Hygiene during menstruation. Important tips from the gynecologist

Menstruation is one of the most intimate areas of a woman’s life, and so is hygiene during “these days”. It turns out that by acting in their best faith, women make several mistakes here that can lead to health problems. What should hygiene during menstruation look like, what is better to avoid and why – explains the obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Anna Horbaczewska from the Superior Medical Center in Krakow.

1. Dr. Horbaczewska reminds that the golden rule during menstruation is: simplicity and moderation
2. One of the most common mistakes in the perimenstrual period is excessive intimate hygiene
3. During your period you should wash yourself two or three times a day using clean running water
4. It is not allowed to use the same sanitary napkin or tampon for several hours
5. It is also not recommended to use tampons at night
6. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Hygiene during menstruation – clean water is best

The most important thing is to keep in mind the obvious, such as avoiding bathing in the tub, and generally high temperatures, which can make bleeding worse. Hygiene in the shower is best with running water.

Let’s also remember that Using plain clean water is best during your period – far better than using any intimate hygiene products. Each measure of this type may contribute to the irritation of intimate areas and adversely affect the natural bacterial flora, which is for a woman the first line of defense against any disease microbes.

One of the most common mistakes, especially in the peri-menstrual period, is excessive intimate hygiene. If such hygiene is performed several times a day, using various types of hygiene measures, the area of ​​the vagina and vulva may become sterilized. This in turn increases the susceptibility to infection, which increases during menstruation anyway. This is due to the increase in pH in the vagina. Physiologically, it is acidic (the presence of lactobacilli), which ensures the proper composition of the bacterial flora.

1. Elastic panties, too strong washing, jacuzzi – this is how you invite intimate infections

It is important, especially these days, to put on airy, breathable underwear from natural materials. When it comes to shaking, the direction in which the activity is performed is of great importance – front to back.

Sanitary towels, tampons, cups – what and when to use. The gynecologist advises

If we are talking about hygiene products used during menstruation, such as tampons or pads, remember to change them regularly. The frequency here is individual and depends on the amount of bleeding. In the first days when it is at its peak, it may be necessary to change tampons or pads every two hoursin later days, every three to four. However, situations in which the same sanitary napkin or tampon are used for several hours must not be allowed, because then the multiplication of bacteria begins.

More and more women use the so-called menstrual cups, praising this solution as ecological. You can use them as much as possible, but remember to thoroughly wash and clean such a cup after use.

1. Tampon or sanitary napkin? The answer is not at all obvious

As for the use of tampons, night use is not recommended. The tampon then remains in the vagina continuously for several hours. This can also result in abrasions or damage to the vaginal mucosa, and this, as is known, can be an open gate for infection.

1. Menstrual cups – types, opinions, advantages and disadvantages. How to put on a menstrual cup?

Hygiene during menstruation – the doctor warns against mistakes

Sometimes, during menstruation, patients do something in good faith, but it is counterproductive. For example, women forget about a tampon … They remember it even after a few days. Then, due to the increased risk of infection, it is worth recommending appropriate treatment in this direction.

On the other hand, there are no hygiene measures that would be advisable and safe on a daily basis, and which would have adverse effects only during menstruation. In general, the golden rule during menstruation is: simplicity and moderation. Therefore, you should wash yourself two or three times a day using clean, running water. As for soap, let’s use it – yes – but more around the lower abdomen or thighs, but not around the vagina or labia. We can also try the Biolaven intimate hygiene gel with a natural composition.

You may be interested in:

1. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) – what symptoms it gives
2. Irregular period – causes, treatment
3. Intimate infection – how to deal with it at home?