Menstrual health and hygiene are critical for promoting good health and preventing reproductive tract infections (RTIs). In India, it is estimated that about 200 million women have poor knowledge about menstrual hygiene practices.¹

Myths surrounding menstruation in societies restrict menstruating women from various activities such as cooking, touching food, being with family members and bathing.² This affects their emotional state, health and lifestyle.³ These myths also have a direct effect on their reproductive health; for example, not bathing regularly affects hygiene, which could lead to reproductive tract infections (RTIs).³

Studies have shown how poor menstrual hygiene leads to conditions such as vaginitis, pelvic and urinary tract infections,² itching or rashes in the perineal region and bad odor.⁴ It is reported that over 77% of menstruating girls and women in India use old pieces of cloth³; these are often reused but not washed properly with soap or dried in sunlight as the women try to hide them from the sight of other family members.² Other unhygienic practices include using ashes, newspapers, dried leaves and husk sand to aid absorption.³

Menstrual hygiene can be achieved by using sanitary pads or clean and soft absorbents, adequate washing of the genital area and proper disposal of used absorbents.^5,6 It is recommended that pads be changed every few hours and tampons every four to eight hours. Unscented sanitary products are preferable as scented products can irritate the skin and affect the normal pH balance.⁶ Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing will prevent the trapping of moisture and heat, which support growth of microorganisms. Hence, the use of cotton underwear is recommended.⁶

Awareness about menstrual hygiene and safe practices will lead to women being less vulnerable to RTIs and their consequences. Moreover, knowledge about menstrual hygiene from an early age will help in promoting hygiene management.

References:

1. Prakash S, Bhartiya AK. Menstrual health and hygiene practices in school going adolescent girls in India. The Social Ion. 2018;7(1):11–17.
2. Yaliwal RG, Biradar AM, Kori SS, et al. Menstrual morbidities, menstrual hygiene, cultural practices during menstruation, and WASH practices at schools in adolescent girls of North Karnataka, India: a cross-sectional prospective study. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2020;2020:6238193.
3. Garg S, Anand T. Only menstruation related myths in India: strategies for combating it. J Family Med Prim Care. 2015;4(2):184–6.
4. Kumar G, Prasuna JG, Seth G et al. Assessment of menstrual hygiene among reproductive age women in south-west Delhi. J Family Med Prim Care. 2017;6(4):730–4.
5. Thakre S, Thakre S, Reddy M et al. Menstrual hygiene: knowledge and practice among adolescent school girls of Saoner, Nagpur district. J Clin Diagn Res. 2011;5(5):102733.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Menstrual hygiene [Internet]. [Cited 2023 Mar 03]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/menstrual.html.