The Channel 46
I Though your period experience is unique to you, maintaining hygiene during those days is a pretty essential thing to do. It will not only give you that clean feeling but also will protect you against potential diseases and even infertility. It often comes with cramps, bloating and uneasiness and thus, this phase requires utmost care. Unfortunately, many women in India do not have proper access to sanitary products and some are not aware about the importance of menstrual sanitation. Many women in rural areas look for alternatives to sanitary pads as they cannot afford them and these alternatives. Unhygienic menstrual practices can cause a lot of issues, including impact on fertility.
1. Don’t Skip Bathing Taking a bath or shower at least once a day is important to keep your body clean and avoid odour.
2. The Right Way To Wash We all know that washing our hands is necessary while using period products or cleaning the area, but our vagina is much more sensitive than any other body part. Avoid using regular soap, body wash or shampoo in the intimate area as they can disrupt the acidity of these parts of the body. Opt for wash products that are specifically formulated for intimate hygiene and care.
3. Right Clothing You generally should avoid wearing uncomfortable and tight clothes but, during periods, following this rule is unavoidable. Wearing fabrics that don’t let air pass through can cause moisture in your pelvic area, which can lead to yeast and bacterial infections. Wear something light and comfortable like cotton to stay fresh and dry during those days.
4. Change Your Pads Or Tampons Often That damp pad won’t just irritate your skin and make you feel uneasy, it will also increase your risk of catching infections. It is advised to change your pads every 4 to 6 hours but the duration also depends upon your flow and period experience.
5. Use A Menstrual Cup If You Can Don’t get us started on how it’s a better alternative. Menstrual cups store the flow rather than absorbing it and thus, it does not cause irritation and uneasiness. They are comparatively safer to use and can last years with proper care, which makes them extremely pocket-friendly.
6. Practice Safe Sex Sex during menstruation comes with a high risk of passing on or contracting blood-borne diseases, such as HIV or Hepatitis B. The risk is increased as the concentration of HIV and Hepatitis B is higher in blood than semen or vaginal secretion. Having your periods doesn’t mean that you can’t have sex, just make it safer. Sex is also a period pain reliever for some women.
The Channel 46