Menstrual Hygiene

Between the ages of 12 and 15, every female is expected to take another bold step into adulthood. This is considered the climax of female puberty and marked by the release of an ova from the ovary and shedding of the endometrial lining of the uterus if the egg is unfertilized. This is known as menstruation. The age for this may, however, be earlier or later in some girls due to several genetic and environmental factors.

Menstruation is expected to last between 3 to 7 days and on a 28 to 35 days cycle. However, this also varies from person to person. No matter how long or short the duration of menstruation is, utmost personal hygiene is expected. This personal hygiene is what this article will discuss.

Menstrual hygiene can be defined as the use of proper materials to absorb blood and the use of soap and water for washing the body during a menstrual period. It is so important that the 28th day of May every year is celebrated as world Menstrual day. This year, 2020, it was celebrated with the theme, ‘IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION.’

Tips on Menstrual Hygiene Include:

USE OF COMFORTABLE MATERIALS
Be it sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, napkins, whatever works for you during menstruation should be comfortable for you and the rate of your menstrual flow. This should also be worn properly to avoid leaks and stains which could be embarrassing.

CHANGE MENSTRUAL MATERIALS OFTEN
As often as 4-6 hours is recommended. This does not only prevent stains but prevents the growth of bacteria. The menstrual blood is warm and its location is also warm, this can encourage rapid bacterial growth and lead to an infection.

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DO NOT OVER PACK YOURSELF
You probably did not expect this point but it is as important as the others. I know menstrual periods can be very uncomfortable especially when we have to travel or attend long meetings and conferences where frequent changing may not be available. These are still not enough excuses for us, ladies to use more than 1 pad or napkin at a time. This is because you may end up being too comfortable and using it the whole day. Thereby, creating a good environment for bacterial growth. It is better to change a pad after 6 hours than treat a urinary tract infection.

BATH ATLEAST TWICE DAILY
Sounds like a prescription right? And I know how well we do not stick to prescriptions but please, this is important. A morning and evening bath will help you stay fresh and clean during this period.

WASH THE VAGINA PROPERLY
Properly! This does not take extra time or energy but just requires knowing how to wash properly. Always wash the vagina from front to back and never vice versa. This is to avoid the transportation of microorganisms from the anal to vaginal area.

AVOID THE USE OF SOAPS AND VAGINAL PRODUCT
Vaginal product, what’s that? The vagina does not need products or soaps. It has its self-cleansing mechanism. Use of soap will reduce this mechanism, making the vagina unable to fight infections on its own. I know soaps smell good and so, sounds like a good idea to complete a bath but it’s not needed down there. Bath more often and there’ll be no smell.

WASH HANDS PROPERLY AFTER CHANGING PADS
Yes, dear, I know you are in a hurry to catch the bus, meet up with a class or have something to eat but please, wash your hands first. You sure do not want to take all of THAT down your gastrointestinal tract. Always go with a wipe, tissue and hand sanitizer in case there is no running water.

DISPOSE MENSTRUAL NAPKINS PROPERLY
For non-reusable materials like pads, wrap them carefully and drop in a closed trash can. For reusable ones like napkins, pre-soak, wash with laundry soap, dry and store them properly. This should, however, not be used for too many months. Do not flush pads down a toilet as this can clog it

WEAR COMFORTABLE UNDERWEARS AND CLOTHS
You may feel more comfortable/confident in darker skirts, trousers or gowns during this period. Avoid tight-fitting clothes, your body needs air and less sweat. I know you feel like the menstrual napkin is more in place with these cloths but you need all the comfort you can get.

EXTRA! EXTRA!! EXTRA!!!
It’s been a long list of tips but this is the last but not the least. You will properly need to sing this ‘extra, extra, extra’ when next you are rushing out of home in order not to forget to go out with an extra pad, underwear, wipes, tissue, pain relievers especially during this period. It may not come in handy for you on that day but you could help a friend maintain menstrual hygiene with it.

I hope these tips help you, a sister or a friend observe good menstrual hygiene. Comments, tips or experiences you’d love to share are welcomed in our comment session.