risk of sweat, irritation, and infection. If your underwear becomes moist or smelly, replace it daily or often. Avoid synthetic clothing that maintains moisture and heat, as it creates an ideal environment for fungal development during menstruation.
4. Dispose of Used Products Properly
Sanitary products should be wrapped in tissues or disposal bags, thrown in closed garbage, and never rinsed. Flushing can damage plumbing and the environment. Proper disposal ensures sanitary conditions at home and public places and prevents the odour and spread of bacteria.
5. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
Drink water throughout the day to reduce bloating and cramps. Food rich in nutrients, especially iron and magnesium, can help support energy and reduce discomfort. Avoid sugar, salt, and processed foods during menstruation, as they may experience fatigue, mood changes, and water retention.
6. Track period
Women can track their period with an app or calendar, which helps them prepare hygiene products in advance and monitor their body patterns. It also helps to identify irregularities that contribute to early diagnosis and better general menstrual control of potential health problems.
7. Place additional pads or lining in your bag
Carrying a personal hygiene kit with pads, liners, tissues, and spare underwear ensures you're prepared for any situation. Being equipped with unexpected leaks helps avoid embarrassment, stress, and discomfort from arriving early while staying home.
Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid During Periods
1. Don’t Use a Sanitary Product for Too Long
Leaving menstrual products for extended periods increases the risk of infection, rash, poor odor, and even toxic shock syndrome. The menstrual cup, made overused to avoid microbial contamination, should also be cleaned and sterilized. Changing products in time is important for maintaining health and comfort.
2. Don’t Wash with Scented Products or Vaginal Douches
Using aromatic soap, spray or dosha can ittitate with the sensitive vaginal area and can interfere with its natural bacterial balance. These practices can lead to itching, dryness, or infections. Instead, wash the external area with water or mild, unscented soap to avoid complications.
3. Don’t Wear Tight or Non-Breathable Clothing
Dense jeans and synthetic fabric can make for moisture and heat, leading to bacterial or fungal infections. Loose-fitting clothes made of breathable materials are more comfortable and clean, especially during heavy periods, reducing your chances of irritation or rashes.
4. Don’t Ignore Signs of Infection
If you experience symptoms such as a foul discharge, itching, a burning sensation, or pain, do not delay medical help. These could indicate infections like UTIs or vaginal conditions that require immediate attention to avoid complications or spreading.
5. Don’t Flush Pads or Tampons
Pads and tampons are not soluble in water and can clog toilets, damage plumbing, and pollute water systems. Always wrap them and throw them in a dustbin. It then ensures cleanliness and environmental safety in homes and public facilities.
When should you consult your doctor?
It is important to consult a doctor if you experience unusually vaginal discharge, a strong foul smell, or experience severe itching or rashes during your period. These may be signs of an underlying infection or allergic reaction. In addition, if your periods are extremely long, unusually heavy, or extremely painful, you can seek medical advice, as it may indicate a hormonal imbalance or reproductive health problems. Early attention ensures proper treatment and helps maintain long-term menstrual health.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is essential for every woman’s health. The key includes changing your sanitary product regularly, washing with light soap and water, wearing underwear, and staying hydrated. Do n’ts include using aromatic products, wearing the same pad or tampon for a long time, and ignoring the signs of irritation. Simple habits can prevent infection, reduce discomfort, and help you feel healthy and safe throughout the cycle. Let’s also break the stigma, encourage open conversations about periods and hygiene, especially with young girls. We strengthen each other to deal with menstruation confidently and carefully. Your body deserves honor and good care every day of the month.
FAQ’s
1. What Should Be Avoided In Periods?
Avoid using pads for a long time, wearing scented products, tight clothes, and harmful soap. Also, avoid ignoring irritation under the toilet, leaving hygiene products, or rinsing sanitary products.
2. Can We Wash Our Private Parts During Periods?
Wash the intimate area with lukewarm water and mild, unscented soap. It helps to remove blood, prevent infections, and stay healthy during the period.
3. How Do I Stay Clean On My Period?
Changing pads regularly, washing the private parts twice daily, using clean cotton underwear, and disposing of products properly are all ways to stay clean and prevent odors, rashes, and infections.
4. How Can I Stay Hygienic During My Period?
Keep cleanliness using the right sanitary products, washing daily, wearing breathable clothes, and drinking a lot of water. Good habits reduce discomfort and prevent infections.
5. What A Girl Should Not Do During Her Period?
Girls should avoid using harsh or aromatic products, changing pads, wearing dense clothes, and ignoring abnormal symptoms such as itching, rash, or foul discharge.
