Hygiene is an important part and practice of daily life. Good hygiene protects us from various infections, keeps us clean, and boosts our confidence. Maintaining good hygiene practices during menstruation is essential for girls and women to stay comfortable, confident, and healthy. Regular and good hygiene practices during menstruation promote health, prevent infections, keep the body clean, and enable women to go about their daily lives without feeling anxiety or humiliation.
Sanitary Pads
Safe, hygienic, and convenient protection for your menstrual cycle
What Is a Sanitary Pad?
A sanitary pad is also called a sanitary napkin or pad. This is the safe, hygienic, and soft absorbent sheet worn by girls and women during their menstruation. The sanitary pads effectively absorb the menstrual blood, avoid staining of the cloths, and keep the cloths dry.
Types of Sanitary Pads
Selection depends on flow, time of use, availability, cost and comfort preference.
For normal flow during menstruation
For heavy flow, suitable for school or travel
For very heavy flow or complete night protection
Suitable for light activities and home use
Better fitting, prevents side leakage, great for sports
Better fitting and extra comfort for any time
Comfortable and small, suitable for light flow
Feels secure, suitable for heavy flow or new users
How to Use Sanitary Pads
Clean your hands with soap and water before and after changing a pad.
Remove the sanitary pad from the wrapper.
Uncover the sticky side by detaching the paper.
Stick the pad in the middle of your underwear.
Fold the wings over the sides of the underwear (if it has wings).
Now, properly wear and position your underwear and pad.
The pad should be changed every 4 to 6 hours or whenever it feels wet or full.
Essential Tips
Right Selection
Select the suitable type of sanitary pad as per your needs and comfort.
Never Reuse
Never reuse single-use disposable sanitary pads.
Change Regularly
Change every 4-6 hours or earlier if needed.
Keep Extra
Keep extra pads at home or in your backpack.
Proper Storage
Always keep pads in a dry and clean place.
Safe Disposal
Wrap used pads and dispose in a dustbin with lid.
Menstrual Cloth
Eco-friendly and affordable menstrual protection option
When Is It a Good Choice?
Availability
When sanitary pads are not easily available
Cost-Effective
If you favour a low-cost product
Eco-Friendly
If you prefer an eco-friendly option
Family Preference
If cloth is preferred by your family
Usage Tips
Material Choice
Use soft, absorbent cotton cloth. Avoid old or dirty clothes.
Avoid Synthetic
Avoid synthetic fabrics as they may irritate the skin.
Size Matters
Cloth should be large enough to absorb the flow. Use multiple layers for better protection.
Proper Washing
After using a cloth, wash it thoroughly with soap and clean water.
Drying
Dry the cloth preferably in direct sunlight or under a fan in a ventilated room.
Storage
Store the cloth in a dry and clean place.
Personal Use
Never share your menstrual cloth with others.
Menstrual Cup
Reusable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting menstrual protection
What is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a soft, elastic, reusable, small bell-shaped sanitary product that is put into the vagina to collect menstrual blood throughout the period. It is made from rubber or silicone of medical grade. Menstruation management with this method is safe, eco-friendly, and modern.
Advantages of Using Menstrual Cup
Durability & Reuse
One cup can be used for 5 to 10 years when used with proper care. Longer durability reduces the cost and waste.
Reduced Risk of Infections
Menstrual cups, if used with proper cleanliness, are hygienic.
No Chemicals
Unlike in some sanitary pads, menstrual cups are chemical-free.
Can be used in water
It can be easily used in swimming or any water activity.
No Odor
There is no problem with bad smell during menstruation.
More Holding Capacity
It can hold blood up to 8-12 hours, even on heavy flow days.
Comfortable
When properly positioned, it might not even be sensed.
Eco-Friendly and Economical
Reduces garbage from disposable pads and durability makes cups affordable.
Limitations of Using Menstrual Cup
Selection of proper cup size
Menstrual cups are available in various sizes, and every woman or girl may need a different size. Therefore, finding an appropriate cup size can be difficult. To find your right fit, you first have to try different brands and cup sizes.
Difficulty in Insertion & Removal of Cup
Sometimes, it becomes difficult to insert or remove a cup from the vagina. It may cause pain and discomfort.
