What is feminine/menstrual hygiene?

It is important for all menstruating girls and women to be very careful and consistent with maintaining cleanliness and taking care of menstrual hygiene. No matter how healthy vagina is, it will still have a natural and innate smell.

Ten Tips to maintain feminine hygiene

Maintaining feminine hygiene can prevent bacterial infections and bad odor, itching, and discomfort. Some tips are as follows:

  1. Use feminine hygiene products for personal care (sanitary napkins, towels, tampons, menstrual cups, painkillers, and period panties) and change regularly (6 hours for pads and two to three hours for tampons).
  2. Wear loose cotton undergarments to allow air circulation. Prefer wearing a natural cotton fabric over synthetic ones. After exercise and swimming, wear fresh and clean clothing and avoid sweaty clothes.
  3. Mild soap and water should be used to wash your vagina to avoid irritation from astringent soaps. Perineum should be cleaned with a soft towel to avoid moisture being left.
  4. Was the genital area using the right technique? You can use soft toilet paper for cleaning after passing urine and stools from front to back to prevent urine and fecal matter from coming into contact with your vagina, which can be a source of bacterial infection.
  5. The vaginal area should be cleaned after sexual intercourse. 
  6. Discard your napkins after wrapping to avoid the foul smell.
  7. A skin rash (pad induced) can be annoying. To avoid, change pads frequently even if not fully soaked and keep the vagina dry or apply an antiseptic ointment.
  8. A regular bath helps though we may not understand its benefits. It not only cleans your body but private parts as well. It also relieves menstrual cramps and backaches. It improves your mood. So take a warm shower every day for that extra comfort. Avoid using feminine washes with scents.
  9. Eat a balanced diet high in nutrition. Drink lots of water which will keep you hydrated, and flush out toxins that can cause odour.
  10.  Visit your Gynecologist for a complete woman exam at least once a year or if you have an abnormal discharge with a foul, fishy smell.

When is menstrual hygiene day?

It is celebrated on May 28th every year with the goal of breaking taboos and raising awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene. This date was chosen in May as it is the 5th month of the year and most women bleed on an average 5 days every month and their cycle is approximately 28 days

Feature Image Source:Huffington Post