Gynaecologist Shares Tips To Manage Period Panties Hygiene During Winter

You must have heard about how winter months require special care in the case of seasonal flu, Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), and vaginal infections, but your period panties also need extra attention during these colder months. Yes, as the temperature goes down, the risk of infections spikes up, and if you are using period underwear, maintaining proper hygiene becomes crucial.

The need to keep period panties hygienic is particularly elevated in the winter months, as the colder temperatures not only impact the daily routine but also the clothing material and moisture accumulation in the intimate area, shares Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist and IVF Expert at Nurture.  Read ahead to know why it is necessary to manage period panties hygiene during winter and tips to do so.

Why Is It Essential?

According to research, women between the ages of 15 to 45 are more prone to UTIs and vaginal discharge, and their menstrual products can be one of the causes behind this. If you do not keep your menstrual products, such as a Menstrual Cup and Period Panties, maintained in the way they should be, it can lead to infections affecting your daily life.

Speaking about why it becomes more essential in winter, Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj explained, “Most people spend more time in heavy garments during the colder seasons, which blocks the proper ventilation, leading to an environment where the heat and moisture will stick for hours before it is removed.”

“The combination of menstrual flow with this lack of ventilation means that there is a high likelihood of bacterial and fungal growth, and so winter is one of the seasons when it requires extra attention and care to prevent infections, irritation, and offensive smell, particularly to Period panties as they cover the whole area."

Even though period panties are comfortable and eco-friendly, they require a very specific range of hygiene practices during winter to be safe and effective throughout the cycle.

Also Read: Nutritionist Shares 7 Winter Vegetables That Boost Immunity Better Than Any Supplement

Delay In Washing

When winter comes with several reasons to be a favourite of many, the cosiness and lazy feeling of spending a day in a quilt can also lead to a delay in some important tasks, such as washing your period panties. This is one of the most common issues of the season. Dr Bajaj highlights, “Cold temperature usually makes humans delay the washing of reusable period underwear, and during those long hours, menstrual blood, moisture, and bacteria can be accumulated on the cloth. This may cause the absorbent layers to become less effective, deteriorate the material, and also increase the chances of infections if the same pair is used again.”

These should be washed in cold water that too immediately after use, and then later washed with a mild detergent. “Let your underwear soak for a short time before washing to make sure that all the blood is completely rinsed away. But do not leave it in detergent water for a longer duration as this can ruin the fabric and absorbency,” Dr Bajaj explained.

Strong chemicals or harsh rubbing should also be avoided, as they may interfere with the absorbency, leading to issues like irritation to the vulva while reusing.

Air-Dry

Dr Bajaj highlights that in winters, it is hard to dry out underwear after washing, at low temperatures and with less sunlight, but it is an important task to keep it safe. “Wet or half-dried period panty creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of yeast and bacteria. You can use indirect sunlight, or well-ventilated balconies, or an indoor drying rack that is close to a source of heat to allow the fabric to dry fully without affecting its quality,” Dr Bajaj stated.

She also emphasises that one should not use high-heat dryers since the extreme heat may shrink or destroy the multi-layered absorbent structure. It is important to make sure that your period panties are completely dry, and then they can be stored or reused, which greatly helps avoid irritation and infections.

Also Read: Personal And Intimate Hygiene Tips Every Woman Should Know Before Travelling, Shares This Doctor

Choose Breathable Fabrics

The proper choice of clothes during the menstrual days is way more crucial than you think. “Winter clothing, such as thermal leggings, heavy tights, and multiple layers, blocks the air space around the intimate area. When worn over a long period with period underwear, they add a lot of warmth and humidity that can cause itching, rashes, and vaginal discomfort,” Dr Bajaj emphasised.

The choice of breathable clothes and avoiding tight bottoms is an important factor to keep the balance in the vulvovaginal area. Replacing panties more often on heavy flow days and not wearing a single pair of period panties over a long period of time also helps in preventing bacterial overgrowth.

General Vulvar Hygiene

Besides external hygiene, general vulvar hygiene is what always stays on point in your vaginal health. Dr Bajaj suggested that gently washing the area with normal temperature water, avoiding scented products, and keeping the area dry are some of the most helpful ways to enhance the natural vaginal microbiome.

The doctor further shared that drinking sufficient water, even during cold weather conditions, is also beneficial to vaginal health as it helps in preventing vaginal dryness and maintaining natural lubrication.

Also Read: Period Sex vs. Regular Sex: What Changes and What Stays the Same

Bottomline

Being careful with the fabric, washing regularly, and having conscious clothing make it simple to maintain the period panties’ hygiene in winter, eventually lowering the chances of discomfort and infections considerably.