What you should and should not do during menstruation

In conversation with Inoka Wijeratne – Registered Nurse – Care & Cure Healthcare Services

The importance of hygiene is a topic health professionals consistently talk about. Maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is something that every woman needs to be concerned about, says Mrs Inoka Wijeratne, Registered Nurse from Care & Cure Healthcare Services(Menstruation Dos and Don’ts).

“Washing your hands after changing your used sanitary towel or after a bowel movement or passing urine during this time is very important for over-all good health” she says, “ Staying clean when you are having your periods is a must. Wash your private parts well and also take a bath and put on clean clothes. The myth about not taking a bath is not in line with modern scientific thinking.”

How to ensure hygiene  in your private parts –

“Always use good clean water when cleaning your private parts. If you use soap, you must make sure it is mild and unscented. Ensuring the retention of the PH value of the vagina is very important. Soap can damage the natural PH value that protects this area. In addition, use of scented toilet paper must not be done. If not, the skin around the area can become very dry, itchy and can cause pain during menstruation.” She adds.

How do we use a sanitary towel the correct way?

Make sure you buy the right kind of sanitary towel that encourages absorbency . The weight of our bodies may impact the way the sanitary towel is positioned and the blood may return back to your private parts and cause infection. Blood is a good breeding ground for bacteria and will encourage infections if you are not staying clean and not using the sanitary towel correctly, Mrs Wijeratne points out.

Why it is important to change your sanitary towel every 06 hours –

“ It is crucial that you change your sanitary towel at least every six  hours. Whether you bleed more or less , it must be changed. If not, the bacteria that breeds on stale blood can travel through the urinary tract and cause various infections. Again, before and after using a sanitary towel, you should wash your hands thoroughly. “

“Menstruation blood comes from the walls of the uterus when uterine walls are renewed. Various bacteria is released when that blood comes into contact with your hands when changing sanitary towels. This is why it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after changing sanitary towels.”

The importance of correct disposal of your used sanitary towels –

Each used sanitary towel must be wrapped in a paper and thrown in a garbage bin marked for paper.  It should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown out anywhere. Proper disposal is vital for recycling purposes and hygiene, Mrs Wijeratne says.

Why we should wear cotton underwear during menstruation – Menstruation Dos and Don’ts

“It is very important that the underwear worn during your period is cotton. This helps to keep the area dry at all times and minimize moisture. Cotton underwear is breathable and must be clean, washed well and dried so that no germs stay on the surface. It must be kept in mind that during menstruation, your underwear must not be too tight.”

As a healthcare professional, what more advice can you give for menstruation?

“ Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during this time.  It helps to reduce urinary tract infections and keep the urinary tract clean. Eating nutritious food during this period is very important. Although myths discourage eating meat during menstruation, the truth is that you must have a proper diet during this period – eating food rich in protein as well as in micronutrients such as zinc and iron.”

“ Sugar, salt and coffee in excess is best avoided as they may cause tension and stress to the body. Although myths discourage physical activity such as exercise during this period, in actual fact you must engage in exercise during menstruation. Some may prefer yoga or meditation while others may opt for more strenuous execise.”

The importance of keeping track of your menstrual cycle –

A woman’s menstrual cycle is a process that occurs every month for 28 days and 25 days continuously. But this varies from one woman to another. By calculating your menstrual cycle regularly, you can check if there are any health issues.  If your menstrual cycle is irregular, you must get it checked medically. Conditions such as diabetes and thyroid maybe a cause. Also, if a woman is over 40, a vaginal examination should be done at least once a year to ensure good over-all health, says Mrs Wijeratne in conclusion.

Enoka Wijeratne
Registered Enterostomal Therapy Nurse
(RN-05110,RETN-J/0003)
076-6360129
Care & Cure Healthcare Services