Maintaining hygiene during periods is of utmost importance. While intimate hygiene is crucial on regular days, it becomes even more essential during menstruation. Prolonged use of pads, menstrual cups, etc., can cause irritation in the vagina. In such cases, any negligence in intimate hygiene can lead to significant discomfort and increased risk of infections. Improper hygiene during periods can also affect reproductive health. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the importance of menstrual hygiene day.
Menstrual Hygiene Day aims to create better menstrual hygiene management. It is dedicated to raising awareness among girls and women. Various campaigns and programs are conducted in schools, colleges, hospitals, and on television to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene. Additionally, in rural areas, pads are distributed door-to-door, and girls are educated about essential aspects of menstrual hygiene. However, awareness cannot be spread in a single day; hence, every girl and woman should make an effort to educate women around them.
Neglecting menstrual hygiene can lead to infertility. According to experts, cleanliness issues during periods can have serious negative effects on reproductive health. It can result in various reproductive problems. Urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis are bacterial infections that can occur due to the use of unhygienic materials or infrequent changing of period products. If not treated on time, these infections can lead to reproductive organ damage and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), causing infertility or persistent pelvic pain.
Prolonged use of dirty, moist period products can increase the risk of rashes, skin irritation, and fungal infections. In underdeveloped areas, improper management of menstrual hygiene prevents girls from participating in many activities. Moreover, societal perceptions surrounding periods can also have negative impacts on girls' mental health. Considering all these factors, maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is essential for the well-being of women, not just in terms of reproductive health but also for preventing other health issues.
Here are some specific tips for maintaining menstrual hygiene:
Change period products every 4 hours: It is crucial for all women to change menstrual hygiene products every 4 hours. Pads or other products become wet due to blood, increasing the risk of bacterial growth if left for a long time. Ensure your safety by changing pads every four hours.
Use only one type of period product at a time: Many women use two pads or a pad and a tampon simultaneously, which is not safe. Doing so can be uncomfortable and unhygienic, leading to problems, especially skin rashes and infections. Therefore, use only one menstrual hygiene product at a time.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during periods to keep your body hydrated. This will keep your urine clear and flush out harmful bacteria if present. Staying hydrated reduces the risk of infections.
Avoid using soap and vaginal hygiene products: The vagina is self-cleaning. Using soap or scented vaginal hygiene products can disrupt the pH balance and disturb good and bad bacteria balance. This increases the risk of infections, especially during menstruation when the vagina is not in its normal state.
In conclusion, maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is crucial for women's health and well-being. By following simple hygiene practices, women can prevent infections and other health issues associated with menstruation. It is essential to educate girls and women about the importance of menstrual hygiene and encourage them to adopt hygienic practices during periods.
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