Abstract:
Menstruation (or ‘period’) is a normal biological process. Menstrual hygiene (MH) is important aspect of puberty that safeguards reproductive health. MH is important for maintaining sexual & reproductive health. It helps prevent infections, reduce unpleasant smell, and maintain healthy living during period. This work aims to investigate into importance of MH. Also, it outlines guiding principles for safe of MH practices among girls. Secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. Required data were collected from journal articles, books, book chapters, etc. Method of data analysis is “descriptive’.
Findings in this work indicates that maintaining safe MH practices is vital for improved reproductive health among women and girls. However, MH continues to be overlooked in many societies and countries due to stigma and lack of awareness. This knowledge gap results in unsafe practices and preventable reproductive health complications. Poor MH hygiene, for instance, increases the risk of reproductive tract infections. This, in turn, affects fertility and other long-term gynaecological complications. Further, in addition to physical aspects, menstruation influences emotional well-being. Furthermore, there are concerns about vaginal bleeding, itching, odour, etc. Over and above, stigma associated with menstruation affects confidence and well-being, in addition to being associated with stress, absenteeism, and withdrawal from daily activities. Adopting MH practices enable adolescent girls (a) maintain optimal health, (b) participate fully in society, and (c) pursue education and career goals without unnecessary barriers.
Managing menstruation envisages tracking cycle, choosing products that fit lifestyle, and maintaining proper hygiene to prevent discomfort or infection. Description presented outlines precautions adolescent girls need to take for maintaining safe MH practices:
1.Using menstrual products: Girls should choose types of menstrual products (including sanitary pads, and period underwear) best suited to them.
2. Washing hands: They should wash hands before and after using the restroom, and before and after using a menstrual product.
3. Discarding used disposable menstrual products: They should properly wrap menstrual products with tissue paper, and discard them in trash bins.
4. Changing sanitary pads and clothing: They should change sanitary pads and underwear at regular intervals, more frequently in case of excess bleeding. They should remember that wearing a pad and underwear for too long results in rash and infection.
5. Wearing lightweight clothing: They need to wear lightweight cotton underwear, as tight fabrics can trap moisture and heat, allowing germs, bacteria and fungi to grow.
6. Keeping genital area clean: They should wash the outside of vagina at regular intervals. Unclean vagina during menstruation causes vaginal infection.
7. Monitoring menstruation: Since irregular menstruation can be symptoms of conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems, they track period on a calendar.
8. Visiting clinic for your annual check-up: An annual wellness visit to healthcare provider is recommended for full body check-up.
This abstract briefly concludes that maintaining menstrual hygiene is key in protecting reproductive health, preventing severe infections, and ensuring emotional well-being among girls. Such practices enable them to (a) experience dignified life, (b) maintain self-esteem without barriers, and (c) pursue academic and professional goals.
Keywords: Menstrual Hygiene, Puberty, Adolescent Girls, Vaginal Infection, Reproductive Health, Menstrual Products, and Reproductive Tract Infection
Biography:
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mishra (He/His) is Independent Researcher (Scholar), retired from Population Education Resource Centre, Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension, S.N.D.T. Women's University, Mumbai, India. He, with Ph. D. qualification, has authored 6 booklets, 4 books, 31 book chapters, 109 journal articles, 2 monographs, 7 research studies, & 119 papers for national & international conferences. He has been awarded with Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, & 2024. He was Judge for IHA’s 20th Annual Virtual Health Literacy Awards, including Edson Awards for 2025 & 2026 seasons. His brief biography can be accessed at: https://www.ierek.com/storage/conferences/577/speakers/cvs/8G2m1gZ8PQg6lIXsY8EufzNxUrQ0fIohyNecSt0r.pdf.
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