5 hygiene hacks to help you stay clean and fresh during your periods

Maintaining hygiene during menstruation should be your utmost priority. Not to mention, if you skip maintaining hygiene down there during your menstrual cycle, all the germs and bacteria can make you even more vulnerable to catching vaginal infection. Yes, your vagina is a self-cleaning part of your body, but you’ve still got to take some measures to keep it clean. We have some period hygiene tips which will help to stay happier during your menses.

Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, tells HealthShots that maintaining hygiene will also keep your menstrual health in check.

Here are 5 menstrual hygiene tips for every woman:

1. Change your pad or tampon from time to time

To maintain the proper hygiene during the periods, it’s really important to change period products often. Dr Siddhartha says, “To ensure vaginal hygiene and overall health, changing your sanitary pad every 4-6 hours is advisable. Doing so can also help you to keep allergies and vaginal infections at bay.” Apart from pad, tampons should be used for a maximum duration of 4 hours, and menstrual cups can be used for up to 12 hours.

2. Keep the vagina clean

When you are on your period, it is of the utmost importance that you wash your vagina regularly and properly. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, so avoid using soap or harsh chemicals down there. Remember to take utmost care of your vaginal health. Report any changes like abnormal discharge to the expert. Moreover, wash your hands before and after changing your pads, tampons, or menstrual cups and touching your vagina to avoid the risk of infections. Also, wash your vagina every time you use the toilet.

3. Wear comfortable underwear

When it comes to maintaining hygiene, it’s advisable to keep separate your underwear to be used during the periods. Along with this, wear comfortable underwear so that your skin can breathe freely. Using cotton underwear can be a good idea. Make sure that the underwear is not too tight. Try to also change your underwear as and when required. Remember this during your periods.

4. Shower twice a day

This will help you to stay fresh and clean. You can opt for warm water while showering. You may end up feeling better as it can relieve period cramping and pain. Remember, not having a shower can make you feel unclear or unpleasant. In fact, it can increase the risk of smell and infections down there.

5. Use a larger pad

Because of heavy flow, most women try to use two pads at a time. Two is not better than one. To manage or control your heavy flow use a larger pad instead. According to Dr Siddhartha, “This will help you to minimize the chances of leakage.” So use one pad at a time and keep changing it often.

Follow these essential tips and stay fresh during menstruation!