Most women experience some discomfort during their periods. A heavy flow of blood, abdominal cramps, and crazy mood swings are not easy to handle. However, what can be taken care of is hygiene. Listed below are some tips you can follow to maintain your reproductive hygiene during periods.

Period Hygiene Tips Every Woman Should Know

1. Change your pad or tampon often

To keep your vagina healthy during your period, change your sanitary pad or tampon every four to six hours. This prevents allergies and vaginal infections. Tampons should not be used for over four hours, while menstrual cups can be used for up to 12 hours. If you are using a menstrual cup, empty it and wash it thoroughly before reinserting it.

2. Keep your vagina clean

An important part of ensuring period hygiene is to keep the vagina clean at all times. To do this, wash your vagina regularly with water; avoid using soaps or chemicals down there.

3. Wear comfortable underwear

Wearing breathable and comfortable cotton underwear ensures your vagina is always healthy and clean. Remember to change your underwear regularly during your periods.

4. Shower twice a day

Having a warm shower during your period is refreshing and helps your muscles relax. A warm water bath also helps relieve cramps. Avoiding a shower can make you stink and also increase the risk of infections in your vagina. If you do not want to take a complete shower, at least wash your intimate areas thoroughly.

5. Wipe from the front to the back

Always wipe from front to back when you use the bathroom. This will help to keep bacteria from your anus to stay away from your vagina, which can cause infections.

6. Avoid bathing in a tub

Tub baths sound relaxing but they can cause more harm than good. Sitting in a warm water tub increases the risk of infection by allowing bacteria to enter your vagina.

7. Use larger pads during the night

The flow at night is often more. While wearing two pads at a time or changing your pad in the middle of the night may sound inconvenient, wearing a larger, longer sanitary napkin may be a great way to stay dry and clean. These sanitary napkins also prevent leakages and give you a peaceful sleep.

8. Avoid scented products

Toilet paper, sanitary pads, and tampons with strong scents might irritate your vagina and cause infections. It is advised to stay away from them entirely, especially during your period. Cleanse your vulva afterwards with water and unscented soap if you must use scented sanitary products. 

Takeaway

The five days of your periods may seem difficult each month but maintaining good hygiene is easy and can go a long way in keeping your body healthy. Using the right period hygiene products is important, as cloth pads and scented products increase the risk of infections. If you need more information, consult the doctor.

Consult An Apollo Gynaecologist

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.