Your Period, Your Way: 7 Tips For Comfort and Cleanliness

Menstruation, or the monthly period, is the natural process through which the uterine lining is shed, resulting in the discharge of blood and tissue from the body through the vagina. It typically begins between the ages of 10 and 15 and ends around 45 to 50, with menopause marking its cessation. While menstruation is a regular part of a woman's life cycle, many girls and women continue to face challenges in managing their periods due to limited awareness, cultural taboos, lack of access to hygienic products, and insufficient privacy. Maintaining menstrual hygiene is crucial not only for a sense of cleanliness and comfort but also for overall health and personal dignity.

Choosing the Right Menstrual Product

There are different types of products available to absorb or collect menstrual blood. The right product depends on comfort, body type, and daily routine, and personal preferences. 

• Sanitary pads are the most common and are worn in the underwear to absorb blood. They come in various sizes and thicknesses for different flow levels.
• Tampons are soft cotton cylinders inserted into the vagina to absorb blood. They are useful for sports or swimming but must be changed every 4–6 hours.
• Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups made of medical-grade silicone that are inserted into the vagina to collect blood. They can be reused after washing and can stay in place for 8–12 hours.
• Cloth pads are washable and reusable pads made of soft fabric. They are eco-friendly but must be thoroughly cleaned and dried in sunlight after each use to avoid infections.
• It is important to choose high-quality products that suit your flow and comfort level.

Change Regularly to Stay Fresh and Safe: Changing your pad or tampon and emptying your menstrual cup at the right times is highly essential. If menstrual products are not changed frequently, there exists a risk of infection because harmful bacteria may form and irritate the skin, leading to rashes, irritations, or infections. During menses, pads and tampons should be changed every 4 to 6 hours, even if the flow is minimal.

Menstrual cups, on the other hand, needs to be emptied at least twice a day and washed well before reuse. Not following this step can lead to bad odour and, in some extreme cases, like prolonged negligible tampon use, can lead to a condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare condition, but it can prove to be potentially fatal, as can an infection caused by the rapid growth of bacteria inside the body.

Keep the Genital Area Clean: The region around the vagina (called the vulva) may feel clammy or sticky because of menses and other secretions. This area of the body can be kept clean by lightly washing it with warm water two times a day. Soaps, strong chemicals, or vaginal washes should be avoided as they disrupt the natural equilibrium of beneficial bacteria in the vagina. The vagina does not need washing internally, as it is self-cleaning; only the outer openings require washing. After cleansing, the region should be patted with a clean towel to dry. The wearing of moist underwear greatly increases the risk of developing fungal infections.

Dispose of Menstrual Products Properly: Menstrual items that have been used must be disposed of in a sanitary manner. Used pads and tampons should be wrapped in toilet paper or a disposal bag before being placed in a covered bin. Never flush pads or tampons down the toilet as they may clog the plumbing. If using cloth pads or menstrual cups, they should be washed with soap and hot water, dried completely in the sun, stored, or reused, as sunlight provides disinfection. It is vital to wash your hands before and following a change of a menstrual product to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination. Sunlight serves as a natural disinfectant, while proper hand hygiene protects against bacteria. 

Wear Comfortable and Breathable Clothes: During your period, wearing tight or synthetic clothes can cause sweating, itching, or skin irritation. Choose cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to allow proper airflow and reduce discomfort. Change your underwear daily, and if needed, even more than once, especially during heavy-flow days or in hot weather.

Track Your Menstrual Cycle: Keeping track of your period helps you stay prepared. You can use a calendar or a mobile app to note the start date, number of days it lasts, and the type of flow (light, moderate, or heavy). Also track symptoms like stomach pain, mood changes, or tiredness. If your periods are too frequent, very heavy, extremely painful, or stop suddenly, you should consult a doctor. These could be signs of a health condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid issues, or uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths in the uterus).

Manage Period Cramps Comfortably: Many women experience cramps or pain in the lower abdomen during their period, which happens as the uterus contracts to push out its inner lining. Mild pain is common and can usually be managed with simple remedies such as placing a hot water bag on the stomach, drinking warm liquids or herbal tea, doing light walking or stretching, or taking over-the-counter pain medicine (with medical advice, if needed). However, if the pain becomes severe or disrupts daily activities, it is important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and care.

Talking about periods and how to manage them should go hand-in-hand with teaching girls that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Giving young girls the right knowledge and skills helps them use sanitary products properly, stay clean, and know when to ask for help. Most period symptoms are normal, but things like heavy bleeding, very painful periods, missed cycles, or unusual discharge could be signs of health problems and should be checked by a doctor.

 Authored by Mini Salunkhe, Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Hadapsar, Pune. Views expressed by the author are their own.