Summer invites a lot of allergies, infections and diseases. During menses, it tends to become difficult for women to maintain their menstrual hygiene. Due to constant sweating, bad odour and rashes are persistent. As per Dr Atul Ganatra Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Menstrual hygiene is considered as taboo; a topic that many women are uncomfortable discussing in public. So, encourage women to improve it. Lack of proper hygiene can result in the occurrence of allergies, infections, rashes and so on.
Dr Atul Ganatra suggests few tips:
Access to information, to understand the menstrual cycle and how to manage menstruation hygienically
Promote better awareness amongst women
Adaptation of existing water, sanitation and hygiene services, to washing clothes used to absorb menstrual blood and having a place to dry them; and having a private space to change
Access to hygienic clothes or disposable sanitary pads
Facilities to hygienically dispose off used clothes and pads
Training and sensitizing key stakeholders
Frequently wash your vaginal area to prevent vaginal infection, itching and bad odour
Wipe your vaginal area after urination especially, when you are using public toilets. Toilets in malls, offices or those in public utility spaces may not be hygienic enough
Opt for cotton clothes. Clothes made of synthetic fiber are not skin friendly
Tight clothing affects the ventilation of intimate area and leads to increased sweat. It creates favorable environment for the growth of yeast and bacteria and can cause vaginal Infections and UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
Wearing wet clothes (like after swimming) for longer periods
Anything which promotes the retention of heat and sweat