Menstrual hygiene day is being commemorated today, Tuesday 28th of May 2019 with the theme its time for action and with it, here are seven menstrual hygiene tips.
Menstruation is a vital process of a woman’s body that deserves caution and self-care. Poor hygiene during your menses can often result in some future health issues like infections, irregular cycle etc that can surely affect your lifestyle.
Here in Kenya, Rapper King Kaka is a Menstrual health champion because through his countrywide Sanitary Bank Initiative dubbed ‘Bank on Me’. Media personality Janet Mbugua has also been championing for Menstrual equality and even sharing her experiences with Endometriosis as reported by The Sauce. In the days leading up to Menstrual Day 2019, Janet has been asking people to sign a petition in order for her and other stakeholders to lobby for more action to be taken towards improved menstrual health management in Kenya.
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As much as every woman’s period is different, there are simple menstrual hygiene tips that every woman can follow to give them happy and healthy periods.
1. Change sanitary napkins or tampons every 4-6 hours to reduce the chance of having irritation, rashes or urinary tract infections.
2. Wash your vagina regularly with lukewarm water to avoid organisms clinging to your body after you have removed your sanitary napkin or tampon.
3. Don’t use vagina hygiene products during menses as during these days the self-cleaning mechanism of the vagina activates and these artificial hygiene products can hamper the natural process, leading to infections and growth of bacteria.
4. Stick to one method of sanitation. Using tampons and sanitary napkins, or two sanitary napkins simultaneously may keep you dry and stain free but can cause severe infections.
5. Have a bath regularly during your menses to get relief from those monster backaches and cramps.
6. Change those towels you dry off your vagina with to prevent coming in contact with the bacteria that can hang around damp towels.
7. Wash your hands before and after changing your pad, tampon, or cup to ensure maximum cleanliness as your hands come in contact with all kinds of stuff throughout the day.
Show yourself some tender love and care while on your period because your body deserves it.
