While some period and bathing myths sound harmless, their impact on menstrual hygiene can have some serious health implications. Practicing good hygiene while you're on your period helps in preventing several ailments like skin irritation and infections, including yeast and bacterial infections.
Symptoms of menstruation
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Cramps and a sore lower back are two of the most common symptoms when a person is on her period. These are some of the more unpleasant side effects, and a hot bath caters to relieve at its best. However, to justify the popular belief, some women avoid taking a shower when they’re menstruating. This article sets the basis as to how you may be able to take a hot bath during your period to comfort and relax yourself.
Myths about periods and bathing
Debunking the myths related to periods and bathing, it is proven that taking a bath helps in easing the pain and discomfort during that time of the month. Across different cultures all over the world, there are also several beliefs that are followed by the people. However, it is important that a person does what's comfortable to them during this time.
It is true that the heat increases the blood circulation in the body. This makes the blood flow more freely, thereby relaxing both mind and body. Bathing or showering during periods has no impact on a girl's fertility or you should avoid going in the water entirely including baths, showers, and/ or pools.
Role of bathing during periods
Not bathing or showering during your menstruation is considered to be an unhygienic practice which may lead to ailments as serious as the following:
- Fungal infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial infection
- Infertility and birth complications
Therefore, in order to steer clear of these severe health hazards one must follow healthy hygiene practices. Bathing is one of the most important steps to self hygiene on the days when you're down with your periods. Bathing helps a woman in steering clear of the following problem immediately and effectively.
- Itching
- Irritation
- Rashes
- Skin infections
The best way to maintain quality hygiene is to regularly take a bath or shower. Bathing and/ or showering caters to refresh and relax during these difficult times of the month. A hot shower right before you hit the bed will help you in feeling much more hygienic and better. It will also help you with a better night's sleep. Contrary to popular belief, taking a bath everyday during your menstrual cycle isn't just safe, but is also good for you in the way unimaginable.
A hot bath can help in unwinding and relaxing tense muscles. Thereby providing natural relief from painful cramps and other period symptoms, like headaches and low back pain. Periods also tend to affect the poop additionally causing gas and constipation. A warm bath can even help if you are having hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are a common side effect of constipation and straining on the toilet.
The common concern one may have whilst reading the article is that what about the blood. Well, if your flow is heavy prefer taking a bath over shower. Tampons and menstrual cups help in such a case as it stores the blood inside the vagina only. If or not it is just blood, you may still take a bath and it's completely normal.
