Tips on Menstrual Hygiene that Every Woman Should Follow

Do you know the importance and necessity of menstrual hygiene practices which should be followed by women? Read on to know more.According to a World Bank Report in 2017, India has a female population of around 48.18 percent. It is a significantly large number. There are more number of males in India due to various reasons like preference for male child. In India, many women still live in slums or rural areas where they are not aware of problems related to hygiene and sanitation.Menstruation is a normal physiological process occurring in females when they reach adolescent age. It is an indication that they are growing from girl to woman and it is also celebrated in some cultures. There is nothing to be ashamed about it yet people feel embarrassed talking about the process. In many families, a girl has to stay in a separate room during this period and she is stopped from entering kitchens as well. She can take rest during these days and need not tire herself.Following are some tips on hygiene during menstruation that every woman should follow. In this articleCleansing and BathingChanging Sanitary NapkinsDo Not Use Soaps or Vaginal Hygiene ProductsKeep the Area DryDispose the Napkins ProperlyConsequences of Not Practicing HygieneCleansing and BathingA woman should keep herself clean during her period and take bath without fail. It helps to ward off infections and prevent diseases. The organisms from sanitary napkins can stick to the body and cause infections hence cleanliness is a must. She should wash all areas of the body properly and be clean especially during summer when the weather is hot and the sun is blazing.Changing Sanitary NapkinsWomen should change sanitary napkins or tampons after every 4-6 hours. There are a lot of micro-organisms which accumulate during menstruation and sanitary pads should be disposed off at regular intervals. The warm weather during summer cause micro-organisms to multiply fast hence vaginal hygiene is a must.Do Not Use Soaps or Vaginal Hygiene ProductsThere is a lot of promotion in markets through advertisements about various intimate wash products. However, did you know that the body has its own mechanism of cleaning the vagina naturally during menstruation? Using artificial products can lead to problems while interfering with the vagina’s own cleaning mechanism. Hence, using water only is sufficient.Keep the Area DryA woman should wipe herself well after bathing or washing and keep the intimate area dry. She should wear clean undergarments and change it every day to avoid infections. Keeping the intimate area dry helps to prevent irritation and fungal growth. You can also use an anti-septic powder to avoid bacterial infections. Even though some women feel lazy, they should not stop practicing menstrual hygiene.Dispose the Napkins ProperlySome women use only one napkin during their period which is not advisable. Ideally, you should keep changing the napkin at regular intervals even during days of heavy flow. Also remember to never flush the pads directly down the drain or toilets. It can cause clogging of drains. You can dispose it by wrapping it and throwing in a dustbin. Wash your hands after changing your sanitary pads to avoid accumulation of bacteria.Consequences of Not Practicing HygieneNot practicing menstrual hygiene can lead to health problems. It can cause rashes, skin irritation and in some cases even cancer. Use modern methods like sanitary pads or tampons instead of old fashioned method like cloth. Proper menstrual hygiene is a must to avoid allergies, infections, etc. Remember to use clean and good quality sanitary pads. Menstrual cups also need to be cleaned if you are using them.Thus, you can see that there is nothing to be worried about during your periods. It is a normal part of life. Do not feel lazy or bored to practice menstrual hygiene as it is a must. Eat well and stay happy because cleanliness is the best solution to such problems. Whether you are at home or outside, do not compromise on hygiene.Why is it necessary to follow proper menstrual hygiene? What are the consequences of not following proper menstrual hygiene? How to follow menstrual hygiene the right way? Discuss here.