1. Choose a convenient means for collecting menstrual blood
You can choose any hygiene product that is comfortable for you. The main thing is to change or clean it in time.
Gaskets
It is best to choose unscented pads. Scented products can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural pH balance .
You should change your pads every few hours. And if you have heavy discharge, you can change them more often. You shouldn’t neglect this rule, even if there is almost no menstrual blood. The reason is that moisture will accumulate on the pad anyway. And this is a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, if you wear a hygiene product for too long, a rash or infection may appear.
The used pad is wrapped in the packaging of the next one or toilet paper. Then the hygiene product is thrown into the trash can. It cannot be flushed down the toilet.
Tampons
It is best to choose tampons with the least absorbency you need. This means that if your discharge is moderate, it is better to take a hygiene product that says normal, and avoid super plus or ultra.
Tampons changed every 4-8 hours. Using them longer is not recommended because toxic shock syndrome may develop. This is a rare but life-threatening condition. It is caused by certain types of bacteria that produce toxic substances. They can damage the liver, kidneys, heart, and lead to shock.
Used tampons are wrapped in toilet paper and thrown into the trash.
Menstrual cups and discs
The device can for up to 12 hours. After that, the hygiene product is emptied and rinsed with water. When the period ends, the device should be disinfected. To do this, it is enough to place the washed cup or disc in boiling water for one or two minutes.
Menstrual panties
The gusset of menstrual panties has a material sewn into it that absorbs blood. You can the underwear during the day. But if the discharge is heavy, you will most likely have to change the panties more often.
Reusable panties are usually machine washable. However, the rules may vary, so it’s worth checking the specific instructions for your product.
2. Keep your genitals clean
The vulva and perineum should be washed every day. Only water should be used. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. But its natural pH can change due to soap and other products. Then thrush or bacterial vaginosis can develop.
After urinating and defecating, wipe from front to back. If you do it the other way around, bacteria from the anus can
3. Wash your hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after changing your hygiene product. This prevent the spread of bacteria.
4. Wear breathable clothing
Thick fabrics retain moisture and heat. This promotes the growth of microbes. Therefore, during menstruation, it is better to choose cotton underwear .
5. Track your menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is from the first day of one menstruation to the beginning of the next. Bleeding can occur every 21 to 35 days and last from 2 to 7 days.
Regularity of the cycle is one of the indicators of general health. If the cycle is irregular, it may be a sign of diabetes, celiac disease or thyroid problems. And if you notice a deviation from the norm in time and tell your doctor, this will help make the correct diagnosis.
That’s why gynecologists ask about the date of the start of your last period. And it’s important to remember when it ended.
It is convenient to track your menstrual cycle in special applications. But if you want, you can use a regular calendar.
6. Maintain physical activity
to exercise during your period , if you want to, of course. The main thing is to choose the right hygiene product. Some activities even relieve menstrual pain, such as swimming, yoga, cycling, and walking.
