May 7, 2024

Healthy Habits: Menstrual Hygiene

Good menstrual hygiene practices can prevent infections, reduce odors and help you stay comfortable during your period.

Overview

Menstruation (also called a "period") is a normal biological process experienced by millions around the world each month. A period happens when blood and tissue from the uterine lining is shed and leaves the body through the vagina.

Practice healthy habits during your period

You can choose many types of menstrual products to absorb or collect blood during your period, including sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear. Follow these tips when you are using menstrual products, in addition to instructions that come with each product:

Wash your hands before and after using the restroom and before and after using a menstrual product.
Discard used disposable menstrual products properly: wrap them with toilet paper, a tissue, or other material and then toss in a trash bin. Do not flush menstrual products down the toilet.
Sanitary pads: Change sanitary pads every few hours, no matter how light the flow. Change them more frequently if your period is heavy.
Tampons: Change tampons every 4 to 8 hours. Do not wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
- Use the lowest-absorbency tampon needed. If you can wear one tampon for up to 8 hours without changing, the absorbency may be too high.
Menstrual cups: Clean cups every day after use. Sanitize menstrual cups after your period is over by rinsing them thoroughly and then placing them in boiling water for one to two minutes.
Period underwear: Most reusable period underwear is machine washable. Follow product directions on the best way to clean.

Menstrual hygiene is important for your health

These hygiene practices can help you stay healthy and comfortable during your period:

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing (such as cotton underwear). Tight fabrics can trap moisture and heat, allowing germs to grow.
Change your menstrual products regularly. Trapped moisture provides a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Wearing a pad or period underwear for too long can lead to a rash or an infection.
Keep your genital area clean. Wash the outside of your vagina (vulva) and bottom every day. When you go to the bathroom, wipe from the front of your body toward the back, not the other way. Use only water to rinse your vulva. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Changing the natural pH balance of your vagina by washing or using chemicals to cleanse out the vagina can be harmful and may cause a vaginal infection, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
Use unscented toilet paper, tampons, or pads. Scented hygiene products can irritate the skin and impact your natural pH balance.
Drink enough liquids. This can help wash out your urinary tract and help prevent infections, like yeast infections.
Track and monitor your period. Your menstrual cycle is a valuable marker for your overall health. Irregular periods can be a sign of conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, and celiac disease. You can track your period on a calendar or with an app on your phone designed for this purpose.
Visit a healthcare provider for your annual check-up. An annual wellness exam is a full check-up that includes a pap smear, a pelvic exam, and a breast exam. These exams are essential for good reproductive health as they can catch early signs of cancer or other health issues.

Talk to a doctor if you experience a change in vaginal odor, have extreme or unusual pain, or have more severe period symptoms than usual (such as a heavier flow or longer period).

Menstrual Hygiene Day – May 28

Each year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed to highlight good menstrual hygiene practices during your period and to raise awareness about the importance of access to menstrual products, period education, and sanitation facilities.

What you can do

Everyone can participate in Menstrual Hygiene Day by:

Spreading awareness in your community about the importance of good menstrual hygiene habits.
Visiting the WASH United's Menstrual Hygiene Day site for more information and resources.
Joining a worldwide conversation on social media using #MHDay2024.
Learning more about other hygiene practices to keep you healthy.