Maintain Hygiene During Periods
What Are Periods
Menstruation, also known as periods, is a natural process that occurs in the female reproductive system. It involves the monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus (womb) in preparation for a potential pregnancy.
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How Often Periods Occur
Periods typically occur once every 21 to 35 days, although the average cycle length is around 28 days. The time pattern can be varied from person to person and some women may have shorter or longer menstrual cycles. This cycle begins on the first day of bleeding and ends on the day before the next period starts. On an average, the bleeding lasts for about 2 to 7 days.It is also important to remember that everyone’s menstrual cycle can differ, and factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can influence the regularity and duration of periods.
Tips to Maintain Hygiene During Periods
It is extremely important to maintain hygiene during periods for your overall health and well-being. Below is a list of some tips that every woman needs to know to maintain good hygiene during menstrual cycle:
- Wash your hands: Hands come in contact with so many thighs during the whole day. Therefore it is essential to wash your hands with soap and water before and after changing your sanitary product. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Use clean sanitary products: Quality is one of the most important things that you should not be compromised with while choosing sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. They should be made up of high-quality materials. Change them regularly as per instructions given on the packet or based on your flow. Avoid leaving them on for longer than recommended.
- Maintain proper genital hygiene: During menstrual cycle, it’s important to keep your genital area clean. The PH level of the vaginal area is different from whole body parts. So, it is important to use a mild, unscented soap and warm water to clean the external genital area. Never make use of douches, strong soaps or scented products, as they can disrupt the natural pH balance and cause irritation.
- Change sanitary products frequently: It is mandatory to change your pad, menstrual cup or tampon regularly, usually every 4 to 6 hours. This reduces the risk of infections and helps prevent the buildup of bacteria.
- Proper disposal of sanitary products: Always wrap the used tampons and sanitary pads in toilet paper or tissue before disposing of them in a waste bin. Leaving them open can spread bacteria’s in the air.
- Maintain proper menstrual cup hygiene: If you use a menstrual cup instead of a pad, rinse it with warm water before reinserting it.
- Choose comfortable underwear: Wear clean, breathable cotton underwear during your period. Cotton panties allow better airflow and reduce the chances of infection or irritation.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet and can help maintain overall vaginal health. Also avoid or limit the intake of processed foods and sugary drinks, as they can affect the vaginal pH and increase the risk of infections.
- Practice safe sex: If you engage in sexual activity during your menstrual cycle, practice safe sex by using condoms. This helps prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and maintains hygiene.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during your period to stay hydrated. It can help regulate your body’s functions and maintain overall health.
The time when women go through the menstrual cycle is extremely critical. Besides following all these things if you experience any unusual or persistent symptoms such as severe pain, itching, excessive bleeding or strong odor, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.