{By: Dr. Anshu Agrawal}
Menstrual hygiene is a vital aspect of health and well-being for individuals who menstruate. It involves using clean menstrual products, maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation, and ensuring safe disposal of menstrual waste. Despite being a natural biological process, menstruation is still surrounded by stigma and misinformation, especially in many parts of the world.
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Importance Of Menstrual Hygiene
- Prevents Infections: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), reproductive tract infections (RTIs), and skin rashes.
- Promotes Dignity And Comfort: Managing periods hygienically allows individuals to go about their daily lives with confidence.
- Improves School And Work Attendance: Access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities reduces absenteeism among menstruators.
- Supports Reproductive Health: Long-term reproductive health is positively influenced by healthy menstrual practices.
Best Practices For Menstrual Hygiene
- Use Of Sanitary Products: Choose from sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads. Use products that are clean, safe, and suitable for one’s body and flow. Change products every 4 to 6 hours, or as needed, to avoid infections.
- Personal Hygiene: Wash the vaginal area with clean water; avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent bacterial spread. Wear clean, breathable underwear and change it daily.
- Safe Disposal: Wrap used pads/tampons in paper and discard them in designated bins. Never flush sanitary products down the toilet, as they can clog plumbing and harm the environment. For reusable products, wash them thoroughly with hot water and dry in sunlight.
Awareness And Communication
Adolescents should be educated about menstruation before their first period to ensure they are prepared and informed. Normalizing conversations around menstrual health helps reduce stigma and fosters better understanding. It’s also important to encourage boys and men to actively participate in these discussions to promote awareness, empathy, and support.
Challenges In Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
- Lack of access to affordable and quality menstrual products.
- Inadequate sanitation facilities in schools, workplaces, and public places.
- Cultural taboos and myths that prevent open discussions and proper care.
- Lack of education about menstrual health and bodily functions.
Menstrual hygiene is a basic health and human rights issue. By ensuring access to menstrual products, proper sanitation, and education, we can empower menstruators to manage their periods with safety, dignity, and confidence. Promoting menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue—it’s a step toward gender equality, education, and inclusive development.
The author, Dr. Anshu Agrawal, is the Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist at ILS Hospitals.
[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]
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