Women's Health: Menstrual Hygiene

Today, girls and women can choose from a wide variety of menstrual protection products to suit their individual needs. Girls will value knowing what options are available to help them manage their periods.

MENSTRUAL PROTECTION products fall into two basic categories: those that are worn externally, outside the body, and those that are worn internally, in the vagina. Girls need to pay extra attention to PERSONAL HYGIENE once they begin menstruating.

Menstruation is a natural physical process. It is not a sickness. Our blood is not diseased and dirty. It is a harmless byproduct of a biological event.

The vagina itself is perfectly hygeinic - in fact it is constantly self-cleaning without any help from deodorants, douches or pills.

Technology offers sanitary pads, tampons or menstrual cups or caps to deal with the flow. The user has to decide what suits her best. Absorbent pads may be noticeable in form fitting clothes. They cause some soreness on the inner thighs.

Some women prefer tampon to external pads. A plug of absorbent cotton or gauze is inserted inside. But these should not be left unchanged beyond six hours. Some brands state that tampons left unchanged for more than 12-18 hours increases the possibility of toxic shock syndrome.

Your risk for toxic shock syndrome may be lessened by alternating between tampons and pads. For example, many women use tampons during the day and pads at night during their periods. Other methods for reducing your risk for toxic shock syndrome and other problems resulting from tampon use that are recommended by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA include:

- Always read and follow the directions for tampon insertion on the brand that you purchase.
- Learn which absorbency is right for your menstrual flow and choose the appropriate tampon absorbency.
- Change your tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours.
- Think about alternating pads with tampons.
- Don’t use tampons between periods.

- Know the sign and symptoms of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS):

According to the National Women's Health Information Center or NWHIC, if you experience any of the following 7 signs and symptoms of toxic shock syndrome during your period you should contact your health care provider immediately!

1. High fever that appears suddenly
2. Muscle aches
3. Diarrhea
4. Dizziness and/or fainting
5. Sunburn-like rash
6. Sore throat
7. Bloodshot eyes

The following tips can be helpful for girls as they begin to develop personal care habits:

• Girls should gently cleanse the external genitalia with soap and water as part of their daily bathing to help eliminate odor.
• Following each toilet use, girls should wipe the genitals from front to back to avoid the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vulva. They should wash their hands before and after using the bathroom and whenever changing menstrual protection.
• Underwear should be changed daily. Some physicians recommend cotton panties or those with a cotton crotch because of cotton’s superior absorbency. If undergarments become soiled during menstruation, presoaking in cold water will help loosen stains.
• Girls should change sanitary pads every three or four hours, or as often as needed, to feel comfortable and to prevent odor from forming. Odor develops when the menstrual flow leaves the body and comes in contact with air. Tampons should also be changed as needed - about every three to four hours or sooner - to avoid undergarment stains resulting from a tampon reaching its maximum absorption level. However, do not leave it in more than eight hours. Read the package insert for directions. Many girls use a pantiliner with a tampon. Also, girls should not forget to remove a tampon. A forgotten tampon may cause an odor or may lead to irritation or possible infection.
• Girls should wrap pads and tampons in toilet paper and place them in the wastebasket or disposal container. Tampon applicators, unless they are biodegradable, should also be wrapped in tissue and thrown in the wastebasket.
• Young girls should plan for their menstrual protection needs when away from home. Special purse cases for menstrual pads are available, and a supply of products can be stored conveniently in a school locker. Many girls carry a pad in their purses at all times. Using a light protection product, such as a pantiliner or mini-pad, can help prevent staining on days when the period is expected, when flow is light or when wearing tampons.
• For many girls there is a thin, clear vaginal discharge that occurs up to a year before the first menstrual period. This discharge is very common and normal. This same discharge may continue up to 4 years after beginning their period. A pantiliner may be worn daily to protect underpants from this wetness.
• Girls should be encouraged to ask for help and to discuss their personal care needs with a parent, teacher, physician, school nurse, or other adult.