Period hygiene tips

Menstrual products including pads, tampons and menstrual cups help to keep the period flow in check and help you go about everyday activities with ease. All of these products come with different advantages and disadvantages. There are even differences within each product, among the brands. Recently, more and more pads are made out of natural products and use as little plastic as possible - the brands who make these products claim that they may help reduce the occurrence of rashes and they’re better for the environment.

While pads may be more suitable for your needs and comfort, the next person might be more inclined to use menstrual cups. As you grow older, your preference for menstrual products could change as well. What’s important is to gather all the information you can about the products available, maybe even try different ones to see which suits you best and then make your decision.

(Read more: Can I swim during my period?)

No matter which menstrual product you pick and even if your flow is less on a particular day, you need to ensure that you change your pad, tampon or cup at regular intervals. Experts suggest that a sanitary pad should be changed every six hours (even four sometimes, depending on what the products suggest), a tampon should be changed every six to eight hours (at max) and a cup should not be placed in for more than 10-12 hours, also depending on the flow and the size of the product.

This is not just to prevent leaks, odour and rashes but also to reduce your risk of infections. Tampons and cups especially put you at risk of toxic shock syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition) when kept in for long periods of time. This is why it is suggested that even if you use tampons regularly, you should switch to pads when you’re sleeping - in case you oversleep and forget to change it at the right time.

(Read more: Indian myths and facts about periods)

The vagina is a self-cleansing organ. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to do all that much to keep it clean. Use clean water to wash your vagina during your bath at least once a day. Avoid any soap or cleansers unless you’ve been prescribed one by your gynecologist for a particular condition or problem. Don’t be alarmed by a slight odour during your period or when you’re ovulating but you should consult a doctor if something feels amiss or the odour is accompanied by other symptoms like dryness, pain, itching, etc. Wipe from the front to back when using tissue paper to avoid transferring harmful bacteria from around the anus to the vulva. 

Similarly, the importance of handwashing can never be emphasized enough. It removes harmful microorganisms from your hands and helps reduce the risk of infections even in our regular day-to-day life. A lot of us wash hands after using menstrual products but to prevent the transfer of bacteria to your vagina (from your hands), it is best to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds even before you change your sanitary pad, tampon or menstrual cup.

(Read more: Period problems)

A lot of women incorrectly assume that sex during periods can’t lead to pregnancy and forgo protection during this time. This is a bad idea for two reasons. First of all, some women have a shorter menstrual cycle and sperm can live up to five days in your body. So, if you had sex during the last days of your period and have a 21-24 day cycle, it is likely that you could ovulate early and risk getting pregnant. Secondly, even if you have a longer menstrual cycle, a condom can save you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - just because you are on your period, does not mean you are safe from contracting STIs.

The market is flooded with necessary menstrual hygiene products but they also have completely unnecessary and potentially harmful products on offer. Scented tampons and pads are marketed for their benefits in reducing period odour. However, in truth, these scented chemicals can cause an imbalance in your vaginal pH, which is different from the rest of your skin. This can, in turn, lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis. Some of the ingredients in these products can also cause allergies, itching and rashes. 

Douching is another unhealthy practice, which refers to the process of washing your vagina from the inside. There are various fluids and squirt bottles available in the market for this purpose. However, experts suggest that since the vagina is a self-cleaning organ, you do not need to douche to keep it clean. If anything, douching may disturb the normal flora and pH of the vagina and increase your risk of getting infections. Douching also puts you at risk of ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease.

(Read more: How to wash your vagina)

Many women tend to skip their workout routine during their periods, often due to menstrual cramps. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to prove that exercising can be harmful during this time of the month. In fact, many women claim that working out actually reduces their menstrual cramps. 

On the other hand, some women experience infrequent or missed periods when they exercise a lot. This usually happens with athletes but can occur in other people too. So while working out is recommended, it is best not to overdo it - not just during your period but also otherwise. Some women also tend to feel low or tired during this time, leading to missed workouts. If this is the case with you, it is best to talk to an expert or a healthcare practitioner to find a solution.

(Read more: Irregular periods)

Menstural hygiene products like pads, liners and tampons should never be flushed down the toilet. The correct way to dispose of them is to wrap them up in the cover provided or toilet paper and then throw it in the bathroom dustbin. This waste should be handed out separate from the rest of the waste. The bin in the bathroom should preferably have a lid to contain odours. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, are reusable products that can, depending on the brand, quality and use, last for many years. Once you’re ready to dispose of them though, you can clean them out as per usual and throw them in the bin.

Wearing pads can often cause period rashes around the vaginal area. The reason behind the rashes can be chemicals used in the production of the product, increased friction, adhesives present on the pad, added fragrances and too much moisture. The rashes may turn your skin red and cause itchiness. You can a few different brands to check if others also cause a similar reaction. If not, you can switch brands. You should ensure that you change your pad in a timely fashion. Try wearing loose clothes and breathable materials like cotton. Rashes should heal within 2-3 days but it’s best to consult a doctor if it lasts longer. You can also use an over-the-counter diaper rash cream on the outside of your vulva in the meantime for some relief.