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Hygiene During Menstruation: Essential Rules for Every Girl

N

Nyakundi Report

Newsroom 2 min read

This archive report was first published on 12 November 2019.

Published on November 12, 2019, these hygiene rules are designed to help girls stay healthy and confident during their menstrual cycle.

1. Clean Up

When menstruating, blood can enter the urethral opening and surrounding genital areas. To prevent infections and bad odor, wash away excess blood.

If washing is not possible, at least wipe off excess blood using toilet paper before changing into a new pad.

2. Change Sanitary Towels Often

Change sanitary napkins every 4-6 hours to prevent the accumulation of menstrual blood, which can attract microorganisms and lead to rashes and urinary tract infections.

Plan your time schedule according to the flow of menstrual blood.

3. Avoid Vaginal Hygienic Products or Soaps

Vaginas have their own cleaning mechanism during menstruation. Using soaps can kill good bacteria, hindering the natural cleaning process and leading to infections.

Instead, clean the vagina with warm water.

4. Dispose of Sanitary Napkins Regularly

Dispose of used napkins properly to prevent the spread of infections and foul smell. Wrap the napkin before discarding it, and avoid flushing it down the toilet.

After discarding, wash your hands properly with soap.

5. Use One Method of Sanitation at a Time

Using multiple sanitary pads or a sanitary pad with an extra piece of cloth may seem like a good idea, but it can lead to infections. Instead, use one pad and change it frequently depending on your blood flow.

6. Take Regular Baths

Take a bath twice a day during menstruation to clean your body and private parts. Bathing also helps relieve body aches and menstrual cramps.

7. Right Wiping Technique

When wiping your private area during menstruation, follow the direction from the vagina to the anal region. Washing from the anal region to the vagina can cause bacteria to survive in the vagina and other genital parts, leading to reproductive tract infections.

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