May is for Menstrual Health

Periods happen... period. So let's make the month of May a menstrual celebration.

May 28th is menstrual hygiene day, after all. Good menstrual health and hygiene practices can prevent infections, reduce odors, and help you feel more comfortable during your period... and we deserve all the comfort we can get during that time of the month!

But, with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which hygiene products and practices are best, and safe, for you and your body. We have collected a few tips (with a little help from the CDC) to help guide you down the path of safe and more comfortable menstruations.

1. The little things matter:

• Wash your hands before using a menstrual product. Our hands collect bacteria and we do not want to spread that bacteria to other parts of our body or our period products.

• Menstrual cups and menstrual underwear are reusable. Clean and sanitize your cups every day after use by putting them in boiling water for two minutes. Menstrual underwear is usually machine washable, just follow the directions on the product.

• If you have to throw your menstrual products away, put them in the trash can - do not flush them down the toilet! The last thing you need when you're on your period is a plumbing emergency.

• If you use sanitary pads, or tampons, change them every few hours no matter how light the flow. Change them more frequently if your period is heavier and use the lowest-absorbency tampon needed.

*note - it is suggested that a tampon should be changed every 4 to 8 hours. We (not as experts, but as women who have experienced menstruation) suggest that you do not wear a tampon for more than 4 hours. It is important to be aware of toxic shock syndrome. If a tampon is causing you pain or unusual discomfort remove it immediately and contact your doctor.

2. Good health starts with good underwear and loving care:

• Wear light, breathable (such as cotton or menstrual) underwear.

All girls have wondered at one point, "what is the flap on the inside of my underwear for?" If you don't know, you will now! It is a period flap, called a gusset. It is a piece of light, breathable fabric, attached to the inside of your underwear, that prevents wetness and heat (an environment where germs thrive). So, if your underwear is designed for menstruation, cotton, or has a gusset, they are good to wear during menstruation.

• Wash "Lady V" every day during your menstrual cycle.

Yes, your vagina is a self cleaning organ, but everybody needs a little help sometimes, including her! Wash the outside of your vagina (vulva) and your bottom every day, with water (only). Using chemicals to clean your vagina can change the natural pH balance, which can lead to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. When you use the restroom wipe front to back (from the top of the vagina back toward your bottom).

• Drink plenty of liquids.

Water, tea, cranberry juice - all of the above! Staying hydrated helps wash out your urinary tract and prevent infection.

• Track and monitor your period.

Your cycle is a marker of your overall health (irregular periods need to be discussed with a care provider) and tracking your cycle can insure you are not turned away if you need to visit the doctor. You can track your period with a calendar. If you need to visit your gynecologist, do so when you are not on your period so you are not turned away in a time of medical need.

• Get an annual exam from a doctor you trust.

An annual well-woman exam includes a pap smear, pelvic exam, and a breast exam.

Your health and safety matters and menstrual health and hygiene is something you can celebrate through the month of May and all year long!

Everyone can participate in menstrual health and hygiene by spreading awareness, visiting the CDC website for more information, joining a conversation on social media, or learning about other hygiene practices that will keep you and the women you love safe.

Health information, unless otherwise stated, was collected from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/menstrual.html)