Do's and Don'ts of Period Hygiene: How to Stay Fresh and Comfortable

Introduction:

Do you remember your first period? The pain? The anxiety? And the mood swings? Suddenly, your body is changing and there are a million questions swirling around in your head. How do I keep things clean? What period products should I use? Will I get an infection? Don't worry, we've all been there.

Menstruation is a normal part of life, but sometimes it can feel a little confusing. So, let’s start at the beginning: what is menstruation?  

Your body gears up for pregnancy each month by building a lining in your uterus. If the egg is not fertilised by the sperm, and no pregnancy occurs then the lining sheds over 2-5 days as menstrual blood (your period). 

During your monthly cycle, things can get messy! But with the right products and a few hygiene tips you can sail through your period with no fuss. Let's break it down with some easy do's and don'ts to keep you feeling comfortable and confident throughout your menstrual cycle.

Do:

• Do wrap up used disposable products and toss them in the trash. Toilets aren't designed for tampons or pads, and they can clog plumbing. 
• Do change pads every few hours, or more often on heavy days. A saturated pad can become uncomfortable and irritate your skin. Changing them regularly helps you feel fresh and prevents leaks. So, how often should you change your pad? While it depends on your flow, aim to change pads every 4-8 hours, or even earlier if it feels wet or uncomfortable, or if has been soiled while going to the bathroom. And how many pads should you use in the day? Generally, most women use 3-6 pads throughout the day.
• Do swap tampons every 4-8 hours, and never wear one for longer than 8 hours straight. Choose the lowest absorbency that gets the job done. Leaving a tampon in for too long can increase your risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome), a rare but serious condition. Choosing the right tampon absorbency helps prevent leaks and discomfort.
• Do rinse your menstrual cup daily during your period. When your cycle's over, give it a good clean by boiling it for a minute or two. Rinsing your cup daily helps prevent odor and bacterial growth. Boiling it after your period ensures it's clean and ready for next time.
• Do follow the care instructions for washing reusable period underwear. Proper cleaning keeps your period underwear fresh and clean for future use.

We'll cover the don'ts next, so you know what to avoid for a happy and healthy period!

Don’t: 

• Don’t forget to wash your hands! Use soap and water to clean your hands before and after using the bathroom and always before grabbing a fresh product. Just like anywhere else on your body, your hands can pick up germs. Washing before touching your menstrual products helps prevent those germs from getting near your vagina, which can lead to irritation or infection.
• Don’t leave a pad or period underwear on for too long. Just like a saturated pad, used period underwear can become uncomfortable and irritate your skin. Regular changes help prevent odor and bacterial growth.
• Don’t use douches - your vagina is self-cleaning! Douching is the practice of spraying water or a mixture of water and other solutions into the vagina. Your vagina has a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria. Douching can disrupt this balance, washing away the good bacteria and increasing your risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
• Don't use scented pads, tampons, or toilet paper. Scents can irritate the sensitive skin in your vulvar area. The chemicals in these perfumes and additives can disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria down there, which can lead to itching, burning, and discomfort.
• Don't forget to track your period. Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you understand your menstruation patterns and identify any irregularities. This can be a valuable tool for you and your doctor. By noting things like start and end dates, flow heaviness, and any symptoms you experience, you can see if your periods are generally on time, regular in flow, and relatively pain-free. Significant changes can be an early indicator of hormonal imbalances, pregnancy or other underlying health concerns.
• Don't skip regular checkups with your doctor! This visit can be a time to talk to your doctor specifically about your period. They can answer questions, address any concerns you have about your flow, cramps, or irregularities, and make sure everything is functioning smoothly down there.

Bonus tip! Remember, a healthy lifestyle can also make a big difference. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help reduce cramps and PMS symptoms. 

Conclusion:

Embrace your cycle, and don't be afraid to talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. With the right information and hygiene practices, you can stay fresh, comfortable, and confident throughout your period.