What is the significance of menstrual hygiene?

Menstrual hygiene is a sanitary activity that helps protect women from infections in the reproductive and urinary tracts during menstruation. Menstruation is shrouded in myths and misconceptions in India, with a large list of "do's" and "don'ts" for women. Menstruation and menstruation practices are still tainted by taboos and socio-cultural constraints, resulting in teenage females lacking awareness and being uninformed of scientific facts and hygienic health practices, which can lead to adverse health effects.

Women's hygiene behaviors during menstruation are critical since they may increase sensitivity to reproductive tract infections (RTIs). Poor menstrual hygiene is a major contributor to the country's high prevalence of RTIs and adds greatly to female morbidity. A lack of understanding about menstruation and menstrual hygiene leads to negative attitudes and practices. There are several concerns that must be addressed concurrently to promote menstrual hygiene, including knowledge, availability, and quality of napkins, regular supply, privacy, water supply, napkin disposal, reproductive health education, and family support.

Expected consequences of bad menstrual habits

• Irritation of the skin produces discomfort and may lead to dermatitis, a medical disorder in which the skin swells, gets red, and occasionally becomes sore with blisters.
• Infections in the urinary system may result from the introduction of germs into the urethra (UTIs). It can occur anywhere in the urinary system and, if left untreated, can be deadly, causing kidney damage.
• It is possible for the pH of vaginal flora to change. This can result in a shift in the environment and an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis. It has the greatest influence on women who are attempting to conceive.

Frequent occurrences of such illnesses can have long-term implications, such as trouble conceiving, an increased chance of abortion, and premature labor. As a result, failing to maintain adequate menstrual hygiene might have ramifications for a woman's whole reproductive lifetime.

Follow these healthy habits.

• Change frequently: The cardinal rule for establishing vaginal cleanliness is to change sanitary napkins or tampons every 4–6 hours. Menstrual blood draws numerous organisms from our bodies, which proliferate in the warmth of the blood and cause discomfort, rashes, or urinary tract infections. Regularly changing your sanitary napkin or tampon inhibits the growth of harmful germs and avoids infections.
• Wash properly: Washing your vagina on a regular basis is critical since organisms cling to your body after you remove your sanitary napkin. Most individuals wash their hands on a regular basis, but not in the proper manner—that is, by moving their hands from the vagina to the anus, not vice versa.
• Don’t use soaps or vaginal hygiene products: While using vaginal hygiene products every day is a good idea, avoid overusing them. Vaginas have their own cleansing mechanism that comes into action during monthly cycles, and these artificial hygiene products can interfere with the natural process, leading to infections and bacteria development.
• Dispose of the sanitary napkin correctly: It is essential to properly dispose of your tampons and sanitary napkins. To prevent germs and diseases from spreading, wrap them properly before throwing them away. Make sure not to flush them, as this may clog the toilet and cause the water to back up, spreading the bacteria throughout. Washing your hands thoroughly after wrapping and discarding used tampons and sanitary napkins is critical since you are likely to contact the soiled area when wrapping them.
• Stick to one sanitation technique: Using various methods can sometimes offer the misleading impression of low menstrual blood flow and extended use of things, leading to an increased risk of infection following prolonged contact.