It is seldom known that reproductive health can be significantly compromised, if a woman is not taking care of herself or focusing on maintaining menstrual hygiene. Not paying much attention to smaller things that are required to be taken care off, especially during the time of periods, can have an everlasting impact on a woman's health, often leading to lifelong infections or diseases. Insufficient washing of the vaginal area, inappropriate or using an unclean sanitary product, limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities are some of the factors which can affect reproductive health.
In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr. Prajwala Addagatla, Gynaecologist and Medical Advisor at Democratic Sangha and Brahmachari Chaitanya, Founder of Democratic Sangha shared some of the major health disorders which a women can face, due to low maintenance of menstrual hygiene are:
High Chance Of Contracting Vaginal Or Bacterial Infections
Bacteria can flourish when unsterilized or bad quality sanitary products are used, leading to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Sometimes there can be serious consequences including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility.
Also read: From Menstrual Health To Preventing Anaemia: Health Benefits Of Black Raisin Water For Women
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections of the reproductive tract, such as STIs, can be exacerbated by poor menstrual hygiene. Because of the cervix's tiny opening during menstruation, germs, and viruses can enter the reproductive system. Unclean products and even unclean hands might introduce bacteria, raising the risk of illness.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
TSS is a possibly deadly illness that is mostly linked to the usage of tampons with high levels of absorbency. Tampons that are not changed often or those that are left in place for a long time might foster the growth of germs and result in TSS. Fever, rash, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases, organ failure, can all be symptoms of this illness.
Menstrual Disorders
Menstrual abnormalities, such as irregular periods, excessive bleeding (menorrhagia), or painful periods (dysmenorrhea), may be brought on by poor menstrual hygiene. Poor cleanliness habits can upset the delicate vaginal flora balance, resulting in hormonal abnormalities and irregular menstruation cycles.
To promote reproductive health, individuals should prioritize the following menstrual hygiene practices:
Use Clean And Hygienic Menstrual Products
Try to use reusable menstrual products which should be cleaned and sterilized properly. If not these, you can use disposable pads or tampons that are made of breathable material, to allow required ventilation to avoid any kind of irritation.
Practice Personal Hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly before and after changing menstrual products to minimize the risk of introducing harmful bacteria, around the vaginal area.
Also read: Menstrual Health: Here Are Some Tips For Healthy Periods
Frequently Change Menstrual Products
Avoid leaving tampons or pads in place for extended periods. Follow the product instructions for changing frequency and select the appropriate absorbency level for your flow.
Maintain A Healthy Vaginal Environment
Avoid using harsh chemicals or perfumed products in the genital area, as they can disrupt the natural pH balance and increase the risk of infections. Use mild, pH-balanced cleansers, or simply clean the area with water.
Women or girls can considerably lower their risk of reproductive health disorders related to poor menstrual hygiene by following these practices. Menstrual hygiene management education and awareness are essential for equipping people with the knowledge they need to make wise decisions and preserve their reproductive health throughout their menstrual cycle.