Friday Five: Menstrual Health
How knowledgeable do you feel about menstrual hygiene?
Menstruation, experienced by 1.8 billion monthly, is a natural biological occurrence. Unfortunately, misinformation and shame surrounding the event are common for both those who have periods and those who don’t. Menstrual health, however, is crucial to the health of many we love and should be championed.
Let’s explore what good menstrual health and hygiene practices looks like and how they can aid in the overall health of menstruators, as well as help provide comfort during menstruation.
Reminder: a person should always consult their health care provider, and below we go through some more suggestions and considerations for helping bring comfort whether its a first or 100th period.
Keep reading to discover 5 tips for maintaining healthy and safe menstrual hygiene. 💖
1. Preparing for a Period
For those having a period for the first time there can be a number of unknowns and differing emotions, often negative. Menstruation itself can be physically uncomfortable. Mentally, it can feel scary to have your body start doing something that feels out of your control.
Good preparation can help reduce some of this discomfort. As more cycles are experienced, we can find out what personally is needed to make menstruating more comfortable. This might include specific foods, pain relief like ibuprofen, heating blankets, baths, masturbation… consider whatever brings ease and comfort.
2. Sanitary Products
Selecting the right menstrual hygiene products can help have a comfortable and safe experience during a period.
These days, there are a number of options - from tampons and sanitary pads to period underwear and menstrual cups. What a person chooses is completely up to them and what brings them the most comfort and empowerment.
For example, maybe you prefer tampons during the day and a sanitary pad at night. Or maybe a menstrual cup for the entire time better suits you. (Emptied and cleaned regularly, of course!) Whatever you choose, it can be beneficial to consider factors such as flow intensity, comfort preferences, and lifestyle. Here are some significant points⬇️
Flow Intensity: Light, moderate, and heavy flows require different absorption levels, and selecting a product tailored to your flow can enhance comfort and prevent leaks.
Comfort: Tampons, pads, and menstrual cups each offer unique comfort features, so considering personal preferences can increase satisfaction and ease during menstruation.
Lifestyle: For active individuals or those who engage in water activities, using tampons or menstrual cups usually provides greater flexibility and freedom of movement than pads.
Material and Ingredients: Organic products are crafted from hypoallergenic and breathable materials, promoting comfort and supporting overall vaginal health. Additionally, they often contain natural ingredients, reducing the risk of irritation and sensitivity.
Environmental Impact: Choosing reusable options like menstrual cups reduces waste and one’s carbon footprint, bolstering eco-friendly menstrual care practices and environmental preservation.
3. Change Products Regularly
Changing menstrual hygiene products regularly is important to maintain good hygiene and prevent bacteria buildup. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and change your tampons, sanitary pads, or empty your menstrual cup as directed, or more frequently if otherwise needed. Stay on top of this using the following tools:
Phone alarms or calendar reminders to prompt changing menstrual products every few hours.
Visual monitoring to see how frequently a sanitary product needs changing. If you have a heavier flow, you may need to change your product more frequently to prevent leaks and maintain comfort.
Pay attention to your body's cues, such as feelings of dampness or discomfort, which may indicate that it's time to change your menstrual product.
Adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for how often to change your menstrual product.
4. Healthcare & Hygiene
The timing of when a person first experiences menstruation, or if they are thinking of having intercourse, is a great benchmark to begin making regular visits to an obstetrician gynecologist (OBGYN). Consult your primary care doctor to get their professional recommendations to monitor reproductive health, address any concerns or issues related to menstruation, sexual health, contraception, and overall well-being.
When handling or changing menstrual hygiene products maintain good personal hygiene by washing your hands before and after and gently cleaning your genitals with clean water to prevent irritations and discomfort.
The vagina has a natural self-cleaning mechanism. Altering its pH balance through washing or using chemical cleansers can be detrimental, potentially leading to conditions like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.
5. Support for Those with Periods and Without
Remember, menstruation affects each person uniquely. Treat yourself with care and respect, and if you experience any issues related to your period or menstrual hygiene, don't hesitate to seek medical help. A healthcare professional can offer guidance and personalized recommendations to address any concerns and ensure your well-being during this time of the month.
