Menstrual Hygiene for Girls

Female empowerment and welfare around the world are largely based upon the menstrual hygiene. Although sanitary pads and proper toilets are necessary; another important aspect is to make such an environment for the female that supports their ability to handle their menstruation with dignity. Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated on 28th May every year.

Measures Taken To Maintain Menstrual Hygiene 

1) The girls should bath or shower at least one time in a day. 

2) Good quality sanitary napkins should be used. Those having sensitive skin should not use plastic-lined sanitary napkins as it causes rashes and itchiness on rubbing against the skin. 

3) They should wear clean underwear and change it daily. 

4) Washing genital area with soap or vaginal hygiene products should be prohibited as the good bacteria may get killed. After using toilet or after urination, vaginal area should be cleaned with warm water. 

5) Genitals should be always washed or wiped from front to back as chances of bacterial infection increase while cleaning from back to front (i.e., from anus to vagina and urethral opening). 

6) To avoid vaginal irritation, it should be dried properly after each wash. It is recommended to use antiseptic powder for keeping the genital area dry, before wearing sanitary napkin, and after washing the vagina. 

7) For protection against infections, they should be advised to change sanitary napkins in every six hours and tampons in every two hours. 

8) After changing sanitary napkins, tampon or menstrual cup, hands should be washed properly with warm water and soap. 

9) Females should wear loose and comfortable clothes during periods to allow air flow in the vaginal areas and avoid sweating around the sensitive areas. 

10) Menstrual hygiene is very important for health, welfare, strength and productivity of all females. 

Materials Used In Menstrual Hygiene 

1) Menstrual Cloth: 

These cloths are recyclable fabric pieces used for external purpose, as undergarments and to absorb menstrual fluid. These cotton fabrics are mostly new or are the old reused ones. 

2) Reusable Pads:

 These are worn externally to the body inside the underwear for the absorption of menstrual fluid. Various natural and synthetic materials are used for making sanitary pads. They can be reused for around a year by washing and drying after use. 

3) Disposable Pads: 

These are also worn externally to the body inside the underwear for the absorption of menstrual fluid. These are available in different sizes, absorbing range and are made up of mixture of plastics, rayon and cotton. They should be discarded after 8 hours of use. 

4) Tampons: 

These are absorbent materials that are inserted into the vagina to absorb the menstrual fluid to prevent leakage by their property of expanding with moisture. They are available in different sizes, and are made from cotton and/or rayon. They should be disposed of after 8 hours of use. 

5) Menstrual Cup: 

It is a bell-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina for the collection of menstrual fluid. It is kept in place by the vaginal walls and develops a seal. It is made up of medically-used silicone. It is used for 6-12 hours and collects three times more blood than pads or tampons. It collects three times more blood than pads or tampons and should be emptied every 6-12 hours. After which it should be rinsed and re-inserted. The menstrual cup should be boiled for at least 5-10 minutes after each menstruation cycle