Maintaining menstrual hygiene is a fundamental health and dignity concern, yet it is often overlooked in the broader discourse on public health.
In Bangladesh, many women and girls face hurdles to proper menstrual hygiene due to various social, cultural, and economic factors. There are also limitations in accessing affordable and hygienic menstrual products, and the lack of awareness and education about menstrual hygiene further poses challenges. Moreover, the misconception surrounding menstruation often leads to discriminatory practices and limits women's participation in daily activities during their periods.[1]
Maintaining proper menstrual hygiene is important for several reasons; below are some steps on how to maintain menstrual hygiene: [2]
Choose the Right Menstrual Product: Select appropriate menstrual products such as sanitary pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or period panties based on comfort, convenience, and personal preference.
Change Regularly: Change menstrual products every 4-6 hours or as needed to prevent leakage and reduce the risk of infections.
Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands before and after changing menstrual products to maintain proper hygiene and prevent the transmission of germs.
Keep the Genital Area Clean: Use water and mild soap to wash the genital area at least once daily. Avoid using scented products, as they can cause irritation.
Wear Clean Underwear: Preferably made of cotton, as it is breathable and helps reduce moisture, which can lead to infections.
Proper Disposal of Used Products: Wrap used menstrual products in toilet paper or original packaging before disposal in a bin. Do not flush them down the toilet, as they can cause blockages.
Manage Pain and Discomfort: If experiencing cramps or discomfort, use a hot water bottle, exercise, or over-the-counter pain relievers, and consult a doctor if the pain is severe or persistent.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet that is rich in iron and vitamins to help your body cope with the loss of blood and maintain overall health.
Education and Awareness: Educate yourself about the menstrual cycle and hygiene practices. Knowing what's normal and what’s not can also help identify when to seek medical service.
In conclusion, menstrual hygiene is not just a matter of personal care but a public health and social issue with far-reaching implications. Proper menstrual hygiene enables individuals to lead healthier, more productive lives and is a step forward in achieving gender equality and ensuring human rights for all. Addressing this issue requires a multisectoral approach.[3]
Teenagers do to during menstruation: https://rb.gy/cczuur
Contacts for emergency assistance:
The National Health Service: 16263
Happy Family (Sukhi Poribar): 16767
Health information or medical advice: 333-6
National Emergency Services: 999
UNHCR Hotline (support related to Rohingya people in Camps): 16670
References:
[1] https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/4/e042134
[2]https://www.wateraid.org/bd/sites/g/files/jkxoof236/files/202009/Menstrual%20Health%20and%20Hygiene.pdf
3 https://psb.gov.bd/policies/nmhmsen.pdf
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