What are the best practices for maintaining menstrual hygiene?

Shayna Godhin

It is now understood that menstruating women have to manage some of these realities because failing to do so is uncomfortable, unhealthy, and violates their wellbeing.

 Here’s a guide to the best practices

Choose the Right Menstrual Product
Pads: On the market in differing sizes and thickness they need to be changed approximately every 4-6 hours. Pads should be made of materials which allow air circulation in order to minimized skin irritation.
Tampons: Perfect for physically active persons. Replace them every 4 – 8 hours and never wear them for more than 8 consecutive hours, as it may lead to TSS.
Menstrual Cups: These are reusable and can be worn for a period of 12 hours. They should be washed and disinfected before use for next client if they have been used by another client.
Period Underwear: These are more absorbent and used individually or in cases where the other type is not suitable. It is highly recommended that they should be washed each according to the instructions of the makers

Practice Good Hygiene
Hand Washing: It is recommended that one should wash their hand before and after putting on the menstrual products to avoid contracting infections.
Washing the Genital Area: Soap and water that is non-abnoxious and odorless should be used. Do not douche as it interferes with the vaginal PH balance and correct hygiene practice should also not use products with fragrances.


Proper Disposal
Pads and Tampons: It is strongly recommended to wrap them in toilet paper, or the wrapper itself, provided and throw away in the trash. There are more absurdities to this defining moment such as do not flush them down the toilet as they trigger clogging.
Menstrual Cups: It is advisable to make sure that the cup is clean and more so sanitized depending on the washing instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some cups are boiled to comply with the sterilization standards.


Keep Menstrual Products Dry
Sanitary accessories shall be packed and chocked in a clean and dry environment clearly showing that it is a feminine product. In ill health, one is readily prone to infections because bacteria thrive well in moisture.
Track Your Cycle
You should hereby use a calendar or a period tracking application to track the cycle as well as predict when the period will be due. This assists in planning and you never get caught unprepared.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
It is recommended that you avoid certain foods if you suffer from bloating and Cramps, the best you can do is to take so much water and also take proper meals. There was a suggestion that iron-deficiency can benefits from products with high content of iron.


Seek Medical Advice if Necessary

 If you are producing abnormal amounts of discharge it is imperative that you seek professional advice from a doctor if the following occur; ”Being knowledgeable about your body is important is definitely true when it comes to the all important female discharge If at any one time any of the following occurs, do not hesitate to consult a doctor,”
By observing these practices, a woman can be able to regulate her menstrual period in a comfortable ways.

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