menstrual-health-and-hygiene

WOMENS HEALTH / Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Menstrual Health and Hygiene

Menstruation is a natural fact of life and a monthly occurrence for the 1.8 billion girls, women, transgender men and non-binary persons of reproductive age. Yet millions of menstruators across the world are denied the right to manage their monthly menstrual cycle in a dignified and healthy way. Gender inequality, discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty and lack of basic services often cause girl’s and women’s menstrual health and hygiene needs to go unmet.

What is menstrual health and hygiene?

The term menstrual hygiene management (MHM) is defined as: “Women and adolescent girls are using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of a menstrual period, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having access to facilities to dispose of used menstrual management materials.”
Best practices for menstrual hygiene are essential for maintaining health and comfort during menstruation. First, it’s crucial to use clean and appropriate menstrual products, such as pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, and to change them regularly (at least every 4 to 6 hours) to prevent infections and odour. Proper hand hygiene before and after handling menstrual products is vital; washing hands with soap and water helps minimize the risk of introducing bacteria. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a clean and dry genital area; regular washing with mild soap and water can help prevent irritation and infections. Educating individuals about menstrual health and ensuring access to quality menstrual products are also key components of good menstrual hygiene practices. Finally, disposing of used products hygienically, such as wrapping them in paper before throwing them away, helps maintain cleanliness and respect for the environment.