10 Common Mistakes Women Should Steer Clear From During Periods To Protect Their Menstrual Health

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While India has made immense progress in dealing with menstrual hygiene issues, there are still some areas that have miles to go to achieve period equity. It is still a hush-hush subject in this country and this has escalated due to its association with cultural and religious norms, traditional beliefs, shame, and embarrassment related to sexual reproduction.

According to the National Health And Family Survey-5 (2019-2021), there are 242 million adolescents aged 10-19 in India comprising 18% of the total population and among them 116 million are girls and 70% of women aged 15-24 in rural India do not use sanitary napkins during their periods.

Further, a 2021 study by a UK-based charity, Toybox on street children revealed that at least 1 in 10 girls in India below the age of 21 cannot afford menstrual products and end up using unhygienic alternatives. For a while, these women-hygiene products were not on the Government's list of essential items, which further, aggravated the issue of period poverty, driven by the fall in supply and rise in costs.

For those unaware, menstruation, a natural and essential part of a woman's life, can sometimes be accompanied by discomfort and inconvenience. During this time, women must be mindful of their health and well-being.

However, many women unknowingly make certain mistakes that can worsen their menstrual experience. Let us know all about menstruation and the 10 common mistakes women must avoid during their periods to ensure a smoother and more comfortable menstrual cycle.

What Is Menstruation?

According to the nhs.uk website, a period is the part of the menstrual cycle when normal vaginal bleeding occurs for a few days as a part of a woman's monthly cycle. For most women, this happens every 28 days or so, but it's common for periods to be more or less frequent than this, ranging from every 23 days to every 35 days. Your period can last between 2 and 7 days, but it will usually last for about 5 days.

In the first 2 days, the bleeding tends to be heaviest and the blood will be red, however, on lighter days it is either pink or brown. During your period, you'll lose about 20 to 90ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood, although some women can bleed more heavily than this.

Here are 10 Common Mistakes Women Must Avoid To Protect Their Menstrual Health.

1. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, but it becomes especially important during menstruation. Menstruation is a natural process that involves the shedding of the uterine lining, which can lead to increased fluid loss and dehydration if not properly managed. It can lead to dehydration that can exacerbate menstrual symptoms like bloating and headaches. It's essential to drink plenty of water during your period to stay hydrated and help your body function optimally and restore the fluid balance.

2. Get A Good Night's Sleep

Menstruation can lead to fatigue due to blood loss and hormonal changes and therefore, sleep deprivation can make pain more intense. Hormonal changes too during periods can affect mood. So, getting quality sleep can help restore energy levels and combat fatigue. It can help manage menstrual cramps and reduce discomfort. Sufficient sleep can help regulate mood swings and improve overall emotional well-being. Further, during periods the body may be more susceptible to infections, so proper rest is crucial.

3. Avoid Missing Meals

Some women may feel nauseous or have a reduced appetite during their periods, leading them to skip meals. However, skipping meals means missing out on essential nutrients your body needs, such as iron and vitamins, which are important during menstruation. Further, irregular eating patterns can disrupt your digestive system, leading to bloating, constipation, or other digestive problems, so do not give yourself away when it comes to period cravings. Eating small, frequent meals rich in iron and vitamins can help alleviate symptoms and maintain your energy levels.

4. Do Not Ignore Exercise

While it's natural to feel less motivated to exercise during your period, physical activity can help alleviate menstrual symptoms. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. This can help combat feelings of sadness, irritability, or anxiety that some women experience during their periods. Some women experience bloating during their periods, and exercise can help reduce this symptom. Go for light exercises like yoga, walking, or swimming can improve blood flow and reduce cramping.

5. Stop Using Wrong Menstrual Products

Using the wrong menstrual products, such as tampons with higher absorbency than necessary or pads with irritating fragrances, can lead to discomfort and even infections. Also, using menstrual products that are not suited to your flow can result in leakage, which can be embarrassing and inconvenient. They may not be hygienic or are made from materials that can promote bacterial growth and can increase the risk of infections, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Therefore, it's essential to choose products that suit your flow and are comfortable for you.

6. Change Pads Or Tampons Frequently

Proper hygiene is crucial during menstruation to prevent infections. Leaving pads or tampons on for too long can lead to infections such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis Changing them regularly, and washing your genital area with mild soap can help maintain good hygiene. It's advisable to change your menstrual product every 4-6 hours.

7. Stop Using Scented Pads Or Products

The fragrances used in scented pads can irritate the sensitive skin in the vaginal area. This can lead to itching, redness, and discomfort, especially during a time when the skin is already more sensitive due to menstruation. Further, it can also cause severe allergic reactions due to the chemicals present in them and these products can leach into the environment and affect ecosystems. Try unscented products instead for safe menstrual health.

8. Do Not Ignore Hand Hygiene

During menstruation, the genital area is more susceptible to infections due to the presence of blood and moisture. Touching the genital area without proper hand hygiene can introduce harmful bacteria, leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Improper hand hygiene can lead to cross-contamination, where bacteria from the hands are transferred to other surfaces or objects. This can be especially problematic in shared spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Similarly, personal hygiene is paramount.

9. Reusable Menstrual Products

While reusable menstrual products can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable products, they do come with some risks. Items like cloth pads and menstrual cups require proper cleaning and not following the manufacturer's cleaning instructions can result in bacterial growth. Some people may be allergic to the materials used in reusable menstrual products, such as latex or certain fabrics, and not cleaning them regularly or providing proper storage will retain the odor and can cause health issues during periods.

10. Always Track Your Period Cycle

Without tracking your cycle it can be challenging to predict when your period will start. This can make it difficult to plan for events or activities, leading to inconvenience. Also, for those using natural family planning methods for contraception, not tracking your cycle can lead to ineffective use of these methods, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancy. Understanding your menstrual cycle can help you better prepare for your period and manage your symptoms. Using a period tracker app or calendar can help you predict your period and plan accordingly.

By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting healthy habits women can make their periods more manageable and comfortable. It's crucial to listen to your body's needs and seek medical advice if you experience severe or persistent symptoms. With the right approach, you can navigate your menstrual cycle with ease and comfort.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.