Awareness on Menstrual Health

Why is it important to maintain menstrual hygiene?

The onset of menstruation is marks as an important physiological change that occurr in girls during their adolescent phase. Menstruation indicates the beginning of physiological maturity among girls. Apart from personal significance, it also has social implications.

Menstrual hygiene is a hygienic practice during menstruation which can prevent women from the infection in reproductive and urinary tract. Menstruation and menstrual practices are still clouded by taboos and socio – cultural restrictions resulting in adolescent girls lacking knowledge and remaining ignorant of the scientific facts and hygienic health practices, which sometimes results into adverse health outcomes.

Hygiene-related practices of girls during menstruation are of considerable importance, as they're more susceptible to Reproductive Tract Infections (RTI’s) during this period. Poor menstrual hygiene is one of the reasons for the elevated existence of RTIs within the nation and renders relatively to female morbidity rate. Lack of proper knowledge associated with menstruation and menstrual hygiene cue to poor manner and practice. Various issues like awareness, availability and quality of napkins, regular supply, privacy, water system , disposal of napkins, reproductive health education and family support needs viable attention for growth of menstrual hygiene.

Common repercussion of unhealthy menstrual practices

• Irritation of the skin causes discomfort and can result in dermatitis – a medical ailment in which the skin swells, turns red, and at times becomes sore with blisters.

• Introduction of bacteria into the urethra may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can happen anywhere in the urinary tract and can be fatal as it can even damage the kidneys if left untreated.

• Alteration of the pH of vagina can lead to change in vaginal environment and increased inclination of getting bacterial vaginosis.

• Frequent outbreaks of such infections can lead to outcomes such as difficulty conceiving, increased risk of abortions and preterm delivery. Hence, not maintaining proper menstrual hygiene can affect entire reproductive system of women.

Following healthy practices

• Changing on a frequent basis – 

Changing of sanitary napkins within every 4-6 hours is nesessary to ascertain vaginal hygiene. Menstrual blood, when discharged from the body lures various microbes from our bodies and the warmth of the blood allows a suitable breeding ground thus causeing irritation, rashes or urinary tract infections. Changing your sanitary napkins regularly inhibits the growth of these organisms and prevents infections.

• Proper cleanliness– 

Washing yourself on regular basis is very important, because bacterias and foreign materials tend to stick to the skin after the removal of the napkin.

• Excessive use of vaginal hygiene products –

One should avoid overusing vaginal hygiene products. Vaginas are self cleaning organs and the use of such artificial hygiene products can hinder the voluntary process directing to infections and growth of barteria.

• Disposing the sanitary napkin suitably –

Disposing off your sanitary napkins suitably is a significant step. To avoid the spread of bacterias and infections it is necessary to properly wrap them away. The napkins shouldn't be flushed down the toilet as they may cause blockages.

• Sticking to a single method of sanitation–

Using various different methods can give an inaccurate sense of loss of mentrual blood as well as extended use of items lead to the increased chances of infections.