All about Menstrual Health and Hygiene
Menstrual health and hygiene involve taking certain steps to ensure that a woman is healthy during her menstrual cycle, through practices such as proper hygiene, handling menstrual flow, and using menstrual products. Taking the correct steps during menstruation can drastically reduce a woman’s risk of developing urinary tract infections, reproductive health problems, and other physical ailments caused by improper menstrual hygiene.
During Menstruation
Proper hygiene during menstruation starts with washing and drying the genital area prior to changing the menstrual product, be it a tampon or a pad. This is done to reduce the chances of bacteria or other germs entering the female reproductive system. Changing the menstrual product regularly is also important to reduce the risk of infection. Reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups and cloth pads are also gaining popularity, as they have the additional benefit of being more environmentally friendly than disposable products.
Additional Care for Menstrual Health
Additionally, it is important to keep the genital area dry to reduce the risk of infection. Cleaning with mild soap can also help with this. It is also essential to wear comfortable, breathable clothing when on your period, as dampness and humidity will lead to further discomfort.
Diet and Menstrual Health
It is also very important to maintain a healthy diet, and to supplement this with appropriate vitamins and minerals such as folic acid. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and other risky behaviours can increase the risk of complications during periods, so abstaining from these activities during this time is recommended.
Having an understanding of the menstrual cycle and its effects can help women be more prepared in case of any medical problems, and ensure a better quality of life during menstruation. Being aware of the proper hygiene and health maintenance practices during menstruation will enable women to lead healthy and fulfilled lives without worrying about any long-term medical conditions.
At the End
Ultimately, menstrual health and hygiene are extremely important topics to be aware of from a physical and mental health perspective. Taking the proper steps to maintain hygiene and physical health during this time will help to ensure a healthy and fulfilling life.