Here are the effects of poor menstrual hygiene on women’s reproductive health-
Increased risk of PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is an infection of the reproductive systems of females caused by the transmission of pathogenic bacteria from the vaginal canal to the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Women are at an elevated risk of PID because of poor menstrual hygiene. The infection starts in the female reproductive tract and spreads to the pelvic region. Unhygienic usage of sanitary napkins, using them for a long period of time, not changing pads after every 3-4 hours, and other factors contribute to PID in women. According to research, roughly 5% of people diagnosed with infertility seek therapy for these disorders as a result of PID neglect.
In PID, the infection begins in the female reproductive system and progresses to the pelvis. If the infection is not treated, it can cause damage to the fallopian tubes, which can impact fertility.
Other than that, it can also increase the risk of infections such as Reproductive Tract Infection and Urinary Tract Infection which in the long run hampers with your fertility.
Hygiene Practices for menstruating girls
Change the sanitary pad on a regular basis.
Menstrual hygiene begins with keeping oneself clean. Ensure that your sanitary pads are changed every four to five hours. Using the same pad all day is not only unsanitary, but it can also cause discomfort, infection, and even UTI. Before each use, the menstrual cup should be sterilized, emptied as often as possible, and kept in a hygienic way. Choose the right cup size for you based on your age, vaginal flow, and vaginal depth.
Make sure you're well cleaned.
At least twice a day, wash the vaginal region thoroughly. This will aid in the removal of any dangerous germs and the cleanliness of your genitalia. To clean the region, apply a natural intimate wash. To assist absorb excess discharge and improve cleanliness, use pantyliners.
Put on clean underwear.
Wear new, clean underwear every day and change if the panties appear to be dirty from discharge. During periods, dirty underwear can emit a foul odor and put you at risk of illness. In the early days, use organic pantyliners to absorb discharges and make sure your underwear is made of cotton or other soft, breathable materials to avoid skin irritation.
Ensure that sanitary pads are properly disposed away.
Disposing of sanitary napkins and tampons properly is an important part of menstrual hygiene. To prevent the spread of hazardous bacteria, always wrap them correctly and place them in the designated bin. After you've disposed of it, don't forget to wash your hands. Before and after replacing sanitary pads, wash your hands thoroughly with liquid soap. When touching or bathing your genital area, make sure your hands are clean. Carry a decent hand sanitizer with you whether you're travelling or on the run to keep your hands clean.
Steps to avoid infertility in women due to poor menstrual hygiene
It is critical to create a mechanism for addressing and gaining access to healthy menstrual knowledge.
Making sexuality education a school requirement.
It is critical to develop and disseminate sensitive teenage reproductive health messages to both parents and their adolescent children.
Adolescents' access to youth-friendly facilities should be improved.
It is critical that young girls are educated on the importance of menstrual hygiene in order to reduce the risk of UTIs and RTIs.
Taboos should be broken down through open dialogue.
Conclusion
Fertility complications can be effectively addressed by ensuring that sanitary menstrual habits are followed. Taking additional care of our menstrual cycle, as well as our cleanliness, can significantly reduce infertility. While keeping menstrual hygiene is important for women of all ages, it is especially important for women who are trying to establish a family. Because poor menstrual hygiene can lead to infertility, it's critical to maintain a safe and healthy menstrual cycle.
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