Menstrual Care

Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle. When periods (menstruations) come regularly, this is called the menstrual cycle. Having regular menstrual cycles is a sign that important parts of the female body are working normally. The menstrual cycle provides important body chemicals, called hormones, to keep you healthy. Menstruation is the body's way of releasing tissue that it no longer needs. Every month, the female body prepares for pregnancy. The lining of the female uterus gets thicker as preparation for nurturing a fertilized egg. An egg is released and is ready to be fertilized and settle in the lining of the uterus.

Menstruation is one of the vital processes of a woman's body which deserves supreme caution and self-care. Safeguarding proper hygiene during menses, and eating right is the key to ease the pain you go through.

1. Alteration of the sanitary napkin in proper intervals-

Changing sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours is the cardinal rule to establish vaginal hygiene. Menstrual blood, when released from the body attracts various organisms from the body, which cause irritation, rashes or urinary infections. Changing sanitary napkins regularly waysides the growth of these organisms and prevents infections.

2. Rinse oneself appropriately-

Washing the vagina regularly is extremely significant because the organisms stick to the body after the sanitary napkin is detached.

3. Discard the sanitary napkin properly-

Disposing sanitary napkins properly is an important step. Wrap them properly before you throw them away, so the bacteria and infections do not spread. Make sure you don't flush them, since that will block the toilet causing the water to back up, spreading the bacteria all over it. Washing hands correctly is of extreme importance after you have wrapped and discarded the used sanitary napkins.

4. Be cautious of a rash

A pad rash is often experienced during a period of heavy flow. It usually occurs when the pad has been wet for a long time and rubs along the thighs causing it to chaff. To prevent this from occurring, try to stay dry during your periods. Apply an antiseptic ointment, after a bath and before bed, this will heal the rash and prevent further chaffing. If it gets worse do visit your doctor who will be able to prescribe you a medicated powder that can keep the area dry.

5. Stick to one method of sanitation-

Women tend to use tampons and sanitary napkins, or two sanitary napkins simultaneously during heavy flow which is an efficient technique. While it may keep you dry and prevent stained clothes, it can cause infections too. The combination of two techniques absorbs the blood making us unaware of the need to change our tampons and sanitary napkins. Without frequent change, the accumulated blood invites bacteria and causes infections. So, it is advisable to use one sanitary napkin and change it as frequently as you can during heavy flow.

These fundamental rules will surely aid you to stay healthy and appropriately manage menstruation.