Every year on May 28th, we observe Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) to highlight the importance of menstrual hygiene. The program was initiated back in 2014 by a German-based NGO WASH United and aims to benefit women and girls across the world. The date May 28 was chosen to observe the day because on an average the menstrual cycle for most women is 28 days and the menstruation period for most women is for five days. Hence, the date was kept as 28/5.
Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global advocacy platform that brings together the voices and actions of non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) for all women and girls. More specifically, MH Day:
√ breaks the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms around MHM, and
√ engages decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyse action for MHM, at global, national and local levels.
Period pain is common and a normal part of menstrual cycle but even doctors have described period cramps to be as bad as having a heart attack. It is often downplayed or ignored. It leads to loss of working hours, productivity during work, and affects women in their daily activities. Women being the backbone of families, need to stay active and distressed to take care of their families. Today they are actively participating in nation building. Worldwide studies have shown that period pains badly affect the majority of women’s productivity; be it at work or at home. To enhance their contribution in socio-eco-political growth of the country, society needs to understand the magnitude of period pain as it should no more restrict their significant role in shaping a better future for the country. The need of the hour is to create sound awareness around the impact of period pains on women’s lives.
Natural products and solutions, timely and appropriate management of period pains can bring wonders to the life of women by improving their work productivity and quality of life.
Menstrual Hygiene: A challenging development Issue
We often hear that unhygienic period health and disposal practices can have major consequences on the health of women, but what exactly is at risk here? Every person – male or female should be aware of the diseases that could be caused if a woman does not have access to menstrual hygiene products.
Menstruating women need to pay particular attention to personal hygiene. During this time, a woman’s vulnerability towards potentially life-threatening ailments increases. The issue can increase a woman’s chances of contracting cervical cancer, Reproductive Tract Infections, Hepatitis B infection, various types of yeast infections and Urinary Tract Infection, to name a few.
Tips to maintain good hygiene during your period
- Use a sanitary napkin, tampon, or menstrual cup. All these methods are good, and you don’t need to switch. Stick with whatever you prefer.
- Change your sanitary napkin/tampon/menstrual cup frequently, even when the bleeding isn’t much. Menstrual blood tends to get contaminated with the body’s native organisms, so change regularly. This also helps you to avoid skin rashes.
- Regularly wash your genitals and make sure the blood in and around the vagina is effectively washed away. Not only do you feel cleaner, but it also makes you healthier and protects your privates. Try to wash every time you change – or at least a couple of times a day.
- Carry spare napkins/tampons at all times, especially if you’re going out. Don’t wait until you get home to change (you know what can happen!). Ensure that you store them in a clean bag or pouch. Throw in a soft towel, wet tissues, and a hand sanitizer.
Ensuring hygiene during one’s period is not a tough task. With a little effort it’s easy to maintain good cleanliness, so familiarise yourself with the simple tips. After all, you’re the one who stands to benefit!