Sensitivity Reactions to Menstrual Cups
Some women may have an allergy to the silicon material used in menstrual cups. This results in an allergic reaction, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Vaginal Irritation
If the menstrual cup is not cleaned properly after each use, it causes vaginal irritation and inflammation.
How to Use a Menstrual Cup
Choose the appropriate menstrual cup size for your personal use, preferably with the help of your gynaecologist.
Wash your hands with soap and clean water before handling the menstrual cup.
Hold the cup in your hand and fold it into the shape of an English letter "C" standing right in the middle.
The mouth of the cup (i.e., the round open part) should be at the top.
Now, gently insert the cup into the vagina.
The entire cup should go into the vagina.
After pushing in, turn the cup slightly round.
If the cup sits properly in the vagina, you won't have trouble.
After use, the removal of the cup should be done appropriately.
The cup has a small end at the back, pinch it using your thumb and first finger, and then slowly pull it out.
After taking the cup out, pour the collected blood inside the toilet. Wash the cup with running water and reuse it.
Problems Associated with Neglected Menstrual Hygiene
It is important to plan your period and maintain proper hygiene. Neglecting menstrual hygiene can lead to various health problems.
Irritation & Skin Rashes
May be caused by continuous use of cloth for a prolonged time or by wearing a moist pad.
Bad Smell
Bad Smell
Unchanged pads or cloths can cause bad smells.
Various Infections
Unclean toilets and improper washing lead to urinary tract infections. Use of dirty clothes or unhygienic practices causes vaginal infections. When bacteria get into the uterus or other organs leads to reproductive tract infections.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Infection of the reproductive organs, especially the uterus can lead to a painful inflammatory condition.
Infertility
Untreated infections for a long time can lead to problems in conception or loss of fertility.
Cervical Cancer
Ignorance of hygiene during menstruation increases the risk of cervical infections and subsequent chances of cancer.
Urinary Problems
Chronic infection of the urinary tract may cause kidney or bladder damage.
Psychological Impact
Improper hygiene during menstruation can lead to stress, anxiety, and lack of confidence.
Social Impact
Unhygienic menstruation can lead to social restrictions, absence from schools or the workplace, and overall compromised social life.
Menstrual Hygiene Tips
Essential practices to maintain health and comfort during menstruation
Practice the Use of Clean Sanitary Products
- Use clean and safe menstrual products like cloth pads, sanitary pads, or menstrual cups.
- Always wash reusable cloth with soap and clean water, dry it in the direct sunlight, and keep it in a clean and dry place.
- Don't use old or dampened cloths because they can cause infections.
Change Sanitary Pads or Cloth Frequently
- Avoid using the same pad or cloth throughout the entire day.
- Every 4 to 6 hours, change the pad or cloth.
- During heavy flow, you may need to change the pad or cloth more frequently.
Properly Clean Genital Area
- Wash hands every time before and after changing the sanitary pad or cloth.
- Use clean, lukewarm water to wash the genital area while changing the sanitary pad or cloth.
- Avoid the use of soap for cleaning inside the vagina, only clean the outer area.
- If the soap (mild and unscented) is used to clean the outside of the vagina, rinse well with clean, lukewarm water after using the soap.
- Dry the area gently after washing it with a clean towel or cloth.
- Always wash the vaginal area first, then clean the anal area last to avoid spreading germs.
- Maintain the genital area clean by washing it while bathing, occasionally after using the toilet and whenever a pad or cloth is changed.
Wear Clean, Comfortable Underwear
- Use soft cotton underwear that absorbs moisture, allows air to circulate, and keeps the internal area dry.
- Keep underwear dry and clean and change it daily.
- Clean the underwear with soap and clean water, dry it in sunlight and store at dry place.
- Don't wear moist or tight underwear.
Appropriate Disposal of Used Menstrual Material
- Wrap the used sanitary pad or cloth in paper or newspaper and throw it properly in a covered dustbin.
- If possible, use sanitary pad incinerators, which may be installed in schools, community toilets, or health centres.
- Biodegradable pads or cloths can be disposed of by burying them in a pit (about 2-3 feet deep).
