14 Important Questions about Hygiene During Your Period

Hygiene During Your Period

During menstruation, it is recommended by healthcare providers to rinse the genital area at least twice a day (morning and evening) to prevent bacteria from thriving in the presence of blood. If you feel uncomfortable, it is acceptable to rinse the area more frequently.

What do gynecologists recommend using for hygiene during periods?

Gynecologists recommend using only warm water, without soap, to clean the genital area during menstruation. The vagina is self-cleaning and has its own natural flora, which can be disrupted by the use of regular soap or other intimate hygiene products. It is important to preserve the natural balance of the vagina.

In what direction should you wash your genital area?

To maintain good hygiene during menstruation, it is important to wash the genitals from front to back. Begin by cleaning the labia, then move on to the perineum and anus. Washing in this order helps to reduce the risk of pathogenic microorganisms and fecal matter entering the vaginal area.

Should the inside of the vagina be washed?

The human reproductive system is designed in such a way that it does not require internal cleaning. Therefore, medical professionals strongly discourage the use of any hygiene practices that involve washing away the normal vaginal bacteria (such as douching), as these can disrupt the natural balance and potentially cause harm. It is important to maintain the health of the vaginal flora, as it plays a vital role in maintaining overall genital health.

Should you use sanitary products that are more absorbent and change them less frequently?

It is important to choose sanitary products with the right absorbency level for your menstrual flow and to change them frequently. Using pads or tampons for longer than four hours (four hours for pads and four to eight hours for tampons) can increase the risk of bacterial growth and infections. By replacing your sanitary products on a regular basis, you can help to maintain good genital hygiene and reduce the risk of infections.

Can you take a bath during your period?

It is generally safe for people who are menstruating to take baths, as long as the water is clean and the temperature is not too hot. However, if you have any reproductive health issues, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before soaking in the tub. If you do decide to take a bath while menstruating, it is important to follow some basic precautions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience:

  • Make sure the bathtub is clean, as your immune system may be more vulnerable to infection during menstruation.
  • Use warm water, not hot water, as hot water may cause heavier bleeding.
  • Wash your genitals before getting into the tub (for example, rinse off under the shower).

Can you use an intimate hygiene deodorant to prevent odor?

Intimate hygiene deodorants and sprays may cause vaginitis, which is characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, and excessive vaginal discharge. To reduce the risk of developing vaginitis, it is important to minimize contact between the vulva and the chemicals in these products. Instead, you can use wet wipes or rinse your genital area with water to keep it clean and fresh. It is important to remember that the vagina has its own natural cleansing mechanism and does not require the use of perfumed products to stay healthy. In fact, using such products may disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal environment and increase the risk of irritation or infection.

What should intimate wet wipes contain?

If you prefer a softer and more gentle option for cleaning yourself after using the toilet, you can consider using wet wipes instead of toilet paper. When selecting wet wipes, it is important to choose products that are free from alcohol and fragrances and have a balanced pH level. These ingredients can irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Look for wipes that are specifically designed for sensitive skin or that are formulated with gentle, natural ingredients.

What is the right pH level for intimate hygiene products?

The vagina has an acidic pH due to the presence of beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli. These bacteria help to protect against infections and other harmful pathogens. Many experts recommend washing the genital area with plain warm water, without using soap, as soap can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal environment and potentially cause irritation. Some experts also suggest using intimate hygiene products with an acidic pH of 3.8 to 4.5, which is similar to the healthy pH of the vagina.

If period blood gets on your bed linen or clothes, can you remove the stain with hot water?

To remove a fresh bloodstain, you can try washing it with cold water and a mild, cream-free soap. Rub the soap into the stain and then rinse with cold water. Repeat this process if necessary until the stain fades.

Do you have to wash your hands after changing a sanitary product?

Some sanitary products, such as pads and panty liners, may come into contact with the anal area and can potentially become contaminated with intestinal bacteria. To reduce the risk of transmitting these bacteria to your body, it is important to wash your hands after changing a menstrual product.

Should you get up every four hours to change your pads is you use it for the night and sleep for about eight hours?

During the day, when you are more active, your menstrual flow tends to be heavier, and your pad may absorb more blood, sweat, and sebum. This can create an environment that is favorable for the growth of bacteria, which is why it is generally recommended to change pads every four hours. At night, when your body is at rest and the bleeding intensity is lower, you can safely wear a pad overnight. However, it is important to change tampons every eight hours or less, as leaving them in for longer periods of time increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome, a potentially serious infection.

Should you wrap your used pad before disposing it?

To dispose of a used pad, first roll it up and then wrap it in the wrapper of a new pad or in toilet paper. For tampons, simply wrapping them in toilet paper is sufficient. This method helps to reduce any odor and prevent the growth of bacteria that may accumulate over time.

Can you flush down sanitary products?

It is important to avoid flushing hygiene products like pads or tampons down the toilet, as they can easily cause clogs in pipes or sewers. If you do not have access to a trash bin in the bathroom, you can take the used pad or tampon with you and dispose of it in a different location