Menstrual Hygiene

Introduction:

Menstruation is an important and natural part of every woman's life. Menstrual hygiene is the practice used by several women or girls to manage their menstrual cycle. Safe, clean, and affordable menstrual products are necessary to maintain menstrual hygiene. Lack of menstrual hygiene can lead to several health issues, including infections and reproductive complications. The menstrual-associated symptoms can take a dangerous turn if women do not follow proper menstrual hygiene. It can disrupt women's lives, including their daily life activities. Menstrual hygiene management is challenging for millions of girls in developing countries because of inadequate water cleanliness and toilet facilities. Lack of education regarding the maintenance of menstrual hygiene and menstrual waste is a major problem in developing countries causing hindrance in menstrual hygiene. The introduction delves into the deeper explanation of menstrual hygiene, challenges faced by women and girls, access to hygiene resources, and tips to maintain menstrual hygiene.

What Is the Menstrual Cycle?

The menstrual cycle is the natural and recurring phase in every woman's life. It starts from the reproductive age, which is normally between 11 to 13 years of age. The menstrual cycle continues after every 28 days. There are different phases in the menstrual cycle. During the first five days of menstruation, the blood is discharged from the vagina. The next is the follicular phase, in which the follicles mature and release eggs during ovulation. Around the 14th day, the mature egg is released and this phase is called ovulation. During this phase, the chances of conceiving is higher. The next phase is the luteal phase, in which progesterone prepares the uterine lining.

What Is Menstrual Hygiene?

Menstrual hygiene is the hygiene practices or products women use during their menstrual periods. This will ensure their safety and make them feel comfortable. Menstrual Hygiene Day in the world is May 28. During this day, good menstrual hygiene practices are observed by woman during their periods. The healthcare providers raise awareness about menstrual hygiene amongst women and tell them about the importance of menstrual products, how to access them, educate them about menstrual periods, and also about sanitation facilities. Other than healthcare professionals, any individual can participate in menstrual hygiene day. They can spread awareness in their society about the awareness of good menstrual hygiene practices.

Why Menstrual Hygiene Is a Critical Aspect of Women’s Health?

Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women's health. The reasons behind this are described below:

• Prevention of Infection: Adopting proper menstrual hygiene practices may help prevent dangerous infections, mainly in the reproductive areas and urinary tracts. If the woman is not following proper menstrual hygiene practices, then there will be an increase in the growth of bacteria leading to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or reproductive tract infections.

• Reduced Other Health Problems: Maintaining good menstrual hygiene can reduce the risk of other health issues, such as vaginitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). These health problems can cause long-term health complications and even infertility.

• Pregnancy and Childbirth: Maintaining good menstrual hygiene practices can reduce the chances of infertility. It leads to healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications that could affect maternal and fetal health.

• Reducing Stress: Proper maintenance of menstrual hygiene can contribute to psychological well-being and reduce stress during menstrual periods.

• School Attendance: If the girl is not following proper hygiene practices, then it can lead to absenteeism of girls who are going to school. It will affect their education. Following proper menstrual hygiene practices can lead to regularization of school.

• Gender Equity: Menstrual hygiene is linked to gender equity. When the women have means to manage periods with comfort, they are less likely to face discrimination.

• Workforce Participation: Proper following of menstrual hygiene practices allows women to attend their office work regularly. It will reduce the missed workdays.

What Are the Challenges Faced by Women in Maintaining Proper Menstrual Hygiene?

Women face several challenges in maintaining proper menstrual hygiene. This will impact their health and daily life activities. The common challenges are as follows:

• Lack of Access to Menstrual Products: Many women, especially low-income people cannot afford or access menstrual products, such as tampons, sanitary pads, or menstrual cups. Due to a lack of access to menstrual products, these women use unhygienic alternatives, such as unsafe materials and clothes. This will increase the risk of infections.

• Limited Access to Sanitation Facilities: The poor women have inadequate access to private or clean toilets and proper handwashing facilities. This will make it difficult for them to maintain their safe menstrual hygiene, which ultimately increases the risk of infections and discomfort.

• Lack of Education: Some girls or women are not getting sufficient education regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices. The lack of education and menstrual hygiene awareness leads to increased health risks.

• Financial Constraints: Some menstrual products are costly. Some women face this challenge and cannot afford or want to save money. This will be risky and can be unhygienic.

• Cultural Taboos: Cultural taboos surrounding menstruation persist in many communities. This can lead to embarrassment and shame. The lack of open discussion about menstruation can be risky and cause infections.

What Are the Health Risks Associated With Poor Menstrual Hygiene Practices?

Poor menstrual hygiene practices can cause several health risks, which are described below:

• Bacterial and fungal genital infections.

• Unclean hands or menstrual products can lead to an increased risk of urinary tract infections.

• Bacterial and fungal vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. These can cause abnormal discharge, burning sensation, itching, and discomfort.

• The reproductive tract infection can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. In severe cases, it can lead to pelvic pain and infertility.

• Skin irritation.

• Skin allergies from dyes, chemicals, and fragrances.

• Reproductive health complications.

• Mental and emotional distress.

What Are the Tips for Maintaining Menstrual Hygiene During the Menstrual Cycle?

Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene during the menstrual cycle can keep them healthy and comfortable. The tips that help to ensure good menstrual health are as follows:

• Women should choose menstrual products that are of good quality, suit them, and comfortable for them. These can be sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups.

• Each woman should change menstrual products regularly after every four to eight hours. It will prevent leakage and the risk of infections.

• Women should wash their hands before and after changing sanitary pads. This will maintain cleanliness and prevent infections.

• Proper disposal of menstrual products is important. They should wrap used menstrual products in paper or disposal bags and put them in the dustbin.

• Personal hygiene can be maintained by taking regular showers.

• Avoid using chemicals, fragrances, or dyes on the genital area to reduce skin irritation.

• Stay hydrated.

• Take over-the-counter medications to manage menstrual cramps.

• Regular health check-ups with healthcare providers.

• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

• Take proper rest to manage stress.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, proper maintenance of menstrual hygiene is important for women's health. It prevents the risk of infection and makes them safe and comfortable. Creating and raising awareness about menstrual products among women and girls can help them in managing their menstrual health. It reduces the health risks and builds confidence. If women are facing any challenges regarding maintaining menstrual hygiene, they should consult with their healthcare provider